By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 13 NZPA - As the All Blacks visit Leonardo da Vinci's famed depiction of The Last Supper on test eve, it's a big weekend for some to earn repeat bookings to dine at rugby's top table.

It seemed this was the ho-hum week of the tour, but coach Graham Henry's selections, the magnificent San Siro venue and a quietly-confident Italian side all adds up to plenty of intrigue on Sunday (3am NZT).

Most interest surrounds how a 'midweek' team with three test debutants and a host of returning All Blacks can gel effectively against a side they're expected to beat, and for individuals to respond to the command: "show us you're a test player".

Hooker Corey Flynn, lock Anthony Boric, flankers Liam Messam and Tanerau Latimer, halfback Andy Ellis and second five-eighth Luke McAlister all have points to prove after injury or form related layoffs, as the World Cup countdown ticks under two years.

Ellis' last test was a year ago against Scotland, his only match on an injury-plagued tour, and he reflected the feeling in the camp ahead of his 12th cap.

"We've got a lot of new guys but really excited guys who want to prove their point. There's going to be real excitement and enthusiasm and a chance to do well and make a bit of a mark," he said.

After a frustrating year where he slipped behind Jimmy Cowan, Brendon Leonard and Piri Weepu in the pecking order, Ellis admitted there was some angst about his comeback.

But having played at a packed Stade de France and Twickenham, he said the formula was simple, play your natural game and don't be overawed by the surroundings as San Siro prepares to hold 80,000 fans. Given the All Blacks' warm welcome from thousands in Milan this week, a fair chunk will probably be on their side.

Ellis formed a new halves combination with debutant Mike Delany this week and said training showed promising signs.

"It's felt really good considering we've had so many changes. It was a little bit scratchy early in the week, just going through and getting the game plan sorted," he said.

"But the training today was really sharp, everyone was in good positions, the scrum went well and the lineout was sorted."

Ellis said a strong start, the All Blacks' achilles heel all season, was the key to settle the nerves and let the new boys like centre Tamati Ellison and winger Ben Smith show their wares amid an exciting backline.

Italy are also gracing San Siro for the first time and, after holding the All Blacks to 27-6 in Christchurch in June will back themselves to be in the game for the first three quarters at least.

Coach Nick Mallett made just two changes from Christchurch and both are tough nuts: 59-test Leicester prop Martin Castrogiovanni -- fresh from beating South Africa -- and 38-test lock Carlo Antonio Del Fava who will partner fellow South African Quintin Geldenhuys.

With an experienced loose trio of captain Sergio Parisse, Mauro Bergamasco and Alessandro Zanni, a fierce forward battle awaits All Blacks captain Rodney So'oialo's pack.

"Especially looking at the Boks (in this year's Tri-Nations), it gives you confidence that they're beatable," Geldenhuys said.

"We're going to try and target them in the tight phases, scrums and lineouts. We have to win our own ball then maybe put them under a bit of pressure."

Former league star Craig Gower is the key to Mallett's plans and the All Blacks expect plenty of kicking as the home forwards try to assert their dominance.

Gower, who played the Christchurch test, wasn't predicting an upset but admitted the occasion and some improving self-belief might make it interesting.

"Every time you take the field there's an opportunity. It's just how we approach the game and play to Nick's plan. If everyone plays out of their skins you never know what can happen," Gower said.

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