New Zealand v Italy

NOVEMBER 24 // STADIO OLIMPICO, ROME ITALY 3 – NEW ZEALAND 66

Build Up Fast Facts

✪ The All Blacks made significant changes but kept senior players Kieran Read and Beauden Barrett in the starting XV.

✪ They made the decision to play Jordie Barrett on the right wing despite the fact he had never played there before.

✪ Not panicking was the message stressed by the players and coaching sta• after the defeat to Ireland and the need to deliver a strong performance against an Italian side they certainly respected.

The Game Fast Facts

✪ The All Blacks weren’t perfect by any means but they had a degree of control and precision that made them far too good for Italy.

✪ They had the game won by half-time and then built their flow and rhythm in the second half scoring 10 tries in total.

✪ They also showed a significant desire to defend, refusing to let Italy have a score at the end of the game.

Star Players

✪ Jordie Barrett scored four tries and was man of the match in a performance that will have bolstered his confidence.

✪ Patrick Tuipulotu ran hard with the ball and was destructive.

✪ Vaea Fifita had his best all round game as an All Black. Showing an appetite to not only carry hard but to get o• the defensive line and make some big tackles.