Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Olympics
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
FWC on Sport Nation guideAll Blacks refusing to take Italy lightly as changes loom
Sport Nation • July 6th, 2026 6:08 pm
All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes will look to start his All Blacks career with back-to-back wins | Photo: Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz
All Blacks senior assistant coach Neil Barnes says Italy will be treated with full respect this weekend as the selectors weigh potential changes for Saturday’s Test in Wellington.
Barnes told media that Italy’s recent 27-10 loss to Japan would not change their approach.
"They won't be happy with that, will they?" Barnes said. "I know those men, I know what they're capable of, and we won't be going in there unprepared, I can tell you that."
That respect has carried into selection discussions, with the coaching group balancing continuity, rewarding strong performances and giving others the chance to show what they can do.
"There's been a lot of debate in our coaches circle, to be honest, and selectors as well," the former Taranaki head coach said.
"There's some people that went all right last week that might not be in there, but there were also some really good performances that I think are going to be rewarded."
Barnes said the All Blacks are viewing Saturday's match just as any other Test.
"We've got a little eye on making sure we respect it's a test match and it's got to be won well, but at the same time letting some other players have a chance."
While the All Blacks opened their campaign with a narrow win over France, Barnes stated the focus this week is on becoming more clinical.
"When we get opportunities we need to take them, and we left quite a few out there on the weekend."
"It's week one, we're well aware of the lack of preparation we've had," Barnes said.
"We're comfortable where we're at, we also know we've got to be a lot better."
The All Blacks perform the haka at Te Kaha | Photo: Craig Butland/Photosport
The review of last week’s performance showed signs of progress, particularly speed around the ruck and recycling the ball for the next phase.
"I thought our breakdown results were awesome on the weekend, there was lightning quick ball everywhere and so that hasn't happened by accident."
That improvement had come from detailed work around the basics.
"There's been a lot of work go in that week into our footwork and our carry and people's roles to make sure you get one-man tackles."
"Really pleased with the speed of our ball."
But there are still areas that need work, especially defensively after allowing four tries to the French.
"I don't think we're going to be comfortable leaking that many tries to be honest, but there are a lot areas in our game, to be fair, that need a shift."
Barnes also addressed the wider shift in how the All Blacks want to play, saying it is about evolving rather than simply returning to the past.
"There's a mindset shift here and it's not about shifting back to something we had in the past, it's what we think is important because the game's evolved over time."
He said the All Blacks still acknowledge the team’s history, but must play in a way that suits the modern game.
"We're a team that respects the past," Barnes said.
"I'd like to think that people in this country will be able to see a team that's working really hard."
The young locks also drew praise after being thrown into action amid injuries.
Jamie Hannah made the most of his opportunities on debut | Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
"I couldn't be happier with those men," the assistant coach said. "My anxiety levels during that week were going through the roof."
"Our four top locks were all out and we had another one pull out during the week and then we got a debutant stepping up without any training and does an awesome job."
Scott Barrett and Fabian Holland weren't named in the 34-man squad due to injury, concussion protocol kept Tupou Vaa'i out, and on the morning of the Test against France, Patrick Tuipulotu withdrew with a calf strain, paving way for Jamie Hannah, originally named in the squad as injury cover, to debut from the bench.
"It says a lot for the professionalism in those guys and the work that they put in that they can get out on a stage like that and perform on a stage like that."
"Sometimes when injuries happen it actually allows you to develop more depth underneath."
Cause for concern over All Blacks' defence? | Mondays with McHardy
