Review here the main incidences of the match
Before it crossed paths with Frana, Italy had another mountain to climb. New Zealand, frustrated by their opening defeat to Bleus, were looking to gain momentum ahead of the quarter-finals. And to bring back to reality the transalpines, who dreamed of a historical clearance.
But it all fell apart as they committed an in-forward in their own 22 almost from the start. The All Blacks began to work their magic, wearing down the Italian defence and eventually finding an opening at the end of the line through Will Jordan, who was perfectly placed at their feet (7 minutes). But the Italians didn’t give up, passing three points and looking threatening. Then the forwards did their job and launched a devastating group from the penalty spot to make the goal even more emphatic through Aaron Smith (14-3, 18 minutes).
And the blow to the head was real. On the rebound, Ardie Savea went over the front line and, 60 metres ahead, Mark Telea increased the count, before Savea himself increased the score, allowing the Blacks to earn the offensive bonus on 23 minutes. But the onslaught didn’t stop, and Aaron Smith upped his tally by passing behind a ruck. He then scored a hat-trick, following Jordie Barrett perfectly as he broke through the defence. The Blacks showed no signs of slowing down and continued to push forward until after the siren, allowing Savea to score two goals. At halftime, the score was 49-3.
Inevitably, the second half promised to be devoid of any real interest. The Italians were desperate to save the honor and did everything to do so. Dominance of the match was rewarded with a shot from Ange Capuozzo (49 minutes). To remember the magnitude of the score, the Blacks immediately scored another try with Brodie Retallick, who took advantage of a Jordie Barrett counterattack. It was a demonstration, and Dalton Papa’ali sprang into action, taking advantage of the work of a still-impressive Mark Telea.
It was time for Squadra Azzura to come to an end. Dan Coles took advantage of a one-touch combination, and then McKenzie, who had just come in, moved on for a rehearsal. Then it was Will Jordan’s turn to add to the humiliation, then Coles again, then Lienert-Brown — it was full of the result. Monty Ioane’s last goal made no difference, and, in the end, New Zealand won 96-17, showing their true colours. The All Blacks will undoubtedly face Ireland in the quarterfinals, and the game promises to be nothing short of real.
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