BREAKING NEWS!!! Five changes for the All Blacks, including the return of Sam Cane

Scott Roberston has named a New Zealand squad for Saturday’s match against Italy that includes five changes from the team’s defeat to France the previous weekend, including the recall of Sam Cane, who sustained an injury during the team’s victory over Ireland in Dublin on November 8.

Two backs and three forwards have been changed for the All Blacks’ tour-ending match in Turin after they lost 29–30 in Paris on Saturday.

Sevu Reece and Jordie Barrett, who have knee injuries, have been replaced by Mark Tele’a, who has recovered from a hand injury, and Anton Lienert-Brown, a Stade de France substitute, at right flank and inside centre, respectively.

Cane is called up for Samipeni Finau, Patrick Tuipulotu, another Stade de France substitute, is promoted for the benched Tupou Vaa’i, and Ethan de Groot is at loosehead in place of Tamati Williams.

Ardie Savea moves to No. 8, and Wallace Sititi goes to blindside, while Cane is named openside for his farewell Test rugby appearance.

This week’s additions to the bench include the demoted Vaa’i, Fletcher Newell, TJ Perenara, and David Havili. Similar to Cane, reserve scrum-half Perenara will play his final All Blacks game on Saturday.

With victories over Scotland and Wales and a draw against France in the Six Nations competition, Robertson told allblacks.com: “This Italy team has made a real impact on the international stage this year.”We are getting ready for a physically fit and driven Italy in our last Test of the tour because we know the enthusiasm this team will bring.

This will be a fantastic occasion since it will be our first game in Turin, our last Test match of 2024, and Sam and TJ’s final match. We are committed to ending the season in a manner that recognises and appreciates Sam and TJ’s enormous contributions to the black jersey.

Italy vs. New Zealand on Saturday

1. De Groot, Ethan (28).