All Blacks coach Graham Henry has announced his side to play France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final and says it was the hardest selection during his time with the team.

"Particularly in the backs, I think we could have played any of the 14 in the backs they are all playing exceptionally well," he said.

"In the forwards in some positions there is a bit of gap between the top player and the second player. That is not a criticism of the second player. It's just the fact of the matter.

"It's a great position to be in and a difficult one to inform the guys who have not been selected in the side."

The major surprises in Henry’s team were Keith Robinson named to start at lock ahead of Chris Jack, Doug Howlett missing out on the entire 22-man squad and Mils Muliaina being preferred at centre rather than fullback.

"Keith Robinson is an established lock forward in tests and when he has played he's played exceptionally well for us," said Henry.

"His presence on the field is excellent and if we don't play Keith Robinson in this game he won't play again on this tour.

"And we thought it was important the three established lock forwards all play in the finals and for Keith it was better for him to start than run off the bench."

Henry also explained his rationale behind switching Muliaina.

"He is a class player and he plays 15 or 13 and he is relaxed about that. He is a class act and we wanted him on the field.

"Leon MacDonald has been playing well as well and to play both of them we had to play one of them at centre and (Mils) was the obvious candidate."

Nick Evans has been named on the bench – rewarded for some impressive form in pool play.

"He's played exceptionally well on this tour and he's been one of the guys who has moved more than most.

"We have been exceptionally pleased with the way he has played but with the two fullbacks we have got we have quality players who have played a lot of top international rugby so I don't think you would want to change that."

Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu have been named on the left and right wings – meaning in-form Howlett misses the cut. Luke McAlister has been preferred ahead of Aaron Mauger at second five.

"They are all class players but again we had to make a decision," said Henry.

"Sitiveni and Joe Roks have played some outstanding rugby in New Zealand and their strike rates are high meaning they score and so is Doug's but it was a hell of a difficult position.

"Other people may see it a different way and that is fine. This is the way we saw it for this particular test.