The All Blacks have struck early in the second half to extend their lead over Italy in the Nations Championship, with action from Wellington’s Hnry Stadium. The All Blacks will be looking to continue their positive start under new coach Dave Rennie as they meet Italy for the first time in Wellington.
All Blacks’ Wellington Return and Recent Form
This marks the first time the team are back playing in Wellington since their humiliating 43-17 loss to the Springboks in September 2025. Their recent record at HNRY Stadium has been mixed beyond this result.
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 mixed home record, their strong historical performance against Italy should provide confidence heading into this game.
Historical Dominance and Italy’s Challenge
The Azzurri have only played three matches in New Zealand against the All Blacks, with the last encounter being in Christchurch 17 years ago, which finished 27-6 to the home side. The All Blacks hold a commanding historical record against Italy, including a 96-17 victory in Lyon in 2023, a 29-11 win in Turin in 2024, and a 47-9 win in Rome in 2021.
Further past results show a 66-3 win in Rome in 2018, a 68-10 victory in Rome in 2016, and a 42-10 win in Rome in 2012. Earlier matches include a 20-6 win in Milan in 2009, a 27-6 win in Christchurch in 2009, a 76-14 victory in Marseille in 2007, and a 59-10 triumph in Rome in 2004.
Italy lost their opening Nations Championship game against Japan, despite taking an early lead through centre Ignacio Brex. Japan then conceded two converted tries before the 20th minute, limiting Italy to only three more points for the remainder of the match to secure a 27-10 victory.
The inaugural Nations Championship features the Southern Hemisphere and the Northern Hemisphere squaring off every two years in a 12-team, two-pool tournament format, including the Six Nations, the four Sanzaar nations, Japan, and Fiji.
Team Line-ups and Match Officials
The All Blacks squad for this encounter sees Ardie Savea captaining the side at number eight. The starting front row comprises Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, and Tyrel Lomax, with Sam Darry and Tupou Vaa’i forming the lock partnership. Wallace Sititi and Luke Jacobson join Savea in the back row, while Cam Roigard starts at scrum-half alongside Ruben Love at fly-half. The midfield features Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor, with Leroy Carter and Will Jordan on the wings and Damian McKenzie at full-back. On the bench, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, and Anton Segner, who is uncapped, provide forward cover. Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, and uncapped Josh Moorby are the backline reserves, with Fehi Fineanganofo unavailable due to a shoulder injury.
For Italy, Danilo Fischetti, Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, and Marco Riccioni start in the front row. Niccolo Cannone and Andrea Zambonin are the locks, while Ross Vintcent, Michele Lamaro, and Lorenzo Cannone make up the back row, with Lamaro also captaining the side. Stephen Varney and Paolo Garbisi form the half-back pairing. The centres are Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex, with Louis Lynagh and Malik Faissal on the wings and Tommaso Allan at full-back. The Italian bench includes 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, assisted by Nic Berry and Luke Pearce. Ramos has not previously refereed an All Blacks match, but he does have experience with Italy, having been the referee for their 23-18 victory.
The All Blacks will be looking to continue their positive start under new coach Dave Rennie as they meet Italy for the first time in Wellington.