It is ‘do or die’ time tonight for the All Blacks, as they take on Italy for a decisive clash in Pool A. Despite being expected favourites, the pressure is on New Zealand if they want to avoid a first-ever pool stage elimination at the Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand Head Coach Ian Foster has made nine changes in his starting XV from their 71-3 victory against Namibia, with Ofa Tuungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett retaining their places. All Blacks captain Sam Cane returns to the squad, as he takes a seat on the bench after missing New Zealand’s opening two matches with a back injury.
All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock is set to bring up a significant milestone, should he make an off the bench appearance against the Azzurri this evening. Whitelock will run on for his 149th test cap, and surpass two-time Rugby World Cup winning captain Richie McCaw, to become the most-capped All Black of all time.
Whitelock would then only trail behind legendary Wales and British & Irish Lions lock Alun Wyn Jones’ 171 test match caps. Whitelock takes to the substitutes’ bench for just the 24th time, having been a mainstay in the starting XV for the majority of his test career. Whitelock will also draw level with McCaw and England prop Jason Leonard, for the most Rugby World Cup caps on his 22nd run out at the tournament.
Elsewhere in the starting line-up, Foster has made six changes to his backline. Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane and Will Jordan all return after stepping down for the win over Namibia. Jordie Barrett will run out for his Rugby World Cup debut at inside centre.
NEW ZEALAND TEAM TO PLAY ITALY – 2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP
15. Beauden Barrett
14. Will Jordan
13. Reiko Ioane
12. Jordie Barrett
11. Mark Telea
10. Richie Mo’unga
9. Aaron Smith
1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
2. Codie Taylor
3. Nepo Laulala
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Scott Barrett
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Dalton Papali’i
8. Ardie Savea (C)
Replacements:
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