Robertson’s Bold Call to Finish All Blacks Season on a High

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has decided to take no risks against Italy in Turin on Sunday (NZT) and has named a strong team for the final game of the New Zealand season.

Robertson said the side named was the best available to win the game and respected Italy's threat.

"They're a passionate side when they get it right. They're a tough side to play, and this is a big team that we believe is best for this weekend.

"Their attack has improved remarkably. We know they're always going to be patient and physical on defence, their breakdown work is relentless, but they have the ability to hold the ball and create mismatches and extra numbers. They're well coach and when they're on, they're tough to beat."

Sam Cane returns to the flank, replacing Samipeni Finau, who suffered a concussion against France.

Robertson said he knows Cane is moving on after the tour, but he is a player whose value to the All Blacks has been extensive.

"He epitomises what an All Black loose forward is about. He's a great leader and left a hell of a mark for us.

"One thing I've learned is Test match footy's a lot to do with experience. You have to have experience, there's no replacement. You have to have been there and felt it, so that you can teach others, and that's what they've done."

Cane and halfback TJ Perenara, who is on the bench, have been valuable on the tour and passed valuable lessons on to younger players.

With prop Ethan de Groot to start, Robertson said every member of the side has played on tour.

The changes that have occurred, Anton Lienert-Brown for Jordie Barrett at second five-eighths and de Groot for Tamaiti Williams at loosehead prop, were the result of injuries to Barrett's knee and Williams' neck.

Robertson said de Groot had been impressive since being stood down for the England Test.

"He's trained the house down. He's done double sessions and after the indiscretion he's put his hand up and owned it. It's his chance."

The selectors did consider the fact that several players may have played more than the usual three consecutive games. They had discussed that with the players concerned, and they had the advantage of a break before the Japan Test.

But there was also disappointment at the France loss, especially when the French took their opportunities and the All Blacks didn't.

"We wanted to come up here and sweep the North. The margins are small, and now we get a chance to finish properly. It's been a big 40 days for us and we want to finish on Saturday night with a performance we're proud of."

Read Source