All Blacks named for Italy

1. Ofa Tungafusi 2. Dane Coles 3. Nepo Luala 4. Patrick Tuipolutu 5. Scott Barrett 6. Vaea Fifita 7. A Savea 8. K Read 9. TJ Peranara 10. B Barrett 11. W Naholo 12. N Laumape 13. Anton Lienart-Brown 14. J Barrett 15. D Mckenzie

16. Nathan Harris 17. Karl Tu'inukuafe 18. Angus Ta'avao 19. B Retalluck 20. Dalton Papaili 21. TTT 22. Richie Mounga 23. Rieko Ioane

Good side. Vast improovements in the midfield. I am sure ppl well whine about BB. But hes the incumbant. And we need to establish the best combinations with him. Luamape is much better. Good too see Jordie back too. Although hes best at fullback.

Nice to see the three Barretts in the xv/

Why did it take this long to start Lau? LB actually lifted the All Blacks against Australia in the RC. Crotty was playing poorly, but once replaced, LB made an immediate impact. Crotty and SBW have both been disappointing. SBW has been several levels beneath Damian's worst games. So, thi s looks much better. Would like Goodhue at 13 though. 

In truth ... Crotch has never really been a top test midfielder.

He's a massive step back in comparison to Nonu and Smith.

How he's managed to chalk up so many test caps is beyond me.

He's one of many very poor decisions from the coach.

Dan Coles ... such a talent ... sadly so injury prone.

You guys are too serious - overanalysing everything out of the water.  Relax, Stevie and Forsie have this 

The test against Italy must really be regarded as a training exercise - since Italy is not really a competitive team.   That is why some players who do not normally get enough game time against stronger teams get some game time.