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Italy make key changes for showdown against New Zealand
By Grant Constable
Italy have named their team for the upcoming Pool A match against New Zealand at OL Stadium in Lyon on Friday, 29 September.
The starting XV sees Dino Lamb, Stephen Varney, and Luca Morisi join the lineup, with Niccolo Cannone moving to the bench, while Alessandro Garbisi and Lorenzo Pani are omitted.
Lamb replaces Niccolo Cannone in the second-row, boasting a try in two of his three career starts.
Varney partners with Paolo Garbisi at scrum-half, marking their sixth appearance together this year.
Luca Morisi returns to the midfield after his 47-minute performance against Namibia, facing the All Blacks for the first time since 2018.
Tommaso Allan takes the full-back position, with Paolo Garbisi at fly-half. Allan aims to become Italy's all-time leading Rugby World Cup point-scorer, needing just five more points.
No player in the squad has ever scored against the All Blacks since Tommaso Boni in 2016.
Paolo Garbisi leads Italy at RWC 2023 in carries (31) and shares the top spot for defenders beaten (7) and try assists (2), underlining his crucial role in the team.
ITALY TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND IN LYON
1 Danilo Fischetti
2 Giacomo Nicotera
3 Marco Riccioni
4 Dino Lamb
5 Federico Ruzza
6 Sebastian Negri
7 Michele Lamaro (c)
8 Lorenzo Cannone
9 Stephen Varney
10 Paolo Garbisi
11 Montanna Ioane
12 Luca Morisi
13 Juan Ignacio Brex
14 Ange Capuozzo
15 Tommaso Allan
Replacements:
16 Hame Faiva
17 Ivan Nemer
18 Simone Ferrari
19 Niccolo Cannone
20 Manuel Zuliani
21 Toa Halafihi
22 Martin Page-Relo
23 Paolo Odogwu
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Latest Comments
Let's be clear: Foster did not back unaquivocally players such as Vaa'i, Tamaiti and Roigard. Yes, he selected them in the squad, but it's a stretch to say he backed them. Those three players have only been backed fully this year (and thrived) under the new regime. There was massive hesitation to give those three guys serious game time in games of consequence.
It's another not-so-subtle dig from the old dynasty at any achievements Razor may be credited for.
Roigard in particular was a mind-baffling omission from the finals of the WC. After being the AB's best player against SA in the pre-WC match, he was not sighted in the big games that followed. Roigard is the type of guy who can win a game with a moment of brilliance, yet the established but uninspiring Christie was preferred to close out a close WC final.
So please, Fozzie, spare us the barely veiled laments about your unfair treatment and unseen achievements. The fact you feel you have to point them out is telling in itself. And it shows that despite saying you've moved on, you and your mate Hansen most definitely haven't.
Go to commentsHe's just a wannabe troll, mate.
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