All Blacks make five changes for Italy Nations Championship clash

New Zealand coach Dave Rennie on Thursday made five changes to his starting team for the Nations Championship Test against Italy, while shaking up his replacements bench.

Leroy Carter was a surprise choice to start on the left wing for Saturday's Test in Wellington, replacing Caleb Clarke from the All Blacks side that beat France 34-32 in Christchurch a week earlier, while Billy Proctor comes in at outside centre.

Prop Tyrel Lomax, lock Tupou Vaa'i and flanker Wallace Sititi also come into the XV.

Among six new faces on the replacements bench are the German-born loose forward Anton Segner and wing Josh Moorby, who are both in line to make their debuts.

"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 it was a "strong side" and showed the "respect we have" for Italy.

"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," added Rennie.

Italy has never beaten New Zealand in 17 previous attempts. 

Ten players in the matchday 23 played the last time the two teams met, in Turin in 2024, when New Zealand won 29-11. 

New Zealand (15-1):

Damian McKenzie; Will Jordan, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter; Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Ardie Savea (capt), Luke Jacobson, Wallace Sititi; Tupou Vaa'i, Sam Darry; Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Anton Segner, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby

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© Agence France-Presse