New Zealand vs Italy Preview & Tips - New Zealand backed to hammer Italy in Nations Championship

Italy were nowhere near good enough in their opening match of the competition as they were beaten 27-10 by Japan. 

The pair have met 11 times before, with New Zealand winning each encounter across their history. 

New Zealand went toe-to-toe with France last weekend as the two heavyweights played out an enthralling encounter. There were some questions over the new Nations Championship, but New Zealand winning 34-32 in an opening clash that saw both sides go all out showed each side is taking the competition seriously. 

This win made it consecutive victories for the All Blacks and wins in six of their last seven. With New Zealand still looking to rebuild following their stunning 33-19 loss to England back in November, their clash with Italy is another chance to showcase their scintillating running rugby. 

While people will want to see competitive matches, this match is a case of how many for New Zealand. Previous meetings between the pair have tended to end in the All Blacks storming to big wins, and if New Zealand get quick ball from the floor and shift the ball into space, then there is no reason why the home side will not go well beyond the 50-point mark. 

Alongside a clash with South Africa, travelling to face New Zealand is the last thing an Italian side that lost to Japan last week needs right now. 

Their 27-10 loss came against a Japanese side that is up and coming but, prior to their loss to Japan, Italy had won three of their previous six. Their win over England back in March was one they would have hoped would spur them onto new heights. A 31-17 loss to Wales in Cardiff brought them back down to earth, but it is likely that win over the English was almost like a final for Italy, with their clash against Wales the following week one that saw them stutter. 

Heading into the Nations Championship, they would have been confident they could beat Japan. However, a scoreless second-half saw Italy fail to put any pressure on their hosts, meaning Italy are now only spared bottom of the northern hemisphere ladder due to England's inferior points difference. 

Against New Zealand, Italy will struggle. They will try to throw the ball around and in a game that will likely be very fast, they will score points. However, the only side that can seriously match New Zealand in a game of quick rugby is France, and I back the All Blacks to build on their victory last week with a big win in this one.