New faces as Rennie shuffles pack

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has made five changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Italy in Wellington.

Two players are in line to make their international debuts from the bench.

Leroy Carter replaces Caleb Clarke on the left wing, Billy Proctor comes into the midfield, while Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i and Wallace Sititi all return to the starting side.

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The bench also features loose forward Anton Segner and wing Josh Moorby, who could earn their first Test caps.

“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.”

Rennie said the selection reflected the respect New Zealand have for an Italian side that continues to improve.

“It is a strong side and shows the respect we have for Italy,” he said.

“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.”

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Italy have never beaten New Zealand in 17 previous Tests, although 10 members of the All Blacks’ matchday squad featured in the teams’ last meeting in Turin in 2024, which New Zealand won 29-11.

ALL BLACKS – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Sam Darry, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Bench: Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Anton Segner, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby.

Weekend teams

– AFP

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images

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