Rate it!

2 votes

New Zealand were restricted to just three tries as they struggled to a defeat a determined Italy 27-6 side in Christchurch.

In what was effectively a trial for next month's Tri-Nations series, New Zealand were unable to dominate their opponents in terms of field position and possession.

Too many All Black attacks were launched from their own half and halted by impressive tackling by the Italians, who completed their three-match tour of the Southern Hemisphere on a high despite falling to their third defeat.

Joe Rokocoko (pictured) was one of the few positives for the All Blacks and the wing touched down in the first half to help the home side to a 13-6 interval lead.

Tries from lock Isaac Ross, arguably New Zealand's best player, and debutant George Whitelock moved the All Blacks clear in a second half again highlighted by committed Italian defence.

Coach Graham Henry will know his All Blacks have to improve significantly to stand a chance of winning their opening Tri-Nations match with Australia at Eden Park in Auckland on July 18.

New Zealand, with Luke McAlister struggling at fly-half, looked complacent in their approach and too often failed to develop field position before trying to break down the Italian defence.

Skipper Sergio Parisse was again outstanding for the Azzurri and ably supported by fellow-back rowers Mauro Bergamasco and Alessandro Zanni, while centre Gonzalo Garcia was effective in midfield.

But while Italy more than held their own at the set-piece and breakdown, they rarely managed to get their attackers over the gain line and relied heavily on the boot of fly-half Craig Gower, who did an excellent job of pinning the All Blacks back in their own half.

A McAlister penalty in the ninth minute gave the home side the lead, and they were unable to add to the scoreboard until the 23rd minute when Rokocoko claimed a McAlister cross kick and did well to fend off two Italian tacklers before crashing over.

Moments later McAlister extended the All Blacks lead to 13-0 but, after missing two earlier shots on goal, Italy full-back Luke McLean cut the deficit just before the break.

Italy again dominated territory after the interval and moved within one score when McLean landed his second penalty in the 54th minute.

Moments later, centre Isaia Toeava made a break on the outside of Zanni and fed the impressive Ross to go over for the All Blacks' second try, converted by McAlister to make it 20-6 going into the final quarter.

With Henry having made a number of changes in key positions, the All Blacks finished the game on the front foot.

In the 67th minute, Ross gathered an Italy kick and made a superb run into the Italy half, beating several Italy defenders and showing a decent step for a lock.

The ball was spun from the right to left wing before Ma'a Nonu fed Whitelock in support for the All Blacks' final try.

New Zealand have now won all 10 of their games with Italy, but this was only the second time they have failed to reach the 50-points mark.

On this showing, Australia and South Africa will feel confident of their chances aginst the All Blakcs - both home and away - in the Tri-Nations.

Italy on the other hand, who lost two games to Australia ahead of the New Zealand match, can take consolation from the defeat at the end of a long and difficult season.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport