Former All Blacks have their say ahead of Italy team selection

A tight loss to France means it's three wins from four games on the end-of-year northern tour for Scott Robertson and his All Blacks who travel to Turin this weekend to take on Italy.

The All Blacks game against 'the Azzurri' in football club Juventus’s Allianz Stadium will be the first encounter Robertson’s team will have against Italy, since the 96-17 drubbing in the 2023 World Cup group stage. 

The All Blacks will look to improve on their recent performances in the Autumn Nations Series, which have seen them ascend to third place in the World Rugby Rankings.

After injuries in the France Test to Samipeni Finau and Jordie Barrett, the All Blacks selectors may be forced to make alterations to both the loose forward trio and the midfield if neither players are deemed fit.

With this being the last Test match of the tour, there is discussion about what approach Roberston and his selectors will take ahead of the Italy game this coming weekend.

The Sky Sports New Zealand panel discussed what they think the All Blacks should do with selections against Italy.

“Without the disrespect to Italy, I think we should win this game but I think there is an opportunity to now introduce the likes of Ruben Love and with Barrett being out, where does Perofeta sit," said 44-year-old former All Black and current Sky Sports commentator Mils Muliaina.

“I think it's about these guys who have had these last three big hit-outs that are possibly starting to dip in their performance so it's a good opportunity for the experience.

“You've still got TJ Perenara sitting there, I don't think it's an issue about putting young guys out there, I think there's still plenty of mix in terms of experience plus the new guys that you try to introduce against Italy.”

Current Auckland NPC assistant coach Steven Bates told the Sky Sports New Zealand panel after the All Blacks defeat, that he thinks some players deserve a rest ahead of the last game on the end-of-year tour.

“Maybe Tamaiti Williams, I don't think the loose forwards can change that much there's that many injuries, but I think what is important is that we keep that nucleus or some sort of spine there,” said Bates.

“I don't think that's fair to introduce people that get their first starts there and just have a whole new team rocking out, I think you have to get a nucleus of a spine there and certainly as Mils said inject some people to give them the experience.”

Former All Blacks first five and Waikato player Aaron Cruden is excited to see young Hurricanes back Ruben Love in an All Blacks jersey again.

“Obviously I’d like to see Ruben get a crack, grew up in Manawatu as well so it would be good to see him get a run,” said Cruden.

“Inject some of these guys that are gonna be enthusiastic, they are gonna be ready because they've been waiting for an opportunity. I'd love to see them get a good crack next weekend against Italy.”