The All Blacks are set to host Italy in the Nations Championship, with the match taking place at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium. Under new coach Dave Rennie, the All Blacks will be aiming to continue their positive start to the competition.
This fixture marks the first time the All Blacks have played in Wellington since their 43-17 loss to the Springboks in September 2025. The team’s recent record at HNRY Stadium has been mixed, with three losses, two wins, and one draw in their last six fixtures in the capital, including the result against South Africa.
Italy’s Nations Championship Challenge
Italy, known as the Azzurri, arrive in New Zealand following a defeat in their opening Nations Championship game against Japan. Despite centre Ignacio Brex securing an early lead for Italy, they subsequently conceded two converted tries before the 20th minute.
Japan ultimately limited Italy to only three more points for the remainder of the match, securing a 27-10 victory. Italy has a limited history playing the All Blacks in New Zealand, having only contested three matches in the country. The last encounter was 17 years ago in Christchurch, which saw the home side win 27-6.
Historical Dominance and Tournament Overview
The All Blacks possess a strong historical record against Italy, which should provide them with confidence heading into this game. Their head-to-head encounters demonstrate a consistent 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 match is part of the inaugural Nations Championship, a tournament designed to see the Southern Hemisphere and the Northern Hemisphere square off every two years. The competition features a 12-team, two-pool format, including the Six Nations teams, the four Sanzaar nations, Japan, and Fiji.
Squad Selections and Match Officials
The All Blacks starting XV features Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, and Tyrel Lomax in the front row, with Sam Darry and Tupou Vaa’i at lock. The back row includes Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, and captain Ardie Savea. Cam Roigard starts at scrum-half, partnering Ruben Love at fly-half. The backline sees Leroy Carter, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Will Jordan, and Damian McKenzie completing the team.
The All Blacks bench includes Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Anton Segner, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Josh Moorby. Anton Segner and Josh Moorby are uncapped players. Fehi Fineanganofo is unavailable due to a shoulder injury.
Italy’s starting line-up includes Danilo Fischetti, Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, and Marco Riccioni in the front row, with Niccolo Cannone and Andrea Zambonin as the locks. The back row comprises Ross Vintcent, Michele Lamaro, and Lorenzo Cannone. Stephen Varney and Paolo Garbisi form the half-back pairing. Louis Lynagh, Tommaso Menoncello, Juan Ignacio Brex, Malik Faissal, and Tommaso Allan complete Italy’s starting backs.
The Italian bench features Gianmarco Lucchesi, Mirco Spagnolo, Muhamed Hasa, Giulio Marini, Federico Ruzza, Riccardo Favretto, Alessandro Garbisi, and Leonardo Marin.
French referee Luc Ramos is in charge of the test match, with Nic Berry and Luke Pearce serving as assistant referees. Ramos has not taken charge of an All Blacks match before, but he has experience with Italy.
The All Blacks will be confident heading into this fixture, given their formidable historical record against Italy and their strong start under new coach Dave Rennie.