New Zealand vs Italy LIVE: Rugby World Cup build-up and updates as All Blacks face crunch clash

Rugby World Cup power rankings

And here are our updated power rankings, assessing all 20 nations and their chances of winning it all in Paris at the end of October. Did Ireland’s win over South Africa lift them to the top of our list? And how far have Australia fallen with a first ever World Cup pool stage exit on the cards?

Rugby World Cup power rankings: A new nation at number one?

How has the third weekend of fixtures affected our rankings?

Rugby World Cup permutations: Which teams can qualify for quarter-finals?

We are very much reaching crunch time in pool play at this tournament, with just nine days to go until we reach the end of the group stages. Here’s how the four pools stand and all the permutations you need to know – a useful one to have bookmarked over the next week or so with still plenty to be decided at this World Cup.

Rugby World Cup permutations: Which teams can qualify for quarter-finals?

The tournament will conclude with the final at the Stade de France on Saturday 28 October

New Zealand vs Italy

A very good evening one and all. This Rugby World Cup ushers in the weekend with an intriguing little Friday night number in Lyon, with qualification from Pool A firmly the focus this evening. Ordinarily, the All Blacks would be major favourites against Italy but, rightly or wrongly, this encounter feels different, with Kieran Crowley’s Azzurri playing with clarity, accuracy and real belief that they can shock the world.

A first ever Italy win over the All Blacks would dump New Zealand out of the tournament – the three-time World Cup winners remain winners but pressure can do funny things. Kick off in Lyon is not too far away…

New Zealand vs Italy

Italy are seeking a major shock as they bid to deny New Zealand a quarter-final place at the Rugby World Cup.

Kieran Crowley’s side have secured back-to-back wins over Namibia and Uruguay but know they face an altogether stiffer challenge against the All Blacks.

New Zealand bounced back from their opening night defeat to France with their own thrashing of Namibia and are boosted by the return of several key individuals for this fixture.

But they will have to be wary in a meeting with an Italian side full of potential and belief that they can secure an historic win.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Is New Zealand vs Italy on TV? Channel, start time and how to watch World Cup fixture

Everything you need to know ahead of the Pool A clash

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