MEADIE RELEASE: All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named his team to play Italy in Wellington this Saturday.
It includes five changes to the starting 15 that beat France, and six new faces on the bench including two potential debutants.
Tyrel Lomax is the only change to the front row that started against France last week, but it is a new-look reserve front row of George Bower, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Pasilio Tosi who will bring significant impact.
Tupou Vaa’i has returned from concussion to join Sam Darry at lock, with Josh Lord moving to an impact role.
The loose forward trio includes Wallace Sititi at blindside this week, and German-born Anton Segner will line up for his All Blacks debut as loose forward cover.
In the backs, changes include the well-tested midfield combination of Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor starting against Italy, and Anton Lienert-Brown coming into the reserves.
Leroy Carter will start on the left wing, making up the back three with Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie. Outside back Josh Moorby will look to make his All Blacks debut off the bench.
Rennie said he and his fellow selectors, Neil Barnes and Sir Graham Henry, have sought to balance continuity with opportunity in selecting the side to face Italy.
“There are a number of players and combinations who we felt deserved and would benefit from a second successive run, and other players who have earned the right to get their opportunity.
“We are excited for Josh and Anton to potentially earn their first All Blacks caps, following Xavier, Fehi and Jamie’s debuts against France. Congratulations to Tyrel Lomax who also brings up a special milestone, playing his 50th All Blacks Test.
“This is a strong side to reflect the respect we have for this Italian team. They have shown through the Six Nations competition that they are capable of knocking over any team, so we have prepared for a tough challenge and look forward to facing it in front of a sold-out Wellington crowd.”
MATCH FACTS
• The All Blacks have won all of their 17 previous Tests against Italy.
• This will be the first time the All Blacks have played Italy in Wellington.
• The Italians have beaten all their international opponents at least once, except for New Zealand.
• Ten players in the named 23 played the last time the two teams met, in Turin in 2024. The All Blacks won that match 29-11.
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Sam Darry, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.
Date: Saturday, July 11
Venue: Hnry Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 17.10 (07.10 CEST; 05.10 GMT)
Referee: Luc Ramos (France)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia) & Luke Pearce (England)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
