Quesada reshuffles Italy's back three to face All Blacks after Japan defeat

Gonzalo Quesada has named three changes to Italy’s starting XV for their Rugby World Cup round-two fixture against New Zealand in Wellington, responding to a chastening 10-point return in the Azzurri’s opening defeat to Japan — the lowest score of any side in the competition so far.

The most significant adjustments come in the back three. Louis Lynagh is promoted to start on the left wing, while Tommaso Allan shifts to fullback. Malik Faissal keeps his place on the right wing as the only member of the unit to retain his position unchanged.

Ross Vintcent is the fourth new face in the matchday 23, coming in at blindside flank to complete the loose trio alongside captain Michele Lamaro and Lorenzo Cannone. The front row of Danilo Fischetti, Tommaso Di Bartolomeo and Marco Riccioni remains intact, as does the second-row pairing of Niccolò Cannone and Andrea Zambonin.

There is continuity in the half-backs, with Stephen Varney and Paolo Garbisi both retained, and the midfield centre partnership of Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex is also unchanged.

Quesada has opted for a 6/2 forward-to-back split on the bench. The six forward options include locks Federico Ruzza and Riccardo Favretto alongside back-row Giulio Marini, with front-row cover provided by Gianmarco Lucchesi, Mirco Spagnolo and Marco Hasa. Alessandro Garbisi is named as halfback cover, and the versatile Leonardo Marin occupies the final spot.

Italy face a considerable step up in opposition after their Tokyo setback, with the All Blacks widely regarded as one of the tournament favourites. Quesada’s decision to refresh the back three signals a clear intent to generate more attacking threat and points than the Azzurri managed in round one.