A week after its cruel defeat against France (30-29), New Zealand ended its tour of the Northern Hemisphere with a difficult victory against Italy 29-11 on Saturday in Turin.
A year after crushing the Nazionale 96-17 in the group stage of the World Cup, the All Blacks scored an 18th victory in as many matches against their Italian opponents.
But while they had scored an average of 60 points – for ten conceded – during their previous clashes against Italy, this time the All Blacks were content with four tries and had to wait until the 70th minute to definitively take the lead. ‘advantage.
In front of the 40,000 spectators at the Allianz Stadium, the stadium of Juventus Turin, they did not show their best face, multiplying the clumsiness, inaccuracies and forwards, sometimes also bordering on complacency.
The Nazionale, hardly more skillful but diligent in defense, could have hoped for better, but they did not take advantage of their two numerical superiority situations, even conceding a try when the All Blacks were reduced to 14 after the exclusion of Scott Barrett (19th).
In the first period, Cam Roignard (24th) and Will Jordan (39th) responded with a try each, the 38th in 41 selections for Jordan, to two penalties from Paulo Garbisi.
Returning from the locker room, the Nazionale had a long highlight, which they failed to put on the scoreboard, remaining stuck five meters from the New Zealand goal.
Last for Cane and Perenara
Italy had a glimpse of the feat until the 70th minute and New Zealand’s third try scored by Mark Tele’a.
New Zealand scrum half Beauden Barrett during his team’s victory against Italy on November 23, 2024 in Turin / MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP
If Tommaso Menoncello saved the honor with the only Italian try (76th), the last word went to New Zealand thanks to Beauden Barrett (79th).
“Everything didn’t go as we hoped in this match, a real showdown, but we are heading in the right direction”analyzed Will Jordan.
Third row Sam Cane, captain of the All Blacks during the last World Cup, said goodbye to international rugby during this match, his 104th in the black jersey, as did scrum half TJ Perenara (89th). selection).
Scott Robertson’s team ends its autumn tour with three victories, in Dublin against Ireland (23-13), at Twickenham against England (24-22) and against Italy.
Only the French team beat the All Blacks, who began their tour in Yokohoma by crushing Japan (64-19).
Italy, for its part, showed two faces in 2024, the first season under the direction of former Argentinian international Gonzalo Quesada.
She was ambitious and attractive during the Six Nations Tournament, the best in its history, concluded with two victories and a draw. His fall tour was less exciting with two defeats, against Argentina (50-18) and against New Zealand, for a narrow victory against Georgia (20-17).
“We can be proud of this last match, it must serve as a basis for the next Tournament”said Juan Ignacio Brex, captain of the National in the absence of Michele Lamaro, injured.
How did the All Blacks’ performance against Italy reflect the potential impact of Sam Cane and TJ Perenara’s retirements on the team’s future direction?
## Interview: Analyzing New Zealand’s Uneven Victory Over Italy
**Guests:**
* **Ross Thompson:** Rugby Commentator and Analyst
* **Giulia Mancini:** Italian Rugby Journalist
**Section 1: The All Blacks’ Performance**
**Host:** Welcome to the show, Ross and Giulia. New Zealand secured a victory against Italy, but it wasn’t their typical dominant display. Ross, what were your initial thoughts on the All Blacks’ performance, considering their recent World Cup disappointment against France?
**Ross:**
**Host:** Giulia, from an Italian perspective, how do you assess New Zealand’s showing? Did they underestimate Italy?
**Giulia:**
**Section 2: Italy’s Fight and Future Prospects**
**Host:** Despite the loss, Italy showed incredible resilience, especially defensively. Giulia, what impressed you most about their performance?
**Giulia:**
**Host:** Ross, do you think Italy is making progress under their new coach, Gonzalo Quesada? What areas do they need to develop to consistently challenge top-tier teams like New Zealand?
**Ross:**
**Section 3: The Significance of Departures and New Beginnings**
**Host:** This match marked the final international appearances for two All Black legends, Sam Cane and TJ Perenara. Ross, what legacy do these players leave behind, and how will their absence impact the team moving forward?
**Ross:**
**Host:** Giulia, looking ahead to the Six Nations, what are your expectations for Italy?
**Giulia:**
**Section 4: Rugby’s Global Landscape**
**Host:** Both teams have experienced significant moments this year, from New Zealand’s World Cup upset to Italy’s promising Six Nations performance. Ross, what are the key narratives shaping the world of rugby at the moment?
**Ross:**
**Host:** Giulia, how do you see the balance of power shifting in international rugby? Are we witnessing the emergence of new powerhouses?
**Giulia:**
**Closing Remarks:**
**Host:** Thank you both for your insightful perspectives. It’s clear that international rugby is entering an exciting new chapter, with established teams facing new challenges and exciting new nations rising through the ranks.
