Sam Cane returns as All Blacks captain for clash against Italy
Sam Cane will lead New Zealand against Italy
©PA
New Zealand skipper Sam Cane has returned back to the line-up for the upcoming clash against Italy to be played at Olimpico Stadio on Saturday.
Cane has recovered from chest and shoulder surgery will be part of the back row that also has Hoskins Sotutu and Luke Jacobson with Shannon Frizell set to make his first appearance of the year off the bench.
Foster has also named a young and inexperienced second row in Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord with the latter making his first international start while Dane Coles slots at front-row along with props George Bower and Tyrel Lomax.
Richie Mo’unga has been named at fly-half with Brad Weber returning to scrum-half. Braydon Ennor and Quinn Tupaea form midfield partnership with Sevu Reece and George Bridge at right and left wings respectively.
Damian McKenzie takes position at fullback while Sam Whitelock, David Havili and Jordie Barrett, who started against Wales are set to provide impact from bench.
“This week is about this particular group putting another marker down,” said Foster.
“We’ve had a great week here in Rome. It’s very stimulating to be in this city and, whilst we can’t get out as much as we like, it’s great to have the players experience a new culture, and that’s all part of generating energy in a squad when you’re touring.
“We are ready and prepared for this weekend. We know it’s a really big game for us when it comes to improving our skillsets and decision-making as we’ve made that a bit of a focus this week. The team that’s been selected has been given the job of ensuring we grow in those areas from our game against Wales."
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Josh Lord, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles, 1 George Bower
Reserves: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ethan de Groot, 18 Ofa Tuungafasi, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 David Havili, 23 Jordie Barrett
