Match Centre: Italy 9-47 New Zealand
Dane Coles scored two tries for New Zealand
©PA
Italy 9-47 New Zealand, Stadio Olimpico
Asafo Aumua and Dane Coles scored doubles as New Zealand managed to beat Italy 47-9 in Rome on Saturday.
The result also meant, New Zealand have maintained their terrific form this year as they clinched the Rugby Championship tournament earlier followed by 104-14 and 54-16 wins over Japan and Wales respectively.
Even though Italy managed to score just nine points that came through the boot of Paolo Garbisi, they managed to keep the All Blacks in check for most part but eventually were outdone in the second half.
The All Blacks made a number of errors early in the game but with Italy failing to capitalise on it the teams remained scoreless in the opening quarter of the game.
Monty Ioane's try was ruled out for the hosts by referee Karl Dickson as both the teams were desperate for the opening points which eventually came in the 28th minute when replacement scrum half Finlay Christie went over the line and Richie Mo'unga kicked the conversion making it 0-7.
The visitors extended the lead further with Coles touching down at the back of a driving maul and eight minutes later he completed his second. Garbisi provided some relief to the hosts with back to back penalties at the stroke of half-time but they still trailed New Zealand with a 6-21 margin.
The opening points in the second half came through the boot of Garbisi, who slotted his third three-pointer in the game in the 57th minute that reduced the gap to 12 points.
Nevertheless, after being pushed hard, the All Blacks finally got into the groove with Christie sending Sevu Reece over in the 63rd minute and six minutes later Aumua dotted down following a line out. With Mo'unga kicking the extras on both the occasions, the scoreline became 9-35.
A combination of Mo’unga and George Bridge ensured All Blacks extended their tally with eventually Hoskins Sotutu crossing over in the 71st minute before Aumua completed his second in the 76th minute to complete a 38-point victory.
New Zealand will next face Ireland at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 13th November.
