Winger Will Jordan needed only seven minutes to improve his stats on September 29 against Italy. He scored his 24th try for the All Blacks, in just 27 caps, thanks to a superb pass from Jordie Barrett. The 25-year-old was perfect at receiving the ball and then gave the OL Stadium crowd a superb dive to flatten the ball.

Several of his teammates were quick to emulate him. The New Zealanders attacked this match with a bang and were very effective. Aaron Smith, Mark Telea and captain Ardie Savea scored tries, allowing New Zealand to pocket the offensive bonus point in the 22nd minute of the match. With only one penalty scored, the Italians found themselves leading 28-3 after a catastrophic first quarter.

The rest was not much easier for the Squadra Azzurra players who saw Aaron Smith score another try in the 27th minute on a perfect carried ball from the All Blacks. A New Zealand veteran very leg on the Lyon lawn who even offered himself a hat-trick in the 34th minute, allowing his team to lead 42-3. Just before half-time, the All Blacks drew the 49-3 with another try from Ardie Savea converted by Richie Mo'unga, author of a 100% foot.

This first period allowed the New Zealanders to demonstrate their great technical qualities. Against amorphous Italians, they produced a lot of play, alternating power and speed. Criticized after their inaugural defeat against Les Bleus (xx-ty), they wanted to show another face against Italy and remind that they should always be reckoned with in this competition.

A new record of caps for Sam Whitelock

With such a lead, New Zealand was quickly able to bring in their finishers. In the 49th minute, Shannon Frizell, who was making his debut in this World Cup, gave way to Sam Whitelock, who thus set a new record of caps in the All Black jersey (149). A few minutes later, third row Sam Cane, New Zealand's usual captain, and prop Tyrel Lomax entered the field after missing the start of the competition due to injury.

The new entrants have shown themselves at the level by adding to the bill. They immediately responded to the beautiful try scored in the 48th minute by full-back Ange Capuozzo after a very nice movement of the transalpine three-quarters. A minute later, second runner-up Brodie Retallick scored New Zealand's eighth try. The last half hour was a long ordeal for the Italians, punished for each of their mistakes. They conceded six more tries, eventually losing 96-17.

This meeting allowed the New Zealanders to repeat their ranges and find their bearings, with a team now complete. They sent a very clear message.

The summary of the weekFrance 24 invites you to look back on the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news with you everywhere! Download the France 24 app