All Blacks vs. Italy

On paper this does not look like much competition for the All Blacks but take into consideration the following:

1) Most of the NZ boys have not played a test match in almost 7 weeks.
2) Italy had an impressive lead up to the World Cup almost beating Ireland
who is seen as the dark horse to upset France in their Pool.
3) Overconfidence vs. a team with nothing to lose

These are just three things that the AB’s have to contend with, oh and also don’t get excited and take silly penalties.

All this being said I am excited that the games are about to begin and we can all look forward to 7 weeks of rugby, 3 of which I will be in Europe top experience live. Hopefully this will culminate in the AB’s hoisting Bill into the air October 20th in St. Denis!