Fly-half: Mike Delany
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On Wednesday New Zealand coach Graham Henry named a much-changed starting XV for Saturday's Test against Italy at the San Siro.
There are twelve changes to the side that beat Wales last week, with Mike Delany preferred to Stephen Donald at fly-half.
Rodney So'oialo will lead the side as Richie McCaw takes a breather on the bench.
Only Corey Jane, who moves to full-back from wing, and props Wyatt Crockett and Neemia Tialata, remain in the team.
Centre Tamati Ellison and wing Ben Smith will make their Test debuts.
Tom Donnelly and Anthony Boric form the second row while Corey Flynn starts at hooker.
So'oialo is joined in an all-changed back row by Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer.
Wing Sitiveni Sivivatu, centre Luke McAlister and scrum-half Andy Ellis also come into the backline.
Should things go wrong in Milan, there is plenty of experience on the bench where McCaw accompanies Mils Muliaina and Andrew Hore .
New Zealand: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Tom Donnelly, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Richie McCaw, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Mils Muliaina.
Date:Saturday, October 14
Venue:San Siro, MilanKick-off: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland), David Changleng (Scotland)
Television match officials: Tim Hayes (Wales)
Assessor: Michel Lamoulie (France)
Comments
curtis13 says...
no way the italians will win this lol good choice to put delany at 10 he did great in the air new zealand cup.
Posted 03:49 12th November 2009
Solitude says...
It's an intelligent team selection by the All Blacks. A very fast exciting backline. Ideal against Italy.
Posted 15:19 11th November 2009
nikid40 says...
If the Azzuri play their best team, lift for their largest ever home crowd and play the best rugby they can possibly play, they can win this. In my opinion this is the most important game for the Italians, not only of Nick Mallet's tenure, but in the entire history of Italian rugby. With the exception of Bortolami and Marcato they are at full strength and the All Blacks are certainly not, making this almost a level playing field. The All Blacks should win but if the Azzuri can go against the odds and win, it will be the biggest upset in the history of pro era.
Posted 14:00 11th November 2009