TURIN, Italy — The All Blacks will honor retiring players Sam Cane and TJ Perenara in their final match of the autumn rugby tour against Italy this Saturday. Cane is slated to start in the back row, marking his 104th test appearance since debuting in 2012, while Perenara is set to contribute off the bench, adding to his tally of 89 tests since 2014.

Following a narrow defeat to France 30-29 in Paris last weekend, the New Zealand team underwent five changes announced on Thursday. Cane’s return as the openside flanker, taking over from the concussed Samipeni Finau, resulted in a reshuffle: Ardie Savea will shift to the No. 8 position, and Wallace Sititi will take the blindside flanker role.

Ethan de Groot, making his first appearance on the five-match tour, steps in as a loosehead prop after previously missing the match against Ireland due to failure to meet unspecified internal standards. Tamaiti Williams was initially favored for the position against England and France, but a neck injury prevented him from playing this week. Additionally, Patrick Tuipulotu will join the second row in place of Tupou Vaa’i.

In the backline, there are two changes due to injury; Jordie Barrett’s knee injury sustained in the game against France has led to Anton Lienert-Brown stepping in, while David Havili joins the bench. Mark Tele’a has also returned from a hand injury, regaining his position on the right wing ahead of Sevu Reece.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson expressed excitement for the occasion, emphasizing its significance as the historic first match for the team in Turin, marking the end of the 2024 test season, while also celebrating the contributions of Cane and Perenara. He stated, “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.”

The New Zealand lineup for the match includes: Will Jordan, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Wallace Sititi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Scott Barrett (captain), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, and Ethan de Groot. The reserves will be Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai, TJ Perenara, David Havili, and Damian McKenzie.