Tournament superpower New Zealand will begin their Rugby World Cup campaign strong favourites against Italy at Melbourne’s Telstra Dome today.
The All Blacks, who have won all six previous encounters, will field a powerful line up for the opening bout, only having made two substitutions from their last match in which they beat Australia in August’s Tri Nations Tournament.
Second Row Ali Williams will not play, having more time to recover from a broken foot, while Daniel Carter will start at inside centre replacing Aaron Mauger who is sidelined with a groin strain.
Though the All Blacks running game will be aided by the Pool D fixture being played at Australia's only indoor stadium, their style of play will be well known to an informed Italian side.
Italy will draw on the knowledge of their Number 8, Matthew Phillips, who was born in New Zealand and also from benefit from the expert guidance from coach John Kirwan, an All Black great.
Second row Carlo Cecchinato will make his debut as captain for Italy. The most capped player in the starting side – at 77 test matches – Cecchinato will be a key player in a youthful side. The versatile forward will likely receive close attention from the New Zealand team, at 21 test match tries his scoring ability is unmatched in the Azzuri squad.
Australian referee Andrew Cole will blow the whistle for kickoff at 14.30 (03.30 GMT). All the action from the match will be covered live at rugbyworldcup.com
Italy: 15 Gert Peens, 14 Mirco Bergamasco, 13 Andrea Masi, 12 Matteo Barbini, 11 Nicola Mazzucato, 10 Francesco Mazzariol, 9 Matteo Mazzantin, 8 Matthew Phillips, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Scott Palmer; 5 Cristian Bezzi, 4 Carlo Checchinato (captain), 3 Ramiro Martinez, 2 Carlo Festuccia, 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Martin Castrogiovanni, 18 Sergio Parisse, 19 Andrea Benatti, 20 Alessandro Troncon, 21 Rima Wakarua-Noema, 22 Gonzalo Canale.
New Zealand: Malili Muliaina; Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Daniel Carter, Joe Rokocoko; Carlos Spencer, Justin Marshall; Dave Hewett, Keven Mealamu, Greg Somerville; Brad Thorn, Chris Jack; Reuben Thorne (captain), Richard McCaw, Jerry Collins
Replacements: Mark Hammett, Kees Meeuws, Rodney So'oialo, Marty Holah, Steve Devine, Ma'a Nonu, Leon MacDonald
Kick-off: 14.30 (03.30 GMT)