Late changes for All Blacks

New Zealand have been forced to make late changes to their side for tomorrow’s World Cup Pool C encounter with Italy in Marseille.

Conrad Smith, who would have started at centre, and replacement lock-cum-flanker Reuben Thorne have both been ruled out with hamstring injuries following fitness tests at the Stade Velodrome today.

Mils Muliaina switches from full-back to centre as a replacement for Smith, with Leon MacDonald promoted from the bench to start at number 15.

Isaia Toeava, a centre by trade, has been drafted in as a substitute back, while flanker Chris Masoe is named as the replacement for Thorne on the bench.

New Zealand team to face Italy in Marseille on Saturday:

L MacDonald; D Howlett, M Muliaina, L McAlister, S Sivivatu; D Carter, B Kelleher; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, C Hayman, C Jack, A Williams, J Collins, R McCaw (capt), R So’oialo.

Replacements: A Oliver, N Tialata, C Masoe, S Lauaki, B Leonard, A Mauger, I Toeava.