Wholesale changes have been made to the All Blacks' starting lineup in the wake of the side's historic loss to Ireland last weekend.
Rieko Ioane is set to make his All Blacks debut against Italy in Rome. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Coach Steve Hansen has made 12 changes to the starting 15 for Sunday's test against Italy in Rome, with two debutants also named on the bench.
The team barely resembles the one that lost to Ireland last weekend.
There is an entirely different front row. Wyatt Crockett and Charlie Faumuina are the props with Codie Taylor getting his third test start as hooker.
All Blacks and Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Lock Scott Barrett gets his debut start in his second test alongside Patrick Tuipolotu, with Brodie Retallick, who is returning from concussion, on the bench.
Elliot Dixon earns his third cap. He will start at blindside with the recalled Steven Luatua at No 8 and openside Sam Cane taking over the captaincy from Kieran Read.
Elliot Dixon in action for the All Blacks 2016. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Steven Luatua scores against the Wallabies, Eden Park 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It is the second time Cane will skipper the side, and the first time Luatua has represented the All Blacks since 2014.
Halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow makes just his second test start with Aaron Smith, who was poor in Chicago, in the reserves.
Aaron Cruden starts at first-five with Lima Sopoaga on the bench.
Aaron Cruden goes over for a try against England. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Anton Leinert-Brown and Malakai Fekitoa start at second-five and centre respectively, taking over from the injured Ryan Crotty and George Moala.
Anton Lienart-Brown. Photo: Photosport
Waisake Naholo moves from the right to the left wing in place of Julian Savea, with Israel Dagg, who missed the Irish test, on the right wing.
Waisake Naholo Photo: Photosport
Fullback Damian McKenzie gets his first test start and just his second cap, with Ben Smith getting a rest and dropping out of the match day 23.
Damian McKenzie playing for the Maori All Blacks in Chicago, 2016. Photo: Photosport
Nineteen-year-old wing-cum-centre Rieko Ioane is set to make his debut from the bench, as is reserve hooker Liam Coltman.
Blues winger Rieko Ioane scores a try Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Matt Todd is the back-up loose forward with Joe Moody and Ofa Tu'ungafasi the reserve props.
Hansen said: "On behalf of the entire All Blacks squad, we want to congratulate Liam and Rieko on their elevation to the match day 23 for the first time. They have both worked incredibly hard and deserve their opportunity.
"Whilst we have made a number of changes, as we indicated, we will be looking for a massive improvement in our performance from last weekend.
"Italy will bring their own unique flavour to the game. They have a big, strong forward pack and some really exciting backs. They will look to drive their maul and be as disruptive as possible. Therefore, we will have to be clinical and effective in all aspects of our game, starting with our set piece.
"We are also expecting to see an improvement in our kicking game," Hansen said.
The matchday 23 is (with Test caps in brackets):
1. Wyatt Crockett (55)
2. Codie Taylor (12)
3. Charlie Faumuina (43)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (11)
5. Scott Barrett (1)
6. Elliot Dixon (2)
7. Sam Cane - captain (38)
8. Steven Luatua (14)
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (24)
10. Aaron Cruden (44)
11. Waisake Naholo (9)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (6)
13. Malakai Fekitoa (21)
14. Israel Dagg (58)
15. Damian McKenzie (1)
16. Liam Coltman *
17. Joe Moody (21)
18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (3)
19. Brodie Retallick (57)
20. Matt Todd (6)
21. Aaron Smith (55)
22. Lima Sopoaga (5)
23. Rieko Ioane *
