Andrew Hore is set to put aside his 2008 season-ending tour heartbreak when he returns to the test arena on Saturday night.

Hore was named the New Zealand player of the year at the 2008 NZRU awards dinner in December.

It was a consolation of sorts after the country's best hooker in the eyes of the All Black coaching panel was forced out of the side's season-ending tour after less than five minutes of the opening test.

Hore suffered severe ankle ligament damage in the opening minutes of the historic Bledisloe Cup test in Hong Kong, forcing him out of the tour.

Hawke's Bay's Hikawera Elliot was called up in his place.

As the All Blacks count down to the start of their 2009 campaign, Hore said it was a huge blow to endure, saying his return in the black jersey couldn't come quick enough.

"It was very disappointing," Hore told Yahoo!Xtra.

"I had one suitcase that I hadn't even opened up and it was time to head home again.

"It was a little bit tough watching, especially the game at Croke Park in Ireland which was something that I was looking forward to, being such a special ground for the Irish.

"That was something I missed out on. But hopefully I can have a good year this year and make amends."

Hore will start in the No 2 jersey against France at Carisbrook on Saturday night.

His presence in the starting 15 will see Blues captain Keven Mealamu start the test on the bench.

Hore came in for special praise by All Black coach Graham Henry soon after the team for the side's first test of the season was confirmed on Tuesday.

Henry said that while the All Blacks were without a raft of leaders, including captain Richie McCaw, the Taranaki prop was among some impressive leaders who remained in the team.

"We have got two of our on-field leaders who are playing on Saturday from the six we finished up with on last year's tour," he said.

"So four of the leaders are not playing. We have replaced those with four others and we go from there.

"Andrew Hore is back there.

"And talking about people who have grown, he has grown into an extremely good international player.

"He is in the middle of the front row and making sure that the scrums are right and other things are right as well.

"He is a person who has grown into a top international. And he is one of the leaders that has survived at this stage."

Hore said he was looking forward to excelling with the extra responsibility placed on his shoulders.

In recent seasons he has proven to be one of the leaders in the Hurricanes' ever-improving pack.

Last year was also a significant season in his career, finally nailing a regular All Black starting spot six seasons after making his international career.

"I think there probably is a bit more onus on," Hore said.

"But the way I do it is if I can sort my game out and then I can help the other guys out as well.

"Hopefully if I am doing things right, and getting into it, hopefully there will be a bit of a 'follow-me' attitude.

"That is how I am going to be doing it, helping Mils out as much as I can.

"It is going to be good. You obviously want to working up the order and getting as close to the top as you can.

"This week I am one of the old guys so I just have to play like that and front up."