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FWC on Sport Nation guideRennie names All Blacks side to face Italy
Sport Nation • July 9th, 2026 4:00 pm
Tyrel Lomax | Photo: Photosport
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named his 23-man squad to face Italy in Wellington on Saturday for the second round of the Nations Championship.
Rennie has made several changes to his squad from the side's inaugural test at Christchurch's Te Kaha Stadium where they narrowly defeated a second-string French side 34-32.
“This is a strong side to reflect the respect we have for this Italian team. They have shown through the Six Nations competition that they are capable of knocking over any team, so we have prepared for a tough challenge and look forward to facing it in front of a sold-out Wellington crowd.” Said Rennie.
Hurricane Tyrel Lomax earns a start, returning to the front row for his 50th Test.
Tupou Vaa'i returns from concussion to partner Sam Darry at lock, while Josh Lord shifts to the bench.
In the loose forwards, Wallace Sititi starts at blindside flanker, with captain Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson retaining their spots.
German-born Anton Segner is in line to make his All Blacks debut after being named among the reserves.
The backline also sees changes, with Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor reunited in midfield, Leroy Carter starting on the left wing, and Anton Lienert-Brown returning to the bench.
Outside back Josh Moorby could also earn his first All Blacks cap after being named in the matchday 23, with Hurricane teammate Fehi Fineanganofo ruled out with a shoulder strain.
“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." Dave Rennie said.
“We are excited for Josh and Anton to potentially earn their first All Blacks caps, following Xavier, Fehi and Jamie's debuts against France. Congratulations to Tyrel Lomax who also brings up a special milestone, playing his 50th All Blacks Test."
All Blacks team vs Italy:
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Sam Darry, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Wallace Sititi, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Ardie Savea (C), 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. George Bower, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Anton Segner, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Josh Moorby.
Nisbo on the All Blacks' first test of 2026 | Sport Nation Mornings
