Kieran Read and Beauden Barrett to start, Retallick on bench for Italy Test

Brodie Retallick has been named on the bench but captain Kieran Read and Beauden Barrett have both been named to start against Italy in an All Blacks team that features 11 changes from the starting side that lost to Ireland on Sunday.

Openside flanker Ardie Savea and fullback Damien McKenzie have also been retained from the side that lost in Dublin, with Hansen saying it was important for McKenzie and Barrett to build their combination together and also with Richie Mo’unga, who was named on the bench.

Hansen says these are the three guys that they see at the moment that would most likely go to the World Cup.

Ngani Laumape will start in the 12 jumper, alongside Anton Lienert‑Brown, with Waisake Naholo on the left wing.

Jordie Barrett was a surprise inclusion on the wing, with Hansen saying selectors didn’t regard him as an option at either first‑five eighth or in the midfield.

Patrick Tuipulotu and Scott Barrett are the starting locks, with Nepo Laulala, Dane Coles and Ofa Tu'ungafasi getting the nod in the front row.

All Blacks meet Italy at 3am Sunday.

STARTING XV: 1. Ofa Tuungafasi, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Scott Barrett, 6, Vaea Fifita, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Kieran Read (captain), 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11, Waisake Naholo, 12, Ngani Laumape, 13. Anton Lienert‑Brown, 14. Jordie Barrett. 15, Damien McKenzie

BENCH: 16, Nathan Harris. 17, Karl Tu’inukuafe. 18, Angus Ta’avao, 19, Brodie Retallick, 20. Dalton Papalii, 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22, Richie Mo’unga, 23, Rieko Ioane.

[Source: One News]