New look for All Blacks

Henry makes 12 changes for clash with Italy

Last updated: 11th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

New look for All Blacks

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New Zealand coach Graham Henry has made 12 changes to his starting XV for Saturday's Test against Italy at the San Siro.

Having edged out Wales 19-12 at the Millennium Stadium last time out, Henry has retained just Corey Jane, Wyatt Crockett and Neemia Tialata for the trip to Milan.

That means fly-half Mike Delaney, centre Tamati Ellison and wing Ben Smith will all make their debut, while Rodney So'oialo takes over the captaincy.

Tom Donnelly, Anthony Boric, Corey Flynn, Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Luke McAlister and Andy Ellis also come into the line-up.

There is plenty of experience on the bench, with Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina and Andrew Hore all providing cover.

Star No.10 Dan Carter misses out after being handed a week-long ban.

New Zealand: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Tom Donnelly, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Richie McCaw, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Mils Muliaina.