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Italy recall key backline stars for All Blacks showdown

By AFP
Thursday 9 Jul 2026
TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 03: Monty Ioane (L), Paolo Odogwu (2nd L), Giulio Bertaccini (C) and Louis Lynagh (2nd R) during the Italy Captain's Run ahead of the Nations Championship match against Japan at Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground on July 03, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy recalled fullback Tommaso Allan and wing Louis Lynagh for their Nations Championship match against New Zealand, two of three changes to the side that started the opening defeat to Japan.

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Exeter Chiefs flanker Ross Vintcent also comes into head coach Gonzalo Quesada’s starting team for Saturday’s Test in Wellington.

Italy were soundly beaten 10-27 by Japan last Saturday and now face the only top-tier rugby nation they have never beaten, losing all 18 previous matches against New Zealand.

The 33-year-old Allan will earn his 91st cap against the All Blacks, having started on the bench against Japan.

Lynagh makes his Nations Championship debut, after sitting out in Tokyo. Vintcent was on the bench for the opening match.

Benetton loose forward Giulio Marini is expected to make his debut for Italy, named as one of six forwards among the eight replacements.

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New Zealand edged past France 34-32 in their Nations Championship opener, their first match under new coach Dave Rennie.

Italy: 15 Tommaso Allan, 14 Malik Faissal, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 11 Louis Lynagh, 10 Paolo Garbisi, 9 Stephen Varney, 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Michele Lamaro (captain), 6 Ross Vintcent, 5 Andrea Zambonin, 4 Niccolo Cannone, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 1 Danilo Fischetti.
Replacements: 16 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Muhamed Hasa, 19 Giulio Marini, 20 Federico Ruzza, 21 Riccardo Favretto, 22 Alessandro Garbisi, 23 Leonardo Marin.

Date: Saturday, July 11
Venue: Hnry Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 17.10 (07.10 CEST; 05.10 GMT)
Referee: Luc Ramos (France)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia) & Luke Pearce (England)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

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