Rennie says Italy won't catch All Blacks off guard / Photo: Sanka Vidanagama - AFP
Rennie says Italy won't catch All Blacks off guard
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said he won't be caught out by an under-par Italian performance in the opening round of the Nations Championship when the two teams meet in Wellington on Saturday.
Italy were soundly beaten 27-10 by Japan last Saturday, and now face the only top-tier rugby nation they have never beaten, losing all 18 previous matches against New Zealand.
Rennie is not reading much into Italy's loss against Japan, instead focusing on their Six Nations wins over Scotland and England, and earlier wins against the likes of Australia.
"They're not going to sneak into town," Rennie said of the Azzurri.
"We're well aware of the threat."
Rennie praised the Italian scrum and their set piece in general, describing their game as "really innovative".
"They'll come hard defensively. That can create a bit of havoc for us, but it can create opportunity too if we're good enough to hold our feet and pick them off.
"They're a good side. I know Neil Barnes had a fair bit to do with Italy when Kieran (Crowley) was there, he knows a lot of the boys well, so it's been good having him in the tent."
Italian coach Gonzalo Quesada made three changes to his starting team for Saturday night's match.
Fullback Tommaso Allan will start his 91st Test match alongside recalled winger Louis Lynagh, and Exeter Chiefs flanker Ross Vintcent moves into the starting team.
Quesada has named uncapped Benetton back-rower Giulio Marini on his bench, which features six forwards among the eight replacements.
Rennie made 11 changes to his matchday squad from the team which beat France 34-32 in Christchurch last Saturday, including five to the starting team.
The All Blacks were rapid at the ruck in possession against France, unfurling their new game plan under coach Rennie -- who replaced fired Scott Robertson in February.
New Zealand kicked very little compared to previous seasons, with only 17 from open play in the match against France, instead opting to run from deep in their own half when there were opportunities.
"I loved the mindset last week," Rennie said.
"Huge work ethic. Our brutality with the ball was excellent.
"Probably wasn't the same defensively , so we want a lot more line speed, a lot more two in the tackle and give them slower ball, turnover ball.
"We think we could stress teams."
Rennie made three changes to his forward pack with prop Tyrel Lomax, lock Tupou Vaa'i and flanker Wallace Sititi into the starting team, while winger Leroy Carter and centre Billy Proctor were also given starts.
Captain Ardie Savea looked a battered and bruised figure after the French victory, and after 18 months of continuous rugby Rennie said he is considering when to give the loose forward a rest.
"We've certainly talked long term around Ardie," Rennie said.
"He's been going for a lot of months.
"We managed him very well at Kobe, to make sure he could come back and be ready to go in this series.
"The plan is that he'll play these three tests and then we might delay his start in Africa."
New Zealand begins a month-long tour of South Africa in August, featuring four Test matches.
The All Blacks face Ireland at Auckland's Eden Park next Saturday to conclude their July internationals.
P.Dubois--MJ
