Dave Rennie names All Blacks squad to face Italy with two debutants in waiting

Dave Rennie has announced his second matchday 23 and has named two uncapped players on the bench who could see their potential All Blacks debuts.

The All Blacks take on the Italians at the Hnry Stadium in Wellington for the second game of the Rugby Nations Championship, having won the opener.

Rennie has named a team that includes five changes from the starting 15 that defeated France 34-32 in the opening round of the Rugby Nations Championship in Christchurch.

The changes to the All Blacks team

Tyrell Lomax comes into the starting team having been on the bench against France. Pasilio Tosi comes into the bench as a tighthead replacement, while Fletcher Newell drops out of the squad.

Josh Lord drops to the bench, and Tupou Vaa’i comes into the starting lineup as a lock to partner Sam Darry.

Wallace Sititi made an impact from the bench and has earned his starting spot in the six jersey. Peter Lakai drops out of the squad and Anton Segner is the back-row cover on the bench.

The forwards in the squad are completed by Samison Taukei’aho and George Bower, who both come onto the bench having not been involved against France.

In the backline, Rennie has opted for the same half-back, first-five and second-five eighth combination with a Hurricanes trio. They are joined by Billy Proctor of the Hurricanes at 13, who impressed off the bench.

Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie also retained their starting place in the All Blacks team, but Leroy Carter has come into the team to start, with Caleb Clarke dropping out of the team. Ratima retains his spot on the bench, while Anton Lienert Brown comes onto the bench, with Josh Moorby set for an All Blacks debut from the bench.