European Union
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Italy vs New Zealand
Match scheduled:
Date: 14-11-2009
Time: 14:00 until 16:00
International Match
Nick Mallett's men have moved away from their Rome base at the Stadio Flaminio for one night only and invited a side that they've never beaten. The All Blacks' brand has proven a huge draw and after their latest victory over Wales they will be confident of continuing their streak against the Azzurri.
Coach Graham Henry has signalled his confidence by making 12 changes from the side that triumphed at the Millennium Stadium, with Bay of Plenty fly-half Mike Delany making his international debut in place of the suspended Dan Carter.
He is joined in the backline by fellow debutants Ben Smith and Tamati Ellison, while Luke McAlister, Liam Messam and Tanerau Latimer all make comebacks to the starting XV. Canterbury hooker Cory Flynn returns for his first start since the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Rodney So'oialo skippers the All Blacks for the fifth time in the absence of Richie McCaw, who is on the bench if required.
Two players backing-up from last weekend are props Wyatt Crockett and Neemia Tialata and they will need to be at their absolute best against a powerful Italian pack. Martin Castrogiovanni, Leonardo Ghiraldini and Salvatore Perugini will be looking to get their claws in to the All Blacks and Castrogiovanni will be full of confidence after decimating the South African midweek pack in the colours of Leicester.
Australian rugby league convert Craig Gower continues at fly-half after winning his first caps on tour over the summer and is partnered by the lively Tito Tebaldi. Two bullish centres, Gonzalos Garcia and Canale, will provide plenty of go-forward.
Last time Sergio Parisse played New Zealand he picked up a lengthy ban for a gouge on Isaac Ross and the Italy skipper, and world's best No.8, will want to make a more positive impression under the San Siro's bright lights. He is joined in a combative back-row by Alessandro Zanni and Mauro Bergamasco - who will have his eye on Latimer.
All Blacks attack coach Wayne Smith believes that his young side must be able to look past their surroundings and concentrate on their game.
It's hard to explain that to the boys. We've got to make sure it doesn't hit them all of the sudden," Smith said. "I think last year against Munster we got caught in the headlights a bit. We can't afford for that to happen this year. We've got to do our homework and make sure they're prepared.
"I imagine the Italian buildup will be very emotional, they'll play on emotion early and they'll be very physical and hard to overcome early on. They're big boys, and strong and aggressive, so they're going to be a real battle and it's our job to defuse that as quickly as we can and try to take the crowd away from them. It's going to be a cauldron."
Italy: Luke McLean, Kaine Robertson, Gonzalo Canale, Gonzalo Garcia, Mirco Bergamasco, Craig Gower, Tito Tebaldi, Salvatore Perugini, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Martin Castrogiovanni, Carlo Antonio Del Fava, Quintin Geldenhuys, Alessandro Zanni, Mauro Bergamasco, Sergio Parisse (captain)
Replacements: Fabio Ongaro, Ignacio Rouyet, Antonio Pavanello, Simone Favaro, Simon Picone, Kristopher Burton, Alberto Sgarbi
New Zealand: Cory Jane; Ben Smith, Tamati Ellison, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Mike Delany, Andy Ellis; Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn, Neemia Tialata, Tom Donnelly, Anthony Boric, Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Rodney So'oialo (capt)
Replacements: Andrew Hore, John Afoa, Jason Eaton, Richie McCaw, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Mils Muliaina
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland), David Changleng (Scotland)
Television Match Official: Tom Hayes (Ireland)
