Will Jordan scored a hat-trick to become New Zealand's all-time leading try-scorer with 50 tries in 56 Tests as the All Blacks overcame a slow start to beat Italy 47-17 in Wellington, remaining unbeaten after two rounds of the Nations Championship.
First-half struggles
New Zealand trailed 14-10 at halftime after a dismal first half marked by errors in handling, defence, aerial contests and discipline. Italy's flat and physical defence rushed the All Blacks into mistakes, and Tommaso Menoncello opened the scoring with a try from an All Blacks turnover in the third minute. Sam Darry responded for New Zealand within five minutes, but Italy denied the home team space and possession.
Jordan's first try came from a chip kick by Jordie Barrett and a skilful recovery by Leroy Carter, giving New Zealand the lead for the first time in the 30th minute.
Second-half dominance
The All Blacks scored five tries and 33 points after halftime. Josh Moorby made a live-wire debut on his birthday, coming off the bench in the 31st minute and playing a major role in three tries. He broke off the left wing and combined with Cam Roigard to score two minutes after the resumption, then won an intercept and went close before Ethan de Groot crashed over for a try in his 42nd Test.
Moorby outpaced the cover defence to set up Jordan's second try, equalling Doug Howlett's All Blacks record. Jordan claimed the record outright when he scored his third try in the 54th minute from Barrett's quick thinking at a tapped penalty.
"I think back to when I was a kid practising my chip and chase in the back yard. To think I'd be here today, it's hugely humbling," Jordan said. "I guess as a winger on the end of the chain I've been part of some great teams over the last seven years."
Debuts and discipline
Anton Segner came on at halftime for his debut, becoming the first player born in Germany to play for the All Blacks. His parents flew from Frankfurt to be present.
Italy played much of the last quarter with 14 men after a yellow card against Niccolo Cannone for an attempted head butt on Roigard was upgraded to a red. Despite the disadvantage, Italy scored their second try through Leonardo Marin in the 57th minute. The All Blacks were also reduced to 14 men when Ruben Love was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on in the 71st minute.
Looking ahead
Italy captain Michele Lamaro said: "I think we started really well and we were putting the under pressure. They were trying to compete around the breakdown and we were really strong in that area. They came back on the field after halftime with another gear and we couldn't hold them."
The All Blacks now prepare to face Ireland next weekend in Auckland, with head coach Dave Rennie likely concerned about the errors that featured at both ends of the match.
