All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made 11 changes to his starting side ahead of their final tour clash against Italy in Rome.
The recent loss to Ireland clearly hasn’t affected the All Blacks’ plans to experiment on this tour to Europe. Only four players who started in Dublin – namely Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, Ardie Savea and skipper Kieran Read – will front Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Notable starting changes see Jordie Barrett promoted to the right wing, Ngani Laumape to No 12, TJ Perenara to scrumhalf and Dane Coles to hooker. Ben Smith, Ryan Crotty, Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock and Codie Taylor are just some of the frontline players who have been omitted from the match-day squad.
Meanwhile, Angus Ta’avao, Dalton Papalii and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi have been added to the bench.
All Blacks – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Jordie Barrett, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Waisake Naholo, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ofa Tuungasfasi.
Subs: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Dalton Papalii, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Richie Mo’unga, 23 Rieko Ioane
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