The All Blacks have made an early impact in the second half, extending their lead over Italy in their Nations Championship encounter. This fixture is taking place at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium and sees the All Blacks host Italy for the first time in the capital. The New Zealand side is looking to build on their positive start under new coach Dave Rennie in this important tournament match.
Wellington Return and Recent Form
This match marks a return to Wellington for the All Blacks, their first appearance there since September 2025, when they experienced a 43-17 loss to the Springboks. The team’s recent performances at HNRY Stadium have shown a mixed record, with three losses, two wins, and one draw recorded in their last six fixtures, which includes the aforementioned South Africa result. Despite this varied local record, the All Blacks possess a strong historical record against Italy, a factor that should instil considerable confidence as they face the Azzurri.
Italy’s Tournament Start and Historical Encounters
Italy has a limited history of playing the All Blacks in New Zealand, having only contested three matches on home soil against them. The last of these encounters was 17 years ago in Christchurch, a game that finished 27-6 in favour of the home side. The Azzurri’s start to the inaugural Nations Championship has also been challenging; they lost their opening game against Japan.
In their match against Japan, Italy initially took an early lead following a score by centre Ignacio Brex. However, they soon conceded two converted tries before the 20th minute of the game. Japan then effectively limited Italy, allowing them only three additional points for the remainder of the match, ultimately securing a 27-10 victory. The Nations Championship itself is a biennial event, designed to pit Southern Hemisphere nations against Northern Hemisphere teams in a 12-team, two-pool format, involving the Six Nations, the four Sanzaar nations, Japan, and Fiji.
Team Selections and Match Officials
For the All Blacks, the starting forward pack included Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, and Tyrel Lomax in the front row, with Sam Darry and Tupou Vaa’i partnering in the second row. The back row was composed of Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, and captain Ardie Savea at number eight. Cam Roigard started at scrum-half alongside Ruben Love at fly-half, while the midfield featured Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor, with Leroy Carter and Will Jordan on the wings, and Damian McKenzie at full-back.
The All Blacks bench provided a range of options, including Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, and Josh Lord. Uncapped players Anton Segner and Josh Moorby were also named among the replacements, alongside Cortez Ratima and Anton Lienert-Brown. The team had one player unavailable due to injury, with Fehi Fineanganofo sidelined with a shoulder issue.
Italy’s starting XV featured Danilo Fischetti, Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, and Marco Riccioni in the front row, supported by locks Niccolo Cannone and Andrea Zambonin. Ross Vintcent, Michele Lamaro, and Lorenzo Cannone formed the loose forward trio. Stephen Varney and Paolo Garbisi were selected as the half-back pairing, while Louis Lynagh, Tommaso Menoncello, Juan Ignacio Brex, and Malik Faissal completed the backline, with Tommaso Allan starting at full-back. The Italian bench included Gianmarco Lucchesi, Mirco Spagnolo, Muhamed Hasa, Giulio Marini, Federico Ruzza, Riccardo Favretto, Alessandro Garbisi, and Leonardo Marin.
The test was refereed by French official Luc Ramos, with Nic Berry and Luke Pearce serving as assistant referees. This match marked the first occasion Ramos had taken charge of an All Blacks fixture, though he possessed prior experience officiating Italy, having been the referee for their 23-18 victory.
A History of All Blacks Success
The All Blacks have consistently demonstrated a commanding record against Italy across numerous previous encounters, highlighting a long-standing pattern of dominance.
- 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
This extensive history of results underscores the significant challenge that Italy faces in the Nations Championship, as they continue their campaign against formidable opposition like the All Blacks.