Today saw the RWC favorites take on the Italians. Conrad Smith and Reuben Thorne where deemed unfit to play in todays pool C match and were replaced by Leon MacDonald and Isaia Toeava.The result was a complete walk over for the All Blacks who looked to be in true form.

I personally was expecting a bit more of a contest however after the opening try by the All Black captain Richie McCaw it seemed as if the Italians where in for a long afternoon. The All Blacks managed to run in 11 tries. McCaw 2, Howlett 3, Muliaina, Sivivatu 2, Jack, Collins 2. Not bad for a days work really. Doug Howletts hatrick has now made him All Blacks’ all-time record try-scorer.

The only good news that the other contenders for the RWC can take away from this game is that Italy managed to run in 2 tries against the mighty All Blacks. Marko Stanojevic managed to intercept a pass off the base of the New Zealand ruck while Mirco Bergamasco managed to find a gap in the All blacks defense to run in Italy’s second try.

Two yellow cards were handed out today. Firstly All Black prop forward Carl Hayman recieved one for punching followed by Italian prop forward Salvatore Perugini for taking a line out jumper in the air.