Rugby: 15 All Blacks made official against the Azzurri

The All Blacks have announced the formation with which they will take the field on Saturday 6 November against the Italian national team at the Olimpico in Rome in the first meeting of the Autumn nations series.

    The 15 immediately in the game will be: 1 George Bower (9), 2 Dane Coles (77), 3 Tyrel Lomax (12), 4 Tupou Vaa'i (9), 5 Josh Lord (1), 6 Luke Jacobson (11) ), 7 Sam Cane - captain (75), 8 Hoskins Sotutu (9), 9 Brad Weber (15), 10 Richie Mo'unga (29), 11 George Bridge (17), 12 Quinn Tupaea (5), 13 Braydon Ennor (3), 14 Sevu Reece (15), 15 Damian McKenzie (38). Ian Foster, head coach, will also have at his disposal: 16 Asafo Aumua (5), 17 Ethan de Groot (3), 18 Ofa Tuungafasi (42), 19 Samuel Whitelock (129), 20 Shannon Frizell (15), 21 Finlay Christie (4), 22 David Havili (12), 23 Jordie Barrett (32).

    "We have spent - said Foster - a fantastic week here in Rome. It is very stimulating to be in this city and, even if we cannot go out as long as we want, it is fantastic that the players experience a new culture." Regarding the match, "we are ready and prepared for this weekend".

    Regarding the youngsters in the starting block formation, Foster said: "Tupou is a quality player and we have seen him in the last two weeks, while Josh has learned quickly, and has shone in training, we have a lot of faith in him. ".

    Regarding the Azzurri, he commented: "They have a new coach (Kieran Crowley) so they will have a different philosophy, it means that we will enter the game with a little advantage."

Furthermore, "Italy may not have been satisfied with the results of the Six Nations" and "we expect you to play with a lot of passion in front of the home crowd".