The All Blacks welcome Liam and Rieko
ROME: Utility back Rieko Ioane and hooker Liam Coltman are poised to make their New Zealand Test debuts off the bench as coach Steve Hansen made major changes to his side for the clash against Italy in Rome tomorrow.
Ioane has been named as cover for the outside backs, though has been touted as a potential centre by Hansen, while Coltman is likely to earn his debut after he was named as one of the replacements with first-choice hooker Dane Coles rested.
“On behalf of the entire All Blacks squad, we want to congratulate Liam and Rieko on their elevation to the matchday 23 for the first time,” Hansen said. “They have both worked incredibly hard and deserve their opportunity.”
Hooker Codie Taylor will start the match at Stadio Olimpico as the World Cup winners look to rebound swiftly from their 40-29 loss to Ireland last week in Chicago.
Openside flank Sam Cane will captain the side, with skipper Kieran Read also rested. Steve Luatua will play number eight in Read’s place, with Elliot Dixon starting at blindside flank.
Hansen has given several of his younger players an opportunity against Conor O’Shea’s side, with Damian McKenzie getting his first start at fullback alongside lock Scott Barrett.
Former World Player of the Year Brodie Retallick has returned to the squad as the specialist lock replacement after he missed last week’s match in Chicago with concussion.
Meanwhile, Italy will rely on a blend of youth and experience in Rome.
Scrumhalf Giorgio Bronzini will make his international debut in an untested halfback pairing with Carlo Canna.
Irishman O’Shea, who is gunning to emulate his compatriots’ success against a team Italy has not beaten in 14 meetings, has handed skipper Sergio Parisse a record 120th cap in the back row.
Veteran hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini also comes into the side, with Luke McLean at inside centre.
Fullback Edoardo Padovani is at the heart of a back three that has 12 nternational caps between them, along with wings Giulio Bisegni and Angelo Esposito. – Reuters