All Blacks beat Italy 47-17 in Wellington Nations Championship
The All Blacks beat Italy 47-17 at Wellington's Hnry Stadium on Saturday, turning a tight 14-10 halftime lead into a commanding Nations Championship win. Will Jordan scored three tries to become New Zealand's outright record try-scorer, as Dave Rennie's side stayed unbeaten after opening with a 34-32 victory over France.
New Zealand hosted Italy for the first time in the capital in round two of the inaugural Nations Championship. The result extends the All Blacks' perfect head-to-head record against the Azzurri and keeps Rennie's positive start on track before Ireland visit Eden Park next week.
Key Takeaways
- The All Blacks won 47-17 after trailing only 14-10 at halftime, adding 33 second-half points.
- Will Jordan crossed for his 48th, 49th and 50th Test tries, moving ahead as the All Blacks' most prolific try-scorer.
- Italy remain without a win over New Zealand across 18 meetings, despite a stronger Six Nations showing in 2026.
- Anton Segner was named on the bench and could become the first German-born All Black if used.
- New Zealand next face Ireland at Eden Park to close their home Nations Championship block.
Why did this Wellington test matter for the All Blacks?
The fixture carried extra weight beyond the scoreline. It was the first time the All Blacks had met Italy in Wellington and their first capital outing since a 43-17 loss to South Africa in September 2025. In their last six Tests at Hnry Stadium, New Zealand had three losses, two wins and one draw.
Rennie entered with momentum from a narrow 34-32 win over France in Christchurch, his first match in charge. The inaugural Nations Championship — a 12-team tournament pitting Six Nations sides against Sanzaar nations plus Japan and Fiji — means every result feeds the wider standings.
How did the All Blacks v Italy match unfold?
Italy arrived off a 27-10 loss to Japan, having led early through Ignacio Brex before conceding two converted tries before the 20th minute. The visitors pushed the All Blacks in the first half, with the hosts leading just 14-10 at the break.
The second half told a different story. According to live updates, Rennie's men added 33 points after halftime. Jordan took the headlines with three tries, while Jordie Barrett stood out in midfield and Sam Darry impressed for a second straight week. Tupou Vaa'i finished the match with a try after a 17-phase move as the siren sounded.
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Who was in the All Blacks squad?
Rennie made five changes to the starting XV that beat France, balancing continuity with opportunity alongside selectors Neil Barnes and Sir Graham Henry. Ardie Savea captained a side featuring Ruben Love at fly-half, with Leroy Carter and Billy Proctor among the backline changes.
Uncapped winger Josh Moorby and Blues loose forward Anton Segner were named on the bench. As the BBC reported, Segner — born in Frankfurt and raised in New Zealand from age 15 after moving to Nelson College — would become the first German-born All Black if he took the field. French referee Luc Ramos officiated.
What comes next in the Nations Championship?
The All Blacks will regather before travelling to Auckland, where they meet Ireland at Eden Park to finish this home block. Italy, meanwhile, leave New Zealand still searching for a first-ever win over New Zealand — the only top-tier nation they had never beaten before Saturday, per pre-match records showing 17 straight All Blacks victories.
Before kickoff, Stuff's preview noted the All Blacks' strong historical edge and Italy's improved form, including a first-ever Six Nations win over England earlier in 2026. Saturday's margin suggests Rennie's side answered the call in Wellington.