The All Blacks have recalled Shannon Frizell in one of nine changes to their Ardie Savea-captained lineup to face Italy in a crucial World Cup pool clash in Lyon on Friday.
Six of the nine changes for New Zealand have come in the back-line, recalling Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane and Will Jordan to the starting line-up, while Jordie Barrett will make his first appearance at the 2023 tournament.
In the front row, Codie Taylor returns after missing their last game, Scott Barrett comes back into the starting XV after playing 23 minutes off the bench against Namibia, while fit-again flank Frizell will start.
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New Zealand – 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mounga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Dalton Papli’i, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Subs: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Sam Whitelock, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.
Photo: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images