Elsewhere in the tight five, Tupou Vaa’i has recovered from the concussion he suffered in the Super Rugby Pacific final, and lines up alongside Sam Darry in a move that sees Chiefs teammate Josh Lord shift to the bench.
Completing the changes to the forwards, Wallace Sititi will also start by taking Peter Lakai’s place at No 6 to form the loose trio alongside Luke Jacobson and captain Ardie Savea.
In the backline, Leroy Carter returns on the left wing in place of Caleb Clarke, who drops out of the matchday 23 altogether, while Billy Proctor slots in at centre next to Hurricanes teammate Jordie Barrett in place of Quinn Tupaea.
After missing out in Christchurch, the pair of Anton Segner and Josh Moorby are both in line for their maiden test caps respectively, having stood out for the Blues and Hurricanes during Super Rugby.
Segner, 24, has earned his selection off the back of three seasons in the Blues in Super Rugby, where he’s proven indispensable for outgoing coach Vern Cotter, and capable of covering all three positions in the loose forward trio.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Moorby enters the test arena after breaking the record for the most tries in a single Super Rugby season, a mark shared between himself and Fehi Fineanganofo – who misses out after a shoulder injury picked up on debut in Christchurch last week.
“There are a number of players and combinations who we felt deserved and would benefit from a second successive run, and other players who have earned the right to get their opportunity,” said Rennie.
“This is a strong side to reflect the respect we have for this Italian team. They have shown through the Six Nations competition that they are capable of knocking over any team, so we have prepared for a tough challenge and look forward to facing it in front of a sold-out Wellington crowd.”
Notably, Will Jordan is retained on the wing, as he closes in on Doug Howlett’s record for the most tries by an All Black. Jordan has 47 from his 55 test caps, two shy of matching Howlett’s 49 in 63 appearances.
Again, there is no place in the side for Beauden Barrett.
Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie are kept at first-five and fullback respectively for the second test in succession.
All Blacks team: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Sam Darry, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Wallace Sititi, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Ardie Savea (c), 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie
Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. George Bower, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Anton Segner, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Josh Moorby