Scott Robertson has named his New Zealand squad with five changes for their clash against Italy in Turin on Saturday as Sam Cane is set to make a comeback to the squad.
Following last weekend’s narrow 29-30 loss to France in Paris. The adjustments will see two changes in the backs and three in the forwards, with fit-again Sam Cane returning after missing the November 8 win over Ireland due to injury.
Mark Tele’a is back on the right wing after recovering from a hand injury. At the same time, Anton Lienert-Brown earns a starting role at inside centre, replacing Jordie Barrett, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
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Ethan de Groot will start at loosehead prop in the forwards, taking over from Tamati Williams. Patrick Tuipulotu, who featured off the bench in Paris, is promoted to the second row, with Tupou Vaa’i moving to the bench.
Cane’s return at openside flanker reshuffles the loose trio, with Ardie Savea shifting to No. 8 and Wallace Sititi slotting in at blindside flanker.
The bench will see further changes, with Fletcher Newell, TJ Perenara, and David Havili joining Vaa’i.
Saturday’s match will mark the final All Blacks appearances for Cane and Perenara, making it a significant occasion as the team looks to close their tour on a high note.
New Zealand (vs Italy, Saturday)
1. Ethan de Groot (28)
2. Codie Taylor (95) (Vice-Captain)
3. Tyrel Lomax (43)
4. Scott Barrett (79) (Captain)
5. Patrick Tuipulotu (50)
6. Wallace Sititi (9)
7. Sam Cane (103)
8. Ardie Savea (93) (vice-captain)
9. Cam Roigard (9)
10. Beauden Barrett (133)
11. Caleb Clarke (28)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (83)
13. Rieko Ioane (80)
14. Mark Tele’a (18)
15. Will Jordan (40)
Replacements:
16. Asafo Aumua (19)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (67)
18. Fletcher Newell (21)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (37)
20. Peter Lakai (2)
21. TJ Perenara (88)
22. David Havili (29)
23. Damian McKenzie (61)
