This is the first Test between the two teams at Allianz Stadium in Turin, a 41,000-seat venue and home to Juventus FC, this will be the first time the stadium has hosted a non-football event in its history.
The match marks the final fixture of the Autumn Nations Series for the All Blacks and the last appearance in the black jersey for two All Blacks legends, Sam Cane and TJ Perenara. Cane will start in his signature No. 7 jersey, while Perenara will bring his characteristic energy off the bench.
There is one change in the front row from last week's agonising loss to France: Ethan de Groot is named as a starter, replacing Tamati Williams, who is unavailable due to a neck injury. He is partnered with Codie Taylor at hooker and co-vice-captain Tyrel Lomax at prop.
Scott Barrett retains his spot as one of the starting second rows and will once again lead the side in their final match of the Autumn Nations Series. His partner in the boiler room changes from last week, with Tupou Vaa’i replaced by Patrick Tuipulotu.
The back row has been slightly reshuffled from the side that faced France. Cane, making his final appearance in the All Blacks jersey, replaces Samipeni Finau, who is unavailable after suffering a head injury in the previous match. Wallace Sititi moves from number eight to his usual position of blindside flanker, while Ardie Savea returns to number eight and is also named as a co-vice-captain.
The half-back pairing of Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett remains unchanged. In the centres, there is one alteration, with Anton Lienert-Brown replacing Jordie Barrett at inside centre after the latter was ruled out with a knee injury. Rieko Ioane retains his place as the starting outside centre.
The back three sees one change, with try-scoring danger man Mark Tele’a replacing Sevu Reece on one wing. Caleb Clarke starts on the other wing, and Will Jordan continues as the starting full-back.
The bench features several changes, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Perenara, and David Havili coming into the side. Asafo Aumua, Tupou Vaa’i, and Damian McKenzie retain their places in the matchday 23.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson says the squad has brought plenty of energy to this final week of tour and prepared well for an Italy side that has proven it can challenge the best.
“This Italy team has made a real impact on the international stage this year, with a strong showing in the Six Nations competition that included wins over Scotland and Wales and a draw against France. We know the passion this team will bring, so we are preparing for a physical and motivated Italy for our final Test of the tour.
“As our first ever match in Turin, our final match of the 2024 Test season, and the farewell match for Sam and TJ, this will be a great occasion. We are determined to finish our season in a way that honours and celebrates the immense contribution that Sam and TJ have made to the black jersey.”
All Blacks Match-Day 23
Starting XV
1. Ethan de Groot (28)
2. Codie Taylor (95) (Vice-Captain)
3. Tyrel Lomax (43)
4. Scott Barrett (79) (Captain)
5. Patrick Tuipulotu (50)
6. Wallace Sititi (9)
7. Sam Cane (103)
8. Ardie Savea (93) (Vice-Captain)
9. Cam Roigard (9)
10. Beauden Barrett (133)
11. Caleb Clarke (28)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (83)
13. Rieko Ioane (80)
14. Mark Tele’a (18)
15. Will Jordan (40)
Reserves:
16. Asafo Aumua (19)
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (67)
18. Fletcher Newell (21)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (37)
20. Peter Lakai (2)
21. TJ Perenara (88)
22. David Havili (29)
23. Damian McKenzie (61)
Unavailable Due to Injury: Tamaiti Williams (neck), Jordie Barrett (knee), Samipeni Finau (concussion), Sam Darry (knee), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (thumb), Dalton Papali’i (hamstring).
