Five changes in starting All Blacks team for Italy, two debutants poised on bench

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has made five changes to his team’s starting XV to play Italy, while an overhauled reserves unit features two potential debutants, with only Cortez Ratima holding his place from last week’s win over France.

The changes see Tyrel Lomax enter the starting front row in his 50th Test, joining Ethan de Groot and Codie Taylor, while Tupou Vaa’i returns from injury to start alongside Sam Darry at lock. Luke Jacobson and Ardie Savea retain their respective places in the starting loose forward trio, while Wallace Sititi comes into the starting team on the blindside flank.

In the backline, the halves duo of Cam Roigard and Ruben Love is back, with Hurricanes running mates Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor starting in the midfield, the latter having come off the bench last week. There’s a change on the left wing, where Leroy Carter will start, while Damian McKenzie will again line up at fullback and Will Jordan, just three tries shy of the All Blacks’ all-time record, is named on the right wing.

Josh Moorby and Anton Segner are the uncapped duo on the bench and are joined by George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, and Anton Lienert-Brown, who all missed selection in Christchurch. Josh Lord is the final member of the reserve unit.

“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,” Rennie said.

“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.”

Head-to-Head

Last 4 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

65

10

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

25%

All Blacks team to play Italy

1. Ethan de Groot (41)
2. Codie Taylor (107)
3. Tyrel Lomax (49)
4. Sam Darry (9)
5. Tupou Vaa’i (45)
6. Wallace Sititi (20)
7. Luke Jacobson (25)  
8. Ardie Savea (107) (Captain)
9. Cam Roigard (18)
10. Ruben Love (6)
11. Leroy Carter (6)
12. Jordie Barrett (79)
13. Billy Proctor (12)
14. Will Jordan (55)
15. Damian McKenzie (75)

Reserves

16.? Samisoni Taukei’aho (43)
17.? George Bower (25)
18. Pasilio Tosi (16)
19.?Josh Lord (13)
20.? Anton Segner *
21.?Cortez Ratima (22)
22.? Anton Lienert-Brown (88)
23.?Josh Moorby *

Injured: Fehi Fineanganofo (shoulder strain)