The All Blacks will field the oldest side in their test history against the Wallabies at Eden Park on Saturday.

Coach Graham Henry has nailed his World Cup colours to the mast by naming a team of veterans that will closely mirror the starting side in the knockout phase of the World Cup.

Not only will “Ted's Army” be the most ancient starting XV in the All Blacks' 477 tests dating back to 1903, they are also the most test-hardened team in rugby history.

The combined 766 caps of the starting side at 51 tests per player will take them past the 750 achieved by the Springboks against the Wallabies at Bloemfontein last year.

The starting team has a combined age of 433, eclipsing the sometimes-maligned “Dad’s Army” England side who won the 2003 rugby World Cup final with 423 years under their collective belts.

Saturday's All Blacks have an average age of just under 29, lifting them past the previous oldest All Blacks starting XV who lost to the Wallabies at Athletic Park in 1982.

Lock Brad Thorn is 36 and is the current father figure and on Saturday moves past Frank Bunce to become the second oldest All Black.

He is one of four starting forwards in their 30s, alongside Keven Mealamu at 32, Richie McCaw and Ali Williams are both 30 years old.

All Blacks host the Wallabies on Saturday at 7.35pm.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi