Bower, Sotutu, Reece to start against Italy

Three Fijians George Bower, Hoskins Sotutu and Sevu Reece will start for the All Blacks against Italy in their second Northern tour Test on Sunday.

Reece came off the New Zealand bench and scored a try in their 104-14 victory over the USA Eagles last week.

Bower will start at prop and Blues NO.8 Sotutu will start at 8 after missing out last week’s selection.

Sam Cane will captain the side in the seven jersey.                                                                                                  

George Bridge is on the left wing, Sevu Reece is on the right and Damian McKenzie is at fullback.

All Blacks Head Coach Ian Foster told Allblacks.com “We’ve had a great week here in Rome. We are ready and prepared for this weekend.”

The All Blacks and Italy have played each other 15 times since 1979, with the last Test at Stadio Olimpico in 2018.  The All Blacks won 66 – 3.

The All Blacks vs Italy match will kick off at 1am at Stadium Olimpico in Rome on Saturday.

All Blacks: George Bower, Dane Coles, Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’I, Josh Lord, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane – captain, Hoskins Sotutu, Brad Weber, Richie Mo’unga, George Bridge, Quinn Tupaea, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Damian McKenzie

Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Ethan de Groot, Ofa Tuungafasi, Samuel Whitelock, Shannon Frizell, Finlay Christie, David Havili, Jordie Barrett

By Romeka Romena