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?

A reminder of how it stands...

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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...

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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...

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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."

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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."

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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?

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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?

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"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.

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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.

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)

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

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

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

This could be a cracker...