New Zealand change nine for game against Italy
Sam Whitelock is set to become the most-capped All Blacks Test player in history
©PA
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has made nine changes to the starting line up for the upcoming Pool A game against Italy to be played in Lyon on Friday.
Six of the nine changes have come in the back line with Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane and Will Jordan coming into the starting line up while Jordie Barrett is set to make his first appearance in the tournament after being named at midfield.
While Ioane joins Jordie at midfield, Jordan will start at right wing with Mark Telea at left. Beauden Barrett is retained at fullback.
Scott Barrett and Brodie Retallick have retained their second row partnership while Sam Whitelock is set to become the most-capped All Blacks Test player in history surpassing Richie McCaw’s tally of 148 caps.
Codie Taylor is the preferred hooker with Nepo Laulala and Ofa Tu’ungafasi starting at tighthead and loosehead respectively. Shannon Frizell will make his first appearance of the World Cup as he comes into the back row replacing Luke Jacobson.
The bench also sees Sam Cane and Tyrel Lomax returning as New Zealand look to extend their 15-game winning streak against Italy.
“Italy is growing in confidence after winning their first two games and they represent a massive challenge for us after coming off our bye week,” said Foster.
“We fully respect their growth over the last two years and are expecting a huge game with both teams having everything to play for.”
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Reserves: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown
