‘I just heard swearing all the time’ – All Blacks star reveals unique preparation for final tour clash which provides ‘insight’ into Italy
Italy team in a huddle and All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa'i in action.
The All Blacks have been swotting up on their opponents this weekend by watching Netflix, according to second-row Tupou Vaa’i.
New Zealand take on Italy on Saturday in their final match of the Autumn Nations Series having won two of their three matches in Europe.
Scott Robertson’s men defeated England and Ireland but succumbed to France by one point as their five match winning streak was ended.
They now take on the Azzurri looking to finish their season on a high and have been preparing by watching Six Nations: Full Contact documentary from the 2023 campaign.
Physicality and skill set
“It’s been pretty interesting because we watched that doco on Netflix. So, we get a bit of an insight into what happens in their camp,” the All Blacks forward said.
“They’re just a big physical pack. We played them in the World Cup last year and we know they’ve got a high skill set, especially their backs.”
The All Blacks may not get too much useful information out of that series, however, as since then the Italians have changed their coaching team.
Kieran Crowley and his assistant Neil Barnes departed following the Rugby World Cup debacle, which saw them lose 96-17 to the All Blacks, with Gonzalo Quesada coming in.
“To be honest I just heard Neil Barnes swearing all the time eh,” Vaa’i quipped. “I know Neil really well and he’s a coach I’ve been coached by and I understand where he’s coming from.”
Vaa’i was not involved in that beatdown last year but he is highly likely to feature in this weekend’s encounter.
It would round off a positive year for the second-row, who impressed in the Rugby Championship and has cemented his spot on their northern hemisphere tour.
“My body’s good. Mind’s good as well. It’s the last Test before I can go back home and fill the tank up with my friends and family. So it’s the last Test, but I’ve still got a job to do,” he said.
“I’m just enjoying being involved, on and off the field. I’ve been just sitting at the back and just waiting for my opportunity and I feel like I’ve taken it with two hands this year.
“This team is real special and something that I want to be a part of for a really long time. I’ve got two quality locks in front of me and that’s Patty (Tuipulotu) and Scott (Barrett).
“They have both been unreal this year and I’m pretty much learning off them.”
Overview
A loss to Italy would be unthinkable for the All Blacks but, should they overcome the Azzurri, then it would complete a decent year for new boss Robertson.
Although New Zealand’s Rugby Championship campaign was disappointing, they have shown improvement on their trip to Europe, which sets them up nicely for 2025.
“I think it’s been a roller coaster ride of emotions. We’ve had a couple losses in South Africa. But it’s been good,” Vaa’i added.
“I really feel that our group is gelling well together and we’re slowly figuring out how how we want to play and how we want to defend. It’s been a big year, but we’ve had some good learnings (sic) along the way.”
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