The All Blacks’ selectors have named a strong team to play Italy in Wellington, with perhaps the most notable decision the omission, for the second week, of experienced playmaker Beauden Barrett.
It was widely thought that 144-Test veteran Barrett would get a run on Saturday after not being picked for last weekend’s 34-42 victory over France in Christchurch.
While the 35-year-old carried a quadriceps injury during the latter part of the Blues’ season, he has not been listed as having an issue during the fortnight the All Blacks have been together for this Nations Championship campaign.
Ruben Love has retained the No.10 jersey, as expected, with Damian McKenzie retained at fullback.
The importance of continuity and cohesion always pointed to Love, yellow carded after two minutes against France, starting again at first-five, but there was widespread belief that Barrett may replace McKenzie, or perhaps play an impact role off the bench.
Instead, the selectors have retained the spine of the team that showed glimpses of promise on attack in scoring five tries against France.
There are five changes to the starting line-up, but the bench is almost entirely different - back-up halfback Cortez Ratima the only player retained there.
Skipper Ardie Savea remains at No.8, with Luke Jacobson keeping the No.7 jersey. Wallace Sititi, on the bench last weekend, replaces Peter Lakai at blindside flanker.
Tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax is the only change to the front row, with Tupou Vaa’i, unavailable last weekend due to concussion, replacing Josh Lord at lock alongside Sam Darry. Lord is on the bench.
In keeping with the desire to keep changes to a minimum, Cam Roigard remains at halfback, with Jordie Barrett at second-five, although Barrett the younger has a new centre partner in the form of Billy Proctor, who is in for Quinn Tupaea.
Leroy Carter replaces Caleb Clarke in the No.11 jersey, with Will Jordan, who scored two tries last weekend to take his Test tally to 47 in 55 matches, named again at right wing.
Significantly, outside back Josh Moorby and flanker Anton Segner are in line to make their Test debuts – both are on the bench.
“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,” head coach Dave Rennie said.
“We are excited for Josh and Anton to potentially earn their first All Blacks caps, following Xavier [Numia], Fehi [Fineanganofo] and Jamie [Hannah's] debuts against France. Congratulations to Tyrel Lomax who also brings up a special milestone, playing his 50th All Blacks Test.”
Hurricanes wing Fineanganofo, who made his Test debut off the bench against France, is unavailable with a shoulder strain.
The All Blacks’ attacking shape stressed the French last weekend and should have provided more points but for a lack of cohesion under pressure. Conceding four tries and 32 points was also an issue.
Improving the finer details will put them in better stead for the formidable challenge a week later against Ireland at Eden Park, where it is possible that Beauden Barrett could make his return to the Test arena.
On the other hand, a lack of recent game time may count against him.
Loose forward Simon Parker, not named last week or this, is in a similar position, as is lock Patrick Tuipulotu, left out this week after being named to play France only to withdraw late in the week due to calf tightness.
The return of Vaa’i, the nation’s premier lock in the injury-forced absence of former skipper Scott Barrett (back) and Fabian Holland (shoulder), is a significant boost as the All Blacks attempt to win their 18th consecutive Test against the Azzurri and build for Ireland.
“This is a strong side to reflect the respect we have for this Italian team,” Rennie 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 and look forward to facing it in front of a sold-out Wellington crowd.”
The Italians have beaten all their international opponents at least once, except for New Zealand.
All Blacks match-day 23 to play Italy
(Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
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 *.
Unavailable due to injury: Fehi Fineanganofo (shoulder strain)
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