All Blacks boss Dave Rennie has made five changes to face Italy, including a surprise start for Leroy Carter. Photo: AFP
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie on Thursday made five changes to his starting team for the Nations Championship Test against Italy, while shaking up his replacements bench.
Leroy Carter was a surprise choice to start on the left wing for Saturday's Test in Wellington (kick-off 7.10am), replacing Caleb Clarke from the All Blacks side that beat France 34-32 in Christchurch a week earlier, while Billy Proctor comes in at outside centre. Prop Tyrel Lomax, lock Tupou Vaa'i and flanker Wallace Sititi also come into the XV.
Among six new faces on the replacements bench are German-born loose forward Anton Segner and wing Josh Moorby, who are both in line to make their debuts.
"There are a number of players and combinations who we felt deserved and would benefit from a second successive run, and other players who have earned the right to get their opportunity," Rennie said. "We are excited for Josh and Anton to potentially earn their first All Blacks caps."
