The All Blacks have continued their positive start under new coach Dave Rennie, securing a victory over Italy in the Nations Championship. This fixture marked the first time the two nations have met in Wellington, with the match taking place at the city’s Hnry Stadium. The All Blacks entered the contest looking to build on their form, while Italy aimed to bounce back from an earlier defeat in the competition.
The All Blacks’ Return to the Capital
The match against Italy marked the All Blacks’ return to Wellington for the first time since their humiliating 43-17 loss to the Springboks in September 2025. The team’s recent performance at HNRY Stadium, including that defeat, has been described as mixed. In their last six fixtures in the capital, including the South Africa result, the All Blacks have recorded three losses, two wins, and one draw. Despite this varied record in Wellington, the All Blacks’ strong historical performance against Italy was expected to provide confidence as they approached this Nations Championship encounter. They were looking to continue their positive start under the guidance of coach Dave Rennie.
Italy’s Nations Championship Campaign and New Zealand History
Italy, known as the Azzurri, arrived in Wellington having already played their opening fixture of the Nations Championship. Their first game in the tournament resulted in a loss against Japan. During that match, Italy initially took an early lead through their centre, Ignacio Brex. However, they subsequently conceded two converted tries before the 20th minute mark. Japan then effectively limited Italy to adding only three more points for the remainder of the match, ultimately securing a 27-10 victory.
Furthermore, Italy has a sparse history of playing the All Blacks on New Zealand soil, having only featured in three such matches. The most recent of these encounters took place 17 years ago in Christchurch, where the home side triumphed with a 27-6 scoreline.
The Inaugural Nations Championship and Historical Encounters
The match between New Zealand and Italy forms part of the inaugural Nations Championship. This new competition format sees the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere nations square off every two years. It is structured as a 12-team, two-pool tournament, featuring the Six Nations sides, the four Sanzaar nations, Japan, and Fiji.
The All Blacks entered this encounter with a strong historical record against the Azzurri. Their past results against Italy include:
- 2024 – All Blacks 29 Italy 11, Turin
- 2023 – All Blacks 96 Italy 17, Lyon
- 2021 – All Blacks 47 Italy 9, Rome
- 2018 – All Backs 66 Italy 3, Rome
- 2016 – All Blacks 68 Italy 10, Rome
- 2012 – All Blacks 42 Italy 10, Rome
- 2009 – All Blacks 20 Italy 6, Milan
- 2009 – All Blacks 27 Italy 6, Christchurch
- 2007 – All Blacks 76 Italy 14, Marseille
- 2004 – All Blacks 59 Italy 10, Rome
Italy has only played three matches against the All Blacks in New Zealand. The most recent of these encounters in New Zealand was 17 years ago in Christchurch, which concluded with a 27-6 victory for the home side.
Team Selections and Match Officials
For the All Blacks, the starting fifteen featured Ethan de Groot at loosehead prop, Codie Taylor at hooker, and Tyrel Lomax at tighthead. The second row was comprised of Sam Darry and Tupou Vaa’i, while the back row included Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, and captain Ardie Savea at number eight. The half-back pairing saw Cam Roigard at scrum-half and Ruben Love at fly-half. In the centres, Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor lined up, with Leroy Carter and Will Jordan on the wings, and Damian McKenzie at full-back. The bench provided options including Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, and the uncapped players Anton Segner and Josh Moorby. Additional replacements were Cortez Ratima and Anton Lienert-Brown. It was also noted that Fehi Fineanganofo was unavailable for selection due to a shoulder injury.
Italy’s starting line-up included Danilo Fischetti, Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, and Marco Riccioni in the front row. The second row featured Niccolo Cannone and Andrea Zambonin. The back row was made up of Ross Vintcent, captain Michele Lamaro, and Lorenzo Cannone at number eight. The half-backs were Stephen Varney and Paolo Garbisi. In the midfield, Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex started, with Louis Lynagh and Malik Faissal on the wings, and Tommaso Allan at full-back. Replacements for Italy included Gianmarco Lucchesi, Mirco Spagnolo, Muhamed Hasa, Giulio Marini, Federico Ruzza, Riccardo Favretto, Alessandro Garbisi, and Leonardo Marin.
French referee Luc Ramos was in charge of the test match. He was supported by assistant referees Nic Berry and Luke Pearce. It was Ramos’s first time officiating an All Blacks match, although he has prior experience refereeing Italy, having overseen their 23-18 contest.
The All Blacks will be looking to continue their positive start under coach Dave Rennie as they progress through the Nations Championship. Their strong record against Italy remains a consistent feature in their history, providing a firm foundation for their campaign.