Returning Cane to captain changed All Blacks

The All Blacks have rested their front-line players for harder tour matches against Ireland and France but still chosen a strong side to uphold their unbeaten 15-test record against Italy.

Sam Cane, the All Blacks captain last year, starts with the armband in his ongoing comeback after seven months out with pectoral and shoulder injuries.

Rehabbed flanker Sam Cane will captain an entirely changed New Zealand side against Italy in their rugby test at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Of the matchday 23 who blew away Wales 54-16 in Cardiff last weekend, five replacements were picked to start: Prop Tyrel Lomax, lock Tupou Vaa’i, scrumhalf Brad Weber, flyhalf Richie Mo’unga, and wing Sevu Reece.