All Blacks make seven changes for Italy - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

All Blacks make seven changes for Italy

23/06/2009 06:37:28 PM Comments (0)

The All Blacks have made seven changes in the side that will play Italy in a one-off Test on Saturday, with winger Lelia Masaga and prop Wyatt Crockett making their Test debuts in the starting line-up.

Following a drawn two-Test series against France, All Black coach Graham Henry on Tuesday named a slightly more experimental lineup for the Test in Christchurch.

The 22-year-old Waikato Chiefs winger Masaga made his name in this year's Super 14 series and takes the place of Cory Jane, who goes to the bench despite being one of the standout backs against France.

Canterbury Crusaders loosehead prop Crockett will join Keven Mealamu and John Afoa in the front row, with Tony Woodcock going into the reserves.

Scrumhalf Brendon Leonard makes his first appearance for the All Blacks in more than a year after being plagued by injuries.

Luke McAlister replaces Stephen Donald - who has a hamstring strain - at flyhalf in his first start for the All Blacks since joining English club Sale for an 18-month stint after the 2007 World Cup.

Henry believed he and Leonard should swiftly form a potent combination.

"Luke and Brendon are both good footballers who have played Test matches before and played at this level so they should be reasonably comfortable with that," he said.

Veteran lock Ali Williams returns for his 62nd Test after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, replacing Isaac Ross.

Centre Conrad Smith was not considered due to injury and is being replaced by Isaia Toeava, and prop Neemia Tialata was also ruled out through injury.

Henry put winger Joe Rokocoko on notice that he needs to resurrect the form that has made him one of the most feared wingers in the world following hesitant performances against France.

"He wouldn't be pleased with his form. He's a proven international in the past and we're hoping he'll find the magic button and start producing it," Henry said.

"At some stage he's got to perform. If there are some players who we think are better, he may lose his position."

Fiji-born Rokocoko made his Test debut in 2003, scoring 17 tries, which remains the world record in a calendar year, but he has not added to his 43-try Test tally since the 2007 World Cup.

"We are looking for continued improvement after our win over France, but we know that the Italians will be as well after their two losses to Australia, so it will be another physical Test," Henry said.

Mils Muliaina (capt), Lelia Masaga, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Luke McAlister, Brendon Leonard, Kieran Read, Tanerau Latimer, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett. Res: Aled de Malmanche, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Isaac Ross, George Whitelock, Piri Weepu, Cory Jane.

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