The All Blacks sent a signal by pulverizing Italy (96-17), 14 tries to 2, Friday evening to take 2nd place in Pool A, that of France, from their evening opponents. With this significant improved success, the New Zealanders meet Ireland for a quarter-final which promises to be explosive. The Italians, completely overwhelmed, still have a chance to reach the quarter-finals: against the XV of France, next Friday. Note the hat-trick signed by Aaron Smith in just 17 minutes, a 2023 World Cup record.

Some observers looked worriedly at the All Blacks who had just conceded two historic defeats against South Africa and France at the start of the World Cup. The response given was scathing: after a first quarter of an hour of running-in, the meeting was one-sided. Impressive mastery, and not evolving in the same physical dimension as their evening opponents, they played by relying on carried balls and scored seven tries (Jordan 6th, Smith 17th 27th 34th, Telea 19th and Savea 40th ).

The second period was a similar ordeal for Kieran Crowley’s men, who conceded seven more tries (Retallick 50th, Papali’i 56th, Coles 61st 73rd, McKenzie 67th, Jordan 70th and Lienert-Brown 76th). With the bonus point obtained, the Blacks move back ahead of the Azzurri in the standings and can look ahead to their (very) probable quarter-final against Ireland, the world’s number one nation. The Transalpines scored two tries (Capuozzo 48th and Ioane 80th).

Building on this success, the All Blacks will be able to calmly look towards their last group match, scheduled for Thursday September 5 against Uruguay. Italy knows its program: a real 1/8 final against France, on Friday September 6, to try to reach the quarter-finals.