Rugby-Italy recall key players for All Blacks clash

WELLINGTON, June 25 (Reuters) - Italy have picked their strongest lineup for Saturday's one-off test against New Zealand in Christchurch.

After resting some of his key players in last week's second test against Australia, Italy coach Nick Mallett has reverted to a full strength side with the recall of eight players.

He made six changes in the forward pack and two in the backline, giving the Azzurri the rare distinction of having more test caps than the All Blacks, who are fielding an experimental side.

"The players are aware that to finish the season against New Zealand in New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity and a great experience," Mallett told reporters on Thursday.

"If they take it like that and produce the best that they can, I'm hoping we can give the All Blacks a really good game."

Three of the six changes in the forwards were in the front row with props Salvatore Perugini and Ignacio Rouyet and hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini replacing Matias Aguero, Fabiano Staibano and Franco Sbaraglini.

Flankers Mauro Bergamasco and Alessandro Zanni were recalled for Simone Favaro and Jean Francois Montauriol, while lock Quintin Geldenhuys got the nod ahead of Tommaso Reato.

New Zealand-born wing Kaine Robertson returned at the expense of Giulio Rubini while Mirco Bergamasco was also picked at wing for Alberto Sgarbi.

Italy - 15-Luke McLean, 14-Kaine Robertson, 13-Gonzalo Canale, 12-Gonzalo Garcia, 11-Mirco Bergamasco, 10-Craig Gower, 9-Tito Tebaldi, 8-Sergio Parisse (captain), 7-Mauro Bergamasco, 6-Alessandro Zanni, 5-Marco Bortolami, 4-Quintin Geldenhuys, 3-Ignacio Rouyet, 2-Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1-Salvatore Perugini.

Replacements: 16-Franco Sbaraglini, 17-Fabio Staibano, 18-Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 19-Simone Favaro, 20-Giulio Toniolatti, 21-Kristopher Burton, 22-Matteo Pratichetti.

(Reporting by Julian Linden in Sydney; Editing by Nick Mulvenney. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)