UPDATE 1-Rugby-All Blacks introduce new faces for Italy test

* New Zealand make seven changes for Italy

* All Blacks squad includes five uncapped players

(adds New Zealand and Italy quotes)

WELLINGTON, June 23 (Reuters) - Winger Lelia Masaga and prop Wyatt Crockett were among five uncapped players selected for New Zealand's one-off test against Italy in Christchurch on Saturday.

The pair were chosen in the starting line-up, while hooker Aled de Malmanche, prop Owen Franks and flanker George Whitelock were all named on the bench in an experimental All Blacks side.

Coach Graham Henry will also hand lock Ali Williams his seasonal debut and recalled scrumhalf Brendon Leonard for the first time since the 2007 World Cup in a side featuring seven changes from the one that beat France last weekend.

"We are looking for continued improvement after our (second test) win over France," Henry said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We know that the Italians will be as well after their two losses to Australia, so it will be another physical test."

The 22-year-old Masaga was on the bench for the first test loss against France in Dunedin earlier this month but did not play in the 27-22 defeat.

He was left out of the squad for the second test side that won 14-10 but gets his chance this weekend after replacing Cory Jane on the right wing.

Loosehead prop Crockett replaced Tony Woodock while tighthead John Afoa was called in for the injured Neemia Tialata.

COMMUNICATION KEY

Centre Conrad Smith and flyhalf Stephen Donald were also ruled out with injuries, allowing Isaia Toeava to return to the midfield and utility back Luke McAlister in the number 10 shirt.

McAlister will partner Brendon Leonard, who returns from a long-term hamstring problem, in the halves, after Jimmy Cowan was given the week off.

"Luke and Brendon are both good footballers who have played test matches before and played at this level so they should be reasonably comfortable with that," Henry told a news conference.

"As long as they communicate well and live with each other for the next few days I'm sure they'll be fine."

Williams, who has been sidelined with an Achilles problem, was recalled for Isaac Ross while Henry opted for a five-forward, two-back, split on the bench.

Italy have yet to name their side but are also expected to make wholesale changes after chopping and changing their line-up in the two tests against Australia.

Italy's New Zealand-born winger Kaine Robertson, who scored a try in the first test against the Wallabies but missed out on the second, said the Europeans were expected to field their top side against the All Blacks in the hope of avoiding a thrashing.

"It will be by far the toughest game we've had on tour," Robertson told reporters.

"Our goal was just to be competitive in the three games. We're trying to keep our head high in the three games, not just get destroyed by 60-odd points."

New Zealand - 15-Mils Muliaina (captain), 14-Lelia Masaga, 13-Isaia Toeava, 12-Ma'a Nonu, 11-Joe Rokocoko, 10-Luke McAlister, 9-Brendon Leonard, 8-Kieran Read, 7-Tanerau Latimer, 6-Jerome Kaino, 5-Ali Williams, 4-Brad Thorn, 3-John Afoa, 2-Keven Mealamu, 1-Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements: 16-Aled de Malmanche, 17-Tony Woodcock, 18-Owen Franks, 19-Isaac Ross, 20-George Whitelock, 21-Piri Weepu, 22-Cory Jane. (Reporting by Julian Linden in Sydney; Editing by John O'Brien; To comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)