NEW ZEALAND’S hopes of using tomorrow’s one-off Test against Italy as a warm-up for the Tri-Nations hit another snag when lock Ali Williams was forced to pull out. Williams had been sidelined with an Achilles’ injury but was rushed back into the side against Italy after the coaching staff and New Zealand public were unhappy with the team’s performances in the series with France.

The All Blacks have been hit hard by a crippling casualty list this season and the prospect of an easy win against the Italians was the perfect opportunity to experiment with a new combination.

But their plans came unstuck when Williams withdrew from the match after training, paving the way for Isaac Ross to start at lock.

New Zealand made six changes to the side that narrowly beat France 14-10 in Wellington last weekend, awarding first caps to winger Lelia Masaga and prop Wyatt Crockett.

The Italians have not won a match all year and lost both games against Australia this month but have picked their strongest available line-up for Christchurch in the hope of avoiding a heavy loss.

“The players are aware that to finish the season against New Zealand in New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity and a great experience,” coach Nick Mallett said.

Italy, along with South Africa and Japan, are bidding for the rights to host the World Cup tournament in 2015 or 2019, while England have opted to concentrate on the 2015 World Cup only.

NEW ZEALAND:Muliaina (capt); Masaga, Toeava, Nonu, Rokocoko; McAlister, Leonard; Crockett, Mealamu, Afoa, Thorn, Ross, Kaino, Latimer, Read.

ITALY:McLean; Robertson, Canale, Garcia, Mirco Bergamasco; Gower, Tebaldi; Perugini, Ghiraldini, Rouyet, Geldenhuys, Bortolami, Zanni, Mauro Bergamasco, Parisse (cap).

Venue:AMI Stadium, Christchurch Kick-off: 8.45am, Saturday On TV:Sky Sports 1