Synonymous with one of New Zealand’s greatest sporting achievements, the Stadio Olimpico is primed for yet more Kiwi success on Saturday. The scene of Peter Snell and Murray Halberg’s Olympic victories in 1960 (a feat dubbed the golden hour for NZ sport), the running track that lies dormant around Rome’s sporting cathedral should witness an All Black shellshacking when they meet a helpless Italian side. The trip to Rome continues New Zealand’s rather ‘friendly’ start to their Northern Tour, having wreaked havoc in Washington and Cardiff against under strength American and Welsh outfits. In the fifteen meetings between these two nations, the All Blacks have tasted success in all, dreadful reading for the men looking to defend their home turf. As much as it promises one-way traffic though, Saturday afternoons test match also marks the start of Kieran Crowley’s tenure in the Italian head coaching role. Born in New Zealand, and am ex-All Black himself (1983-1993 with 35 caps), the former Canadian coach takes charge following success with Benetton in the 2021 Pro14 Rainbow Cup. His presence should add vigor, where it was previously lacking. in the test match.
The 54-16 bollocking of a second-string Wales side in Cardiff last Saturday should set the way forward for a similar result in Rome this weekend. Accustomed to such results on this side of the world, picking up a 66-3 victory in their last test match with the Azzurri back in 2018, Foster is expected to give some of his fringe men another go as the true contests of the tour begin to loom. Sam Cane, formerly the captain, should return to the team sheet this weekend as he continues to recover from injury. The question will be whether he jumps straight into a starting role for the first time since June, or continues to be eased into the test environment with another cameo off the bench.
One of their star performers in Cardiff, Ardie Savea has featured prominently through the little build up that has transpired in the early part of the week. Whilst it’s unlikely he’ll take part in the action on Saturday, Savea warned his teammates of the physicality of the Italian pack, specifically in the loose. Such a statement seems far-fetched though, given New Zealand’s record against the Azzurri, and the fact that the home side haven’t tasted a single victory in the Six Nations since 2015. Nevertheless it shows focus from this All Black side, determined to keep the big scores coming as they roll into the crunch time of their November campaign.
As mentioned however, expect Foster to ring the changes, Mo’unga to swap in at flyhalf, Mackenzie to slot back in at fullback, and the likes of Akira Ioane and Luke Jacobsen to return in the back row. Injury to Brodie Retallick, means he certainly won’t step on the field this Saturday, something that was unlikely to happen anyway. That opens the door ever more for a second test appearance for Josh Lord, which looks likely to transpire from the bench. The halfback battle also remains an interesting talking point, with Brad Weber and Finlay Christie going head to head for the nine jumper this weekend.
Those in Azzurri blue will be hoping Crowley’s arrival sparks change in the nation's fortunes. False dawns have been rather frequent though, Connor O’Shea and Jacques Brunel guilty of failing to deliver as the past two coaches at the helm. Under the tutelage of a well respected former player-turned coach, those in head office should have more cause for optimism however, especially given Crowley’s success with Benetton. Such improvement won’t come against the All Blacks this weekend though, Italy without any test action since March and a sixth successive winless Six Nations campaign. With all of that combined, cohesion and tactics should prove enough of a challenge as it is. The Azzurri won’t lack for passion though, and with players such as Matteo Minozzi, Sebastian Negri, and Luca Bigi, will offer effort.
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