All Blacks: Delany set for dream debut in Milan

Mike Delany is set to replace Dan Carter for Sunday's test against Italy at the famous San Siro Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

MILAN - Mike Delany outlined the gameplan for Italy to his All Blacks rugby teammates today as he eyes one of the fairytale test debuts at the famous San Siro stadium on Sunday (NZT).

The 27-year-old from Mt Maunganui is poised to pull on the black No 10 jersey amid 12 personnel changes to the All Blacks' starting lineup from last weekend's 19-12 win over Wales.

Also understood to be in line for test debuts are Wellington centre Tamati Ellison and Otago winger Ben Smith, who will likely be accommodated by the in-form Cory Jane shifting to fullback.

Jane and props Wyatt Crockett and Neemia Tialata are expected to be the only survivors from the starting 15 in Cardiff as the coaches stay true to their vow to give all the 33-man squad a chance to impress on tour.

Delany was only a bench player for the Chiefs in this year's Super 14 and the Rotorua Boys' High School product never made any national age-grade teams.

"You can point to a Frank Bunce or a Joe Stanley to say life doesn't have to begin at 19 in the All Blacks. There's still a career path for 27-28 year olds," said assistant coach Wayne Smith, a former test pivot.

Smith said Delany first piqued the selectors' interest during the Super 14 when he scored "one of the great tries" off the bench in South Africa.

He appealed as a running five-eighth, and his form for Bay of Plenty in the Air NZ Cup sealed the deal.

"We did a bit of research, talked to (Chiefs coach Ian Foster) about him and got some really good feedback and it made us look at him even closer, and here he is," Smith said.

"He presented the gameplan this morning with (halfback) Andy Ellis and he did that really well. He's a mature player who should handle it."

The debut before a packed house nudging 80,000 will give Delany the chance to push ahead of Chiefs teammate Stephen Donald as backup to Dan Carter, who received a one-match ban for a dangerous high tackle today but was unlikely to play anyway.

The team will be confirmed early tomorrow (NZT), but training contained enough hints about a lineup of newcomers and stories of redemption.

In the forwards, hooker Corey Flynn is set for his first test start since the 2003 World Cup after his recent seasons were ruined by breaks in both arms; lock Anthony Boric returns after a long injury layoff while flankers Liam Messam and Tanerau Latimer get to make amends after playing in the June defeat to France.

Veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo is the likely captain, with Richie McCaw expected to come off the bench.

In the backs, Ellis, Delany and Luke McAlister will form a new inside back combination while 26-year-old utility Ellison gets a long-awaited start at centre after calf muscle problems.

"He'll be hungry, he's nearly made it a couple of times," Smith said of Ellison.

"You've got Liam Messam who's made a comeback and Luke McAlister who was frustrated with his game against Italy in New Zealand and he's got an opportunity now to put that right.

"There are a lot of reasons for these boys to be right on edge."

Smith had no concerns about an inexperienced lineup handling the electric atmosphere.

"There is a buzz, and part of it is being in Milan; it's a new venue, a sold out San Siro, it's a famous stadium and that's really enthused the boys.

"Now we've got to put that on the track and make sure we're passionate and aggressive like we were against Wales. That's the key for us."

- NZPA