All Blacks Ready For Italy Clash, Farewell Sam Cane, TJ Perenara In Turin
All Blacks Ready For Italy Clash, Farewell Sam Cane, TJ Perenara In Turin
The All Blacks face Italy in Turin this Sunday, marking the final test for legends Sam Cane and TJ Perenara, with Ethan de Groot returning.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has announced the match-day 23 to face Italy at Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The match marks the final test of the 2024 season and a historic farewell for Sam Cane and TJ Perenara, two legends of the black jersey.
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Cane, donning the No.7 jersey, and Perenara, set to bring his trademark energy off the bench, will end their distinguished All Blacks careers in this special encounter.
Cane, a 103-cap stalwart, and Perenara, with 88 caps, have been central to the All Blacks' success over the years.
“As our first-ever match in Turin, our final match of the 2024 test season and the farewell match for Sam and TJ, this will be a great occasion," Robertson said. "We are determined to finish our season in a way that honors and celebrates the immense contribution that Sam and TJ have made to the black jersey.”
All Blacks Rugby Team News
The All Blacks have made several adjustments for the clash.
In the forwards, Ethan de Groot and Patrick Tuipulotu return to the starting lineup, with Wallace Sititi at blindside flanker and Ardie Savea shifting to No. 8.
Injuries have ruled out Jordie Barrett, Dalton Papali’i, and Ethan Blackadder, prompting positional tweaks and bringing David Havili into the reserves.
The back line sees Anton Lienert-Brown at second five-eighth and the return of Mark Tele’a on the right wing after recovering from injury.
Italy has enjoyed a breakout year, achieving victories over Scotland and Wales and drawing with France during the Six Nations.
Robertson highlighted their resurgence:
“This Italy team has made a real impact on the international stage this year... We know the passion this team will bring, so we are preparing for a physical and motivated Italy for our final test of the tour.”
The All Blacks hold a perfect record against Italy, winning all 17 previous encounters, including a dominant 96-17 victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
This will be the first test played between the two teams at Turin’s Allianz Stadium, a venue synonymous with Juventus FC.
As the All Blacks aim to cap their season with a strong performance, fans will bid farewell to two of rugby’s greats in Cane and Perenara - a fitting end to an era.
All Blacks Team To Face Italy
- 1. Ethan de Groot (28)
- 2. Codie Taylor (95) (Vice-Captain)
- 3. Tyrel Lomax (43)
- 4. Scott Barrett (79) (Captain)
- 5. Patrick Tuipulotu (50)
- 6. Wallace Sititi (9)
- 7. Sam Cane (103)
- 8. Ardie Savea (93) (Vice-Captain)
- 9. Cam Roigard (9)
- 10. Beauden Barrett (133)
- 11. Caleb Clarke (28)
- 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (83)
- 13. Rieko Ioane (80)
- 14. Mark Tele’a (18)
- 15. Will Jordan (40)
Replacements:
- 16. Asafo Aumua (19)
- 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (67)
- 18. Fletcher Newell (21)
- 19. Tupou Vaa’i (37)
- 20. Peter Lakai (2)
- 21. TJ Perenara (88)
- 22. David Havili (29)
- 23. Damian McKenzie (61)
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