Despite being clear underdogs, Italy started the match strongly and challenged the All Blacks early on.
A missed tackle by New Zealand’s Billy Proctor allowed Italy to break through and secure the first try of the game, scored by centre Tommaso Menoncello. A successful conversion put Italy ahead 7-0 within five minutes.
This early setback galvanized the All Blacks, who responded with a try from lock Sam Darry after sustained pressure. Ruben Love’s conversion brought the score to 7-7.
Italy, undeterred, earned a penalty inside the All Blacks’ 22 and converted it, regaining a three-point lead midway through the first half.
The All Blacks experienced promising phases but were hindered by basic errors, losing momentum while Italy continued to press when in possession.
After a series of errors, the All Blacks broke through with Leroy Carter collecting a grubber kick and passing to fellow wing Jordan, who scored. The conversion was successful, giving the All Blacks a 14-10 lead. Unfortunately, Carter’s match ended shortly after due to a suspected shoulder injury.
Josh Moorby replaced Carter, making his test debut off the bench on his 28th birthday.
The first half ended without further scoring, with the All Blacks leading 14-10.
The second half saw another debut, with Blues loose forward Anton Segner, the first German to play for the All Blacks, replacing Luke Jacobson.
New Zealand opened the scoring in the second half, with Moorby breaking through and passing to halfback Cam Roigard, who sidestepped the last defender to score. Love’s conversion increased the lead to 21-10.
As the hosts controlled the match’s tempo, Moorby nearly scored his first test try before prop Ethan de Groot powered over for an unconverted try, extending the lead to 26-10.
The All Blacks continued to dominate, with Jordan scoring his second try, equaling Doug Howlett’s record with 49 test tries.
Minutes later, Jordan broke the record with his hat-trick, marking his 50th test try and thrilling the crowd of over 33,000. Love’s conversion made it 40-10 with 15 minutes left.
Italy’s Niccolò Cannone was red-carded for a headbutt at the ruck before Jordan’s record try, yet Italy managed a try through replacement Leonardo Marin, narrowing the gap to 40-17.
Love received a yellow card for a professional foul, but the TMO overturned the call, allowing him to return to the field.
The All Blacks added a final try after the full-time siren, with lock Tupou Vaa’i scoring to secure a 47-17 victory, marking two wins from two games under coach Dave Rennie.
The All Blacks will next face Ireland at Eden Park next weekend.
