All Blacks end-of-year tour finale in Italy

The story so far

Loosehead prop Ethan de Groot was left out of the All Blacks squad for the England test, with coach Scott Robertson saying the decision was due to failing to meet internal team standards rather than on-field performance.^{1 Nov 2024} De Groot was also excluded from the France test squad in Paris and was not selected for any matchday squads on the northern tour.^{15 Nov 2024} He was later named to start the tour finale against Italy in Turin, a match that marked the final All Blacks appearances for Sam Cane and TJ Perenara.^{21, 24 Nov 2024} The All Blacks beat Italy 29-11 at Allianz Stadium, but the performance was described as unconvincing and underwhelming. Perenara used his final haka to voice support for the Treaty of Waitangi and the recent hīkoi to Parliament.^{24 Nov 2024} The win left Robertson's first-year record at 10 wins and four defeats, and analysis pointed to the attack and the full-strength side as areas needing improvement.^{22, 25 Nov 2024}

Latest

The tour ended with the 29-11 win over Italy, and analysis of the team's attacking performance and selection has followed.^{24, 25 Nov 2024} Robertson's first year in charge closed with a 10-4 record in tests.^{25 Nov 2024}

Key moments

1. 1 Nov 2024De Groot dropped from the All Blacks squad for the England test over team standards.
2. 15 Nov 2024De Groot excluded from the France test squad and all northern tour matchday squads.
3. 21 Nov 2024De Groot named to start against Italy; Cane and Perenara set for final tests.
4. 22 Nov 2024Robertson selects a full-strength All Blacks lineup for the Italy tour finale.
5. 24 Nov 2024All Blacks beat Italy 29-11 in an unconvincing performance; Cane and Perenara retire.
6. 24 Nov 2024Perenara includes Treaty of Waitangi support in his final All Blacks haka.
7. 25 Nov 2024Robertson's first year ends at 10 wins and four defeats.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.