New Zealand Secures Victory Over Italy in Sam Cane’s Final Match

Sam Cane concluded his New Zealand career, having accumulated 104 caps. The match saw Italy score 11 points (6 at half-time), comprising a try from Menoncello and two penalties by Garbisi. New Zealand secured 29 points (17 at half-time), with tries from Roigard, Jordan, Telea, and B Barrett, three conversions by B Barrett, and a penalty by B Barrett. This victory marked New Zealand’s 18th consecutive win against Italy, concluding their autumn series on flanker Sam Cane’s final appearance for the All Blacks. Despite their eventual 29-11 victory in Turin, the New Zealand team, described as lacklustre, faced a challenging match. Italy began the match strongly, with Paolo Garbisi’s penalties establishing a 6-3 advantage. However, New Zealand responded with tries from Cam Roigard and Will Jordan, both converted by Beauden Barrett, securing a 17-6 lead for the visitors by half-time. The second half also saw Italy commence with greater intensity, yet they failed to score before Mark Tele’a’s try extended New Zealand’s lead. Later in the game, Tommaso Menoncello scored a try for Italy. Nevertheless, New Zealand quickly countered with a try from Beauden Barrett, thereby confirming their victory. Cane’s international career, spanning 104 caps, concluded when he was substituted after 67 minutes, receiving a standing ovation. The 32-year-old player was a member of New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup-winning squad in 2015. He also captained the team to the final of last year’s tournament in France, where they were defeated by South Africa.