The All Blacks issued a stern warning to all teams that harbour any World Cup dreams. New Zealand complete dominated the first half and score seven tries to lead 49-03 at the halftime break. Despite a "better" first ten minutes in the first half and scoring a try, Italy was manhandled by the All Blacks who secured a fourteen try 96-17 win.
The All Blacks come into this match third in Pool A, five points adrift of opponents Italy, and a further three behind leaders France. An unthinkable defeat here would leave them facing a pool stage exit for the first time.
The All Blacks attacked from the start of the match and set up camp in Italy's 22m. A brilliant kick pass by Jordie Barrett was controlled by Will Jordan out wide, to score the All Blacks first try to take an early 07-00 lead. Three minutes later, Italy answered with a converted penalty by Tommaso Allan.
The All Blacks continued to pile on the pressure when Aaron Smith scored from the back of a 5m lineout maul to extend their lead to 14-03 after sixteen minutes of play in the first half. This was followed almost immediately by a Mark Telea try from the kick off. Great interplay and handling by the All Blacks was to much for the defence of Italy. The All Blacks led 21-03.
The All Blacks continued to dominate with two tries by Ardie Savea and Aaron Smith to lead 49-03 at the halftime break
Italy dominated from the start of the second half and was rewarded when winger Ange Capuozzo scored Italy's first try of the match, however, Brodie Retallick scored from the kick off for the All Blacks to extend their lead to 56-10 after ten minutes of play in the second half.
Therafter tries by Dalton Papali'i, Dane Coles (2), Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan and Anton Lienert-Brown secured the All Blacks a fourteen try 96-17 win following Montanna Ioane scored Italy's second try after time was up on the clock.
Scorers:
All Blacks: Tries: Will Jordan, Aaron Smith (3), Mark Telea, Ardie Savea (2), Brodie Retallick, Dalton Papali'i, Dane Coles (2), Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan. Conversion: Richie Mo'unga (9), Damian McKenzie (4).
Italy: Tries: Ange Capuozzo, Montanna Ioane. Conversions: Tommaso Allan (2). Penalty: Tommaso Allan.
All Blacks: 1 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Nepo Laulala, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 Scott Barrett, 6 Shannon Frizell, 7 Dalton Papali'i, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 9 Aaron Smith, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 11 Mark Telea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Will Jordan, 15 Beauden Barrett. Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.
Italy: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 3 Marco Riccioni, 4 Dino Lamb, 5 Federico Ruzza, 6 Sebastian Negri, 7 Michele Lamaro (c), 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 9 Stephen Varney, 10 Paolo Garbisi, 11 Montanna Ioane, 12 Luca Morisi, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 14 Ange Capuozzo, 15 Tommaso Allan. Replacements: 16 Hame Faiva, 17 Ivan Nemer, 18 Simone Ferrari, 19 Niccolo Cannone, 20 Manuel Zuliani, 21 Toa Halafihi, 22 Martin Page-Relo, 23 Paolo Odogwu.
