Prop Wyatt Crockett and winger Lelia Masaga have been named in the All Blacks starting lineup to make their test debuts against Italy at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday night.
22-year-old Counties Manukau and Chiefs winger Lelia Masaga will make his Test debut on the right wing alongside Josevata Rokocoko, with 26-year-old Canterbury and Crusaders loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett making his first Test start in the front row alongside Keven Mealamu and John Afoa.
Other key features of the starting XV are the return from injury of Ali Williams (Achilles), who will be playing in his 62nd Test match, and Brendon Leonard (hamstring).
Luke McAlister will start at first five-eighth replacing Stephen Donald, who suffered a hamstring strain in last weekend's win over France in Wellington, while Isaia Toeava is at centre combining in the midfield with Ma'a Nonu.
The loose forward trio of Jerome Kaino, Tanerau Latimer and Kieran Read is unchanged, while Brad Thorn again starts at lock alongside Williams.
21-year-old Canterbury and Crusaders tighthead prop Owen Franks, called into the All Blacks as prop cover, comes onto the reserves bench, together with fellow front rowers Aled de Malmanche and Tony Woodcock, while Isaac Ross, George Whitelock, Piri Weepu and Cory Jane are also on the bench.
The team will again be captained by fullback Mils Muliaina, who will become the fifth most capped All Black in history in his 71st Test.
Centre Conrad Smith and prop Neemia Tialata, who are carrying injuries following the French Test, were not considered for selection
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: "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."
'''The team is:''' 1. Wyatt Crockett 2. Keven Mealamu 3. John Afoa 4. Brad Thorn 5. Ali Williams 6. Jerome Kaino 7. Tanerau Latimer 8. Kieran Read 9. Brendon Leonard 10. Luke McAlister 11. Josevata Rokocoko 12. Ma'a Nonu 13. Isaia Toeava 14. Lelia Masaga 15. Mils Muliaina - captain
Reserves:
16. Aled de Malmanche 17. Tony Woodcock 18. Owen Franks 19. Isaac Ross 20. George Whitelock 21. Piri Weepu 22. Cory Jane
