The “shock” announced between New Zealand and Italy turned into a correction in Lyon this Friday with the very large victory of the Blacks against the Squadra Azzura (96-17), who conceded 14 tries a week from find the XV of France.
New Zealand inflicted a very heavy defeat on Italy 96-17 on Friday evening in Lyon and took a big step towards the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Cup. Thanks to this large improved success, the All Blacks regain second place to their evening opponents, with ten points, like the Italians, and three points behind France, before the last day of group A.
The New Zealanders gave a weak Italy no hope, breaking away very quickly to pocket the offensive bonus point after just 22 minutes and scoring a total of 14 tries. Before the last day of the group stage, they regained favorite status, just like France, South Africa and Ireland. Despite this rout, Italy is not yet eliminated but will have to beat the French team on October 6 in Lyon to hope for qualification in the quarter-finals.
>> Relive New Zealand-Italy (96-17)
Italian Calvary
For the ‘Nazionale’, the hope of winning the scalp of the men in black for the first time in its history only lasted a minute. Time for the All Blacks to steal the ball from their opponents in their camp and advance patiently but inevitably towards the Azzuro goal. An action materialized five minutes later by winger Will Jordan, receiving a pass at the foot of Jordie Barrett to score with a corner pirouette the first try of the game, transformed by Richie Mo’unga (7- 0.6th).
To respond to the dexterity of their three-quarter, the All Blacks forwards also showed their muscles, pushing, after a penalty, the Italian pack on a carried ball concluded by scrum half Aaron Smith (14-3, 17th). Unable to compete in the static phases, overwhelmed by the speed of the New Zealanders, deprived of the ball, the rest was a long way of the cross for Italy, reduced to the role of sparring partner, trending Brahim Asloum against Mike Tyson.
From the 23rd minute, the New Zealanders pocketed the offensive bonus point (28-3). 20 minutes later, they returned to the locker room with a score in the form of a nod to the French government: 49-3. And the men in black did not relax their grip in the second half, adding to their six tries scored during the first act, eight others, PlayStation style, each more beautiful than the other, sewn with gold thread by the magic of the men in black.
“Free rugby”
They left only crumbs for the Italians: two tries from wingers Ange Capuozzo and Monty Ioane which did not help reduce the gulf that still exists between the two teams. The Azzurri can just rejoice at not having suffered a record defeat against the Blacks, who lost 101-3 to the New Zealanders in 1999. The All Blacks therefore reminded that they still exist at the top of the world rugby ladder.
“We have talent in all areas of the game but we haven’t really found the click yet. Tonight, we played free rugby,” said Ardie Savea, the captain of the men in black, on the microphone. from Sky Sports. Playing forward, with the speed and skill they showed, fullbacks and forwards mixed together, they looked unstoppable.
Ireland, whom they will probably face in the quarter-finals in Saint-Denis, barring any surprises, has been warned. In the meantime the All Blacks can enjoy. In Lyon, they offered Sam Whitelock a new feast for his 149th selection with the black jersey, beating for the occasion the record he co-held with Richie McCaw, present in Lyon.