Summary

  • New Zealand run in 14 tries in magnificent display in Lyon

  • Aaron Smith scores three of New Zealand's seven first-half tries

  • Ardie Savea, Dane Coles and Will Jordan also score doubles

  • All Blacks go second in Pool A to boost hopes of making quarter-finals

  • All Blacks, who face Uruguay in their final game, move to 10 points

  • Italy will stay on 10 points but play France in final fixture

  1. The challenge is laid downpublished at 19:59 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    Time for one final pre-match formality before we get under way.

    The awe-inspiring Haka takes centre stage. Surely one of the best sights in sport?

  2. The points at stakepublished at 19:58 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    A reminder of how it stands...

    Pool A Rugby World Cup standings - Sam Whitelock picturedImage source, BBC Sport
  3. Tune in!published at 19:57 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    As well as this live text, you can also listen to full match commentary.

    It's online commentary for the first half in Lyon and BBC Radio 5 Live for the second.

    Just click the link at the top of this page...

  4. All setpublished at 19:55 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    Ardie Savea of New Zealand gestures prior to kick-offImage source, Getty Images

    Here we go then...

    Both sets of players have made their way out onto the field.

    We're all set for what should be a World Cup thriller.

    But first, the anthems...

  5. Foster praises Italy's tacticspublished at 19:54 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    Head coach Ian Foster of the All Blacks runs through drillsImage source, Getty Images

    Ian Foster is leading New Zealand for the first time at a World Cup, but he is no stranger to the expectations surrounding the All Blacks.

    He was a member of the coaching staff in the victorious campaign in 2015.

    "Looking back to the history of the last 20, 30 years doesn't mean a lot come Friday and I think that's a positive sign for Italy," said Foster.

    "Italy have taken a strategy of growing a young group coming through. They've clearly decided to change the way they play and to say: 'let's risk a little bit and see what happens'.

    "And it's worked well for them."

  6. 'Everyone has caught up'published at 19:52 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    Kieran Crowley, the Italy head coach looks onImage source, Getty Images

    Italy boss Kieran Crowley knows the All Blacks very well, having won 19 caps and the World Cup for his country as a player.

    Speaking at his pre-match news conference, Crowley backed his side in their pursuit of history.

    "We're not going out there trying to keep the score down, we're going out there to try to win the game," said Crowley.

    "We're not going to be stupid about how we play, we are going to kick.

    "A few years ago the All Blacks were pretty dominant. They were probably a little bit ahead of other countries in the way they approached the game, but now you see everyone has caught up."

  7. Head-to-headpublished at 19:48 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    New Zealand Dane Coles celebrating after score during the Italy-New ZealandImage source, Getty Images

    Both teams have not met since 2021.

    In their last meeting, New Zealand came out on top with a 47-9 win in Rome.

    But the pressure is on for the All Blacks who have to win to still stand a chance of reaching the knockout stage.

    Italy could be classed as underdogs but they have had an emphatic start in their opening two games with bonus-point victories over Namibia and Uruguay.

    Will it be joy or anguish for the Azzurri as they attempt to reach the knockout stages for the first time?

  8. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 19:40 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    #bbcrugby, via WhatsApp on 03301 231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Samuel Whitelock of New Zealand looks onImage source, Getty Images

    If New Zealand lose they are out and if Italy win they are on their way to the knockout stage.

    Lets keep it simple, who is going to come out on top?

    Get involved and send us your tweets and texts, and be sure to sign them off with your name so we can credit you!

  9. A New Zealand dynastypublished at 19:34 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    "Rugby is in the family DNA."

    The Barrett brothers are one of the great rugby families, with all three regular starters for New Zealand since 2017.

    But Sam Whitelock, who on Friday is likely to become the most-capped All Black in history after being named on the bench against Italy, can go one better.

    He is one of four brothers to have represented the All Blacks.

    Sam, 34, Luke, 32, and George, 37, have been capped by the New Zealand Test side, with Adam, 36, playing for the sevens team.

    Read more here.

  10. Record-breakerpublished at 19:30 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    Samuel Whitelock of New Zealand wins the ball in lineoutImage source, Getty Images

    Sam Whitelock is on cusp of making history.

    The veteran lock, 34, will become New Zealand's most capped player of all time if he is introduced off the bench tonight.

    He is one of four brothers to have represented the All Blacks and has won the Web Ellis Cup on two occasions in 2011 and 2015.

    Whitelock will also tie with England's Jason Leonard and compatriot Richie McCaw for the most appearances at a World Cup with 22.

  11. TEAM NEWSpublished at 19:24 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    New Zealand XV: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, J Barrett, Telea; Mo'unga, Smith; Tuungafasi, Taylor, Laulala, Retallick, S Barrett, Frizell, Papali'i, Savea

    Replacements: Coles, Williams, Lomax, Whitelock, Cane, Roigard, McKenzie, Lienert-Brown

    Italy XV: Allan; Capuozzo, Ignacio Brex, Morisi, Ioane; Garbisi, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Riccioni, Lamb, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro, Cannone

    Replacements: Faiva, Nemer, Ferrari, Cannone, Zuliani, Halafihi, Page-Relo, Odogwu

    Referee: Matthew Carley (England)

  12. Welcome...published at 19:17 British Summer Time 29 September 2023

    New Zealand v Italy (20:00 BST)

    It was despair in Paris for New Zealand against France on the opening night...

    Brodie Retallick walk with teammates looking dejectedImage source, PA Media

    Can Italy carry their unbeaten momentum into the game as they look to topple the All Blacks..?

    Italy's Lorenzo Cannone celebrates scoring with teammatesImage source, PA Media

    This is a "World Cup pool deciding game" according to New Zealand's Scott Barrett.

    This could be a cracker...