New Zealand v Italy - teams and Prediction
PREVIEW: All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said he won’t be caught out by an under-par Italian performance in the opening round of the Nations Championship when the two teams meet in Wellington on Saturday.
Italy were soundly beaten 10-27 by Japan last Saturday and now face the only top-tier rugby nation they have never beaten, losing all 18 previous matches against New Zealand.
Rennie is not reading much into Italy’s loss against Japan, instead focusing on their Six Nations wins over Scotland and England, and earlier wins against the likes of Australia.
“They’re not going to sneak into town,” Rennie said of the Azzurri.
“We’re well aware of the threat.”
Rennie praised the Italian scrum and their set piece in general, describing their game as “really innovative”.
“They’ll come hard defensively. That can create a bit of havoc for us, but it can create opportunity too if we’re good enough to hold our feet and pick them off.
“They’re a good side. I know Neil Barnes had a fair bit to do with Italy when Kieran [Crowley] was there, he knows a lot of the boys well, so it’s been good having him in the tent.”
Italian coach Gonzalo Quesada made three changes to his starting team for Saturday night’s match.
Fullback Tommaso Allan will start his 91st Test match alongside recalled winger Louis Lynagh, and Exeter Chiefs flanker Ross Vintcent moves into the starting team.
Quesada has named uncapped Benetton back-rower Giulio Marini on his bench, which features six forwards among the eight replacements.
Rennie made 11 changes to his matchday squad from the team which beat France 34-32 in Christchurch last Saturday, including five to the starting team.
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The All Blacks were rapid at the ruck in possession against France, unfurling their new game plan under coach Rennie – who replaced fired Scott Robertson in February.
New Zealand kicked very little compared to previous seasons, with only 17 from open play in the match against France, instead opting to run from deep in their own half when there were opportunities.
“I loved the mindset last week,” Rennie said.
“Huge work ethic. Our brutality with the ball was excellent.
“Probably wasn’t the same defensively so we want a lot more line speed, a lot more two in the tackle and give them slower ball, turnover ball.
“We think we could stress teams.”
Rennie made three changes to his forward pack with prop Tyrel Lomax, lock Tupou Vaa’i and flanker Wallace Sititi into the starting team, while winger Leroy Carter and centre Billy Proctor were also given starts.
Captain Ardie Savea looked a battered and bruised figure after the French victory, and after 18 months of continuous rugby Rennie said he is considering when to give the loose forward a rest.
“We’ve certainly talked long term around Ardie,” Rennie said.
“He’s been going for a lot of months.
“We managed him very well at Kobe, to make sure he could come back and be ready to go in this series.
“The plan is that he’ll play these three tests and then we might delay his start in Africa.”
New Zealand begins a month-long tour of South Africa in August, featuring four Test matches.
The All Blacks face Ireland at Auckland’s Eden Park next Saturday to conclude their July internationals.
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Players to watch:
For New Zealand: The All Blacks have made several exciting changes for the second Test against Italy. Leroy Carter is one of the biggest talking points after earning a surprise start on the left wing in place of Caleb Clarke. Billy Proctor also comes into the side at outside centre, where he will partner Jordie Barrett in midfield. In the forwards, dynamic flanker Wallace Sititi will be one to watch as he looks to cement his place in the All Blacks squad with another standout performance. Up front, Tyrel Lomax and Tupou Vaa’i strengthen the pack and are expected to make a big impact.
For Italy: Italy have reshuffled their team following last week’s defeat. Experienced fullback Tommaso Allan returns to the starting line-up and will earn his 91st international cap against New Zealand. On the wing, Louis Lynagh makes his Nations Championship debut after missing the match against Japan. Another player to watch is Ross Vintcent, the Exeter Chiefs flanker, who has been selected in the starting XV by head coach Gonzalo Quesada and will aim to make his mark against the powerful All Blacks.
Prediction:
@Rugby365: New Zealand by 17 points
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Sam Darry, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.
Italy: 15 Tommaso Allan, 14 Malik Faissal, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 11 Louis Lynagh, 10 Paolo Garbisi, 9 Stephen Varney, 8 Lorenzo Cannone, 7 Michele Lamaro (captain), 6 Ross Vintcent, 5 Andrea Zambonin, 4 Niccolo Cannone, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 1 Danilo Fischetti.
Replacements: 16 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Muhamed Hasa, 19 Giulio Marini, 20 Federico Ruzza, 21 Riccardo Favretto, 22 Alessandro Garbisi, 23 Leonardo Marin.
Date: Saturday, July 11
Venue: Hnry Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 17.10 (07.10 CEST; 05.10 GMT)
Referee: Luc Ramos (France)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia) & Luke Pearce (England)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
