Of their 14-match schedule, the All Blacks lost four. They introduced new players and tried to lay the foundations for their style of play for the future, but execution over 80 minutes continued to elude them in their last outing in 2024.

Italy’s scrappy defense worried the All Blacks. That approach prevented clarity in the All Blacks’ execution, and the late tries failed to mask the problem that has been the theme of 2024: the failure to put opponents away in the second half.

It took until the 69th minute for the All Blacks to add to their half-time tally, from a five-metre scrum and a long pass from first-five Beauden Barrett, who set up a pass that was beaten by an Italian defender, to wing Mark Tele. ‘a who scored.

And 90 seconds from the end, Italy’s quick lineout and clearance failed as Barrett saw space along the touchline and raced over to score his final try.

But two yellow cards, one in each half, the first to skipper and lock Scott Barrett for a crocodile throw and another when fellow five-eighth Anton Lienert-Brown was penalized for offside when the team were under a caution in their 22m area, did. ‘t help matters and reflected their night.

The All Blacks’ lack of co-ordination early on was highlighted by lock Frederico Ruzza as he worked his way through a lineout maul to disrupt the transfer from hooker Codie Taylor, at the back of the maul, to halfback Cam Roigard. Italy then cleared downfield, securing a 50-22 lead and winning a penalty on the resulting play, which was converted by first five-eighth Paolo Garbisi in the 11th minute.

Beauden Barrett replied three minutes later. Then, after the restart, a blocking penalty was awarded, and Garbisi landed his second penalty goal.

In Scott Barrett’s yellow card absence, Italy were unable to capitalize. Instead it was the All Blacks who built up their lineout maul, and when the ball was released it was a charge from prop Ethan de Groot that provided the ball, albeit sloppy, which allowed fullback Cam Roigard to assess the situation on the hoof. , beat a tackle and strolled over to score in the 23rd minute.

Delaying tactics from Italy could not deny the All Blacks, who found fullback Will Jordan in space in a move that had flanker Wallace Sititi and Lienert-Brown in support. A tackle, one of many quality efforts by Italy wing Monty Ioane, prevented that move, but was presented with a chance to build up the pressure from Italy’s clearance, and the All Blacks did not miss.

The Italian defense upped the tempo and kept the ball, and again it was Jordan who found the hole and crossed a minute from half-time for his 38th Test try.

Italy had the best period of the game in the 10 minutes after the break when, inspired by a break by full-back Ange Capuozzo, they set up camp in the All Blacks’ 22m area, drew three penalties and a yellow card from Lienert-Brown, and took several lineouts -drive. But resolute All Blacks defending resulted in them securing a five-metre scrum and a penalty to clear their line.

They rewarded their loyal home crowd when Tele’a attempted to knock an Italian kick down to center Rieko Ioane, but the ball went forward and to the ground, where it was collected by Italy’s other five-eighth Tommaso Menoncello, who was able to score.

Italy 11 (Tommaso Menoncello try, Paolo Garbisi 2 pen) New Zealand 29 (Will Jordan, Mark Tele’a, Cameron Roigard tries, Beauden Barrett 3 cone, 1 pen, try)

HT: 6-17