This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
Published on October 8, 2019, the All Blacks are gearing up for a crucial match against a desperate Italian side in Toyota City on Saturday.
Assistant coach Ian Foster acknowledged the Italians' quarter-final ambitions, stating that they will bring their 'A-game' to the match.
'They can still reach the quarter-finals,' Foster said. 'We're expecting an Italian team to bring everything they've got because it's a do-or-die game for them.'
Italy's desperation is fueled by a crisis in their front row, with Andrea Lovotti and Nicola Quaglio suspended for three weeks following an ugly tip tackle on South Africa's Duane Vermeulen.
Additionally, Simone Ferrari and Marco Riccioni are injured, leaving the team with significant disruptions.
'There's no doubt that they will feel a little bit wounded,' Foster said. 'They've had a lot of disruptions and probably had a pretty tricky week, balancing players coming in and out.'
The All Blacks, however, are forecast to field their strongest possible selection against Italy, with Foster believing the team will lift a level after their recent performance.
'We're doing what we need to do right now,' Foster said. 'We've got to do the same again against Italy, then we've got to rise because everyone else is going to go up a cog.'
