The All Blacks are set to face Italy in a Nations Championship match today in Wellington at the Cake Tin, with kick-off scheduled for 5:10 pm. This fixture marks the second Test under head coach Dave Rennie, following the team’s 34-32 victory against France in Christchurch last weekend, which was Rennie’s first match in charge.
The All Blacks have a historical advantage over Italy, having never lost to them and are pursuing an 18th consecutive win against the Azzurri. Rennie emphasised the respect the team has for their opponents, stating that Italy has demonstrated their capability to challenge any team during the Six Nations competition. The team has prepared for a demanding encounter, anticipating a sold-out crowd in Wellington.
Team selections and milestones
For this match, the All Blacks have made five starting changes. Tyrel Lomax, who is set to achieve his 50th Test cap, will start at tighthead prop. Other changes include Tupou Vaa’i in the lock position, Wallace Sititi as flanker, Billy Proctor at centre, and Leroy Carter on the wing. On the bench, Anton Segner and Josh Moorby are set to make their debuts.
Notably, Beauden Barrett, a player with 144 Test caps, has been omitted from the squad for the second consecutive week. Ruben Love will continue at first-five, with Damian McKenzie retained at fullback. Will Jordan is nearing Doug Howlett’s All Blacks Test try-scoring record, having scored two tries against France, bringing his total to 47 Test tries. He now holds the second position on New Zealand’s all-time list, needing two more tries to equal Howlett’s record of 49.
The defensive performance of the All Blacks will be under scrutiny, as they conceded 32 points and four tries against France, alongside three first-half high-tackle penalties. One of these penalties resulted in Ruben Love receiving a yellow card early in the match. Scrum coach Jason Ryan expects more scrums against Italy, especially given the outdoor and potentially wet conditions in Wellington, acknowledging Italy’s strong scrum.
Italian perspective and match conditions
Italy is expected to present a robust defensive challenge, having achieved the second-best tackle percentage among all Nations Championship teams last week against Japan, with 84.7 percent. This match is a significant opportunity for Italy to respond after their defeat against Japan. Gianmarco Lucchesi, an Italy hooker, expressed the team’s eagerness to prove themselves after the loss, noting the high number of turnovers against Japan as a key factor in their defeat.
Lucchesi highlighted the unique experience of playing in New Zealand and the determination of the team to improve. He stated that the team needs to make significant progress to compete effectively against the All Blacks. The All Blacks and Italy last met in Turin in 2024.
The weather forecast for Wellington indicates mostly cloudy conditions with a high of around 8C and a 20% chance of rain, suggesting a cold evening for spectators at Hnry Stadium. Public transport services, including Metlink trains and buses, will operate with extra capacity before and after the match to accommodate fans. The Wairarapa Line’s 6:55 pm service has been rescheduled to 7:20 pm to allow fans to reach the station post-match.
Match tickets will serve as a Metlink pass for the day, valid on buses and trains to and from the Test, excluding Airport Express buses, harbour ferry services, or Total Mobility taxis. An additional harbour ferry sailing is scheduled from Queens Wharf at approximately 7:30 pm, though bookings are required.
Source: 1news.co.nz
