Rugby World Cup 2023. New Zealand defeats Italy and qualifies for the quarter-finals

New Zealand sent a strong message on Friday in Lyon by punishing Italy 96-17 and a reminder that they will have to be reckoned with for the rest of the 2023 World Cup. With the improved victory, they regained second place in Group A at the Stadio Nazionale. world Cup Behind France (13 points).

By regaining all their strength for the first time in the tournament, the All Blacks dispelled the doubts that had arisen since their 35-7 defeat to South Africa in a World Cup preparation match, and erased the impression of helplessness that emerged against France (27). -13) During his opening match. Before the final day of the group stage, they regained their favorites status, just like France, South Africa and Ireland.

Despite this defeat, Italy has not yet been eliminated, but will have to beat the French team on October 6 in Lyon in the hope of qualifying to the quarter-finals.

Italian Calvary

For the Nazis, the hope of seizing the scalps of the Men in Black for the first time in its history only lasted a minute. It was time for the All Blacks to steal the ball from their opponents in their camp and patiently but inevitably advance towards the Azzurro goal.

The goal was achieved five minutes later by winger Will Jordan, who received a pass from the foot of Jordie Barrett to score from a corner kick with the first attempt of the match, converted by Richie Monga (7-0.6). To respond to the versatility of their three players, the All Blacks’ forwards also showed their muscles, pushing, after a penalty, the Italian group on a carried ball that was finished by half-half Aaron Smith (14-3, 17).
Unable to compete in the set stages, overwhelmed by the speed of the New Zealanders, deprived of the ball, the rest was a long way from crossing for Italy, reduced to the role of sparring partner, Ibrahim Asloum going against Mike Tyson.

From the 23rd minute, the New Zealanders got the extra attacking point (28-3). After 20 minutes, they returned to the locker room with a score in the form of a signal for the French government: 49-3. The men in black did not loosen their grip in the second half, adding to their six attempts scored during the first term, eight more, PlayStation-style, each more beautiful than the last, stitched with golden threads with the magic of the men in black.

“Free Rugby”

They left only crumbs for the Italians: two attempts from wingers Ange Capuzzo and Monte Ioani, but they did not help reduce the gap that still existed between the two teams. The Azzurri can be happy not to have suffered a record defeat to the Lions, who lost 101-3 to the New Zealanders in 1999.
So the All Blacks have reminded us that they are still at the top of the world rugby ladder.

“We have talent in all areas of the game but we haven’t found the click yet. This evening, we played free rugby,” said Ardi Savea, the team’s black-clad captain, speaking to Sky Sports.

Playing forward, with the pace and skill they showed, and the full-backs and strikers mixed together, they looked unstoppable.

Ireland, who they are likely to face in the quarter-finals in Saint-Denis, have been warned, barring any surprises.
In the meantime, the All Blacks can have fun. At Lyon, they gave Sam Whitelock a fresh feast for his 149th selection in the black jersey, beating on this occasion the record he held with Richie McCaw, who is at Lyon.