How the media throughout the world responded to the All Blacks’ 29–11 triumph over Italy in Turin
“Not very impressive.”
Reuters’ Trevor Stynes
As the All Blacks concluded their autumn series with a lacklustre victory in which the expected try-fest did not materialise, New Zealand laboured to a 29-11 victory over a valiant, battling Italy on Saturday (today NZT).
The visitors were supposed to vent their frustration after losing to France the previous weekend against an Italian team that had been struggling lately, losing badly to Argentina and then rallying to defeat Georgia.
Instead, Italy appeared to be the superior team early on, leading 6-3 before New Zealand eventually found two tries from Will Jordan and Cam Roigard, both of which were converted by Beauden Barrett, to lead 17-6 at halftime.
The second half was half an hour old when Mark Tele’a’s try extended the visitors’ lead. Tommaso Menoncello then went over for Italy before a late Barrett touchdown. Italy once again emerged stronger, camping out on the All Blacks’ line but unable to make it count.
For extended stretches, Italy proved to be more than a match for a formidable and seasoned All Blacks team, and their performance on Saturday was a significant improvement over their 96-17 loss at last year’s World Cup. Italy had never defeated New Zealand in their previous 16 encounters.
“Scratchy, ugly performance”
The All Blacks had to put in a lot more effort to defeat their European counterparts after a spirited 29-11 victory in Turin, fourteen months after New Zealand crushed Italy 96-17 in Lyon.
On a very cold night in the north-west of Italy, Scott Robertson’s team was taxed at the breakdown and only achieved a four-tries-to-one victory in an ugly, scrappy effort.
Few will want to recall the game, but Gonzalo Quesada’s team deserves praise for their ability to make the final tackle and drive the All Blacks into errors.
The All Blacks were not playing at their best from the first whistle.
The easy victory in the end didn’t change the outcome of what was a difficult game to witness for a team that has left many people doubtful in 2024, even with the late burst of points.
“An uncoordinated display”
Kyriacou Adam, PlanetRugby
In a haphazard performance, New Zealand defeated a much-improved Italy 29–11 at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday in the Autumn Nations Series.
Beauden Barrett led the All Blacks to a hard-fought victory, adding nine points off the tee to scores from Cam Roigard, Will Jordan, Mark Tele’a, and Barrett.
Italy will be encouraged by their performance, particularly after a dismal recent run, as Paolo Garbisi kicked six points and Tommaso Menoncello scored.
Italy’s performance in the first half was encouraging as they gave New Zealand a lot of issues and put on a strong front in a better showing.
Unfortunately, the Azzurri were unable to tear down the black wall, even after Anton Lienert-Brown was sent to the sin-bin for multiple team offences.
When the final ten minutes drew near, the score was still tied at 16–7, but there were some significant moments, such as Sam Cane’s farewell bow to thunderous cheers. As scrum-half TJ Perenara came off the bench for his farewell appearance in the black shirt, another departing New Zealand star was introduced.
However, the impasse was finally broken on minute 71 when Tele’a was found by careless backline passing, with Beauden Barrett providing the hard extras.
“It wasn’t pretty.”
Lester Ned, RugbyPass
The All Blacks’ season finale pitted them against a rising Italian team in what would be the most physically demanding match the Kiwis have played in 2024.
Scott Robertson’s team ended a massive 2024 campaign and two legendary All Blacks’ careers with a 29-11 victory in a difficult match played in almost cold conditions in Italy.
The Turin audience gave Sam Cane a standing ovation as he left the pitch and the international arena, with many people standing to say goodbye to the former All Blacks captain and Test century.
Although it wasn’t nice, the All Blacks were able to get the ball wide off the back of another powerful scrum as the clock approached the 70th minute. Eventually, it reached Mark Tele’a’s waiting hands, who touched down in the corner. Off the tee, Beauden Barrett made it four out of four.
Following 75 minutes of Italian character, Tommaso Menoncello’s flying try gave the home team the prize they deserved, amid the cheers of the Turin supporters.
Beauden Barrett received a tenacious clearance kick and spied some space down the sideline, running from just outside the Italian 22 for a try to sign, seal, and deliver New Zealand’s 14th [10th out of 14 games] victory of the season, 29-11, just as it appeared the hosts would have the last say.
Even though it was a far cry from the 96–17 thumping in the World Cup the previous year, New Zealand’s hard-fought triumph marked the departure of Sam Cane and TJ Perenara.
The scoreboard was the only area where the All Blacks were not dominant.
The Associated Press
On Saturday, New Zealand ended the visit with a 29-11 victory in fall rugby, dominating Italy everywhere but the scoring.
After five weeks in Yokohama, London, Dublin, Paris, and Turin, the All Blacks wanted to close 2024 in a grand fashion and bid farewell to departing mainstays Sam Cane and TJ Perenara.
However, after losing to the All Blacks 96–17 at the Rugby World Cup the previous year, Italy made a determined attempt to hold New Zealand to their lowest score in this matchup in 15 years.
In addition to outpacing 31 defenders and carrying for more than twice as many meters as Italy, New Zealand also committed 18 handling errors—just one more than Italy—11 penalties, and two yellow cards.
The All Blacks’ excellence was exemplified by fullback Will Jordan, who passed Jonah Lomu on their all-time try-scoring chart with his 38th try in 41 tests as Italy ran out of defenders.
The All Blacks mercilessly took advantage of the man advantage to give the scoreline a favourable appearance, but Italy’s defence, led by No. 8 Ross Vintcent with 21 tackles and Menoncello with 14, continued to swarm with a man down.
“The worst is saved for last by all Blacks.”
Napier, Liam, NZ Herald
The season finale was a disaster.
Although the All Blacks won their last game of the year and bid farewell to seasoned halfback TJ Perenara and revered centurion Sam Cane, who are leaving for Japan to conclude their test careers, the team’s overall performance was a complete bust.
After choosing his best team for a tenth-ranked opponent, Scott Robertson aimed to make a lasting impression, but this was a globe away from that.
The All Blacks kept their worst game of the year, which was only surpassed by their defeat at the hands of the Pumas in Wellington, until last.
The All Blacks will acknowledge that they missed out on an undefeated northern tour by one point when the time comes to look back. A haul like that would have conveyed a message of advancement and optimism.
Ultimately, however, it will be challenging to evaluate Robertson’s debut season. There is a lingering sense of ambiguity regarding their current position following their 14th and last performance of the year.
