Coach Steve Hansen has made 12 changes to the All Blacks' starting lineup for Saturday's Test against Italy in Rome.

Despite his team's 40-29 loss to Ireland last week, Hansen has opted to go with a youthful XV against the struggling Azzurri.

Hooker Codie Taylor and prop Charlie Faumuina join veteran Wyatt Crockett in the front row, while Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu come in as the starting locks. Sam Cane will lead the team from the openside position, with Elliot Dixon and Steven Luatua completing the back row.

There were also a few alterations to the backline, with Damian McKenzie, Israel Dagg and Waisake Naholo forming a new back three. The midfield sees Malakia Fekitoa at outside centre with Anton Lienert-Brown on his inside. Chiefs duo Aaron Cruden and Tawera Kerr-Barlow come in as the new halfback pairing.

Lock Brodie Retallick will make his return from injury via the bench. Hansen has also selected uncapped duo Liam Coltman and Rieko Ioane in the match 23 for the first time.

All Blacks – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Waisake Naholo, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Subs: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Aaron Smith, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 Rieko Ioane.

Photo: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images