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All Blacks forced into late changes

New Zealand have been forced into making late changes ahead of their game with Italy
New Zealand have been forced into making late changes ahead of their game with Italy

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: 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.

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