Unconvincing All Blacks see off rugged Italy

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The All Blacks have secured their second straight test win with an unconvincing 27-6 victory over tough-tackling Italy in Christchurch.

But the performance won't ease the nerves of New Zealand rugby fans ahead of a tough Tri Nations series against South Africa and the resurgent Wallabies.

The home side made too many individual errors and at time showed a lack of tactical nous which belies the undoubted class of the players.

A few harsh half-time words from coach Graham Henry sparked an improved second-half performance but the All Blacks still have a lot to do before facing Robbie Deans' Australia at Eden Park on July 18.

Luke McAlister at first five-eighth failed to impose himself on the game in his first run-on appearance since the fateful World Cup quarter-final loss to France in Cardiff proving once again how big a loss Dan Carter is.

But it wasn't a complete disaster for the All Blacks. There were some positive signs, none more than Isaac Ross' barnstorming performance.

The Canterbury lad looked like he'd been playing international rugby for years in a composed man-of-the-match performance which put his more experienced colleagues to shame.

And the first few minutes gave an indication fans weren't going to get a virtuoso performance from the All Blacks.

The home team were chucking the ball loosely in defence and conceding territory to the Azzuri. And the unthinkable almost happened when former league star Craig Gower almost set up an opening try for the visitors.

His NRL-style kick close to the All Black line left captain Mils Muliaina exposed on the left wing but he took the catch and drew the penalty for being tackled in the air.

McAlister settled the nerves of the All Blacks with a penalty in the ninth minute after the Italians strayed offside.

But with the All Blacks trying too hard to get the ball wide, mistakes were being made and the Italians were comfortable despite never threatening to score.

The try the Canterbury crowd were looking for came in the 24th minute and it was the man under enormous pressure on the wing, Joe Rokocoko, who scored it.

McAlister kicked deep into the Italian half and Isaac Ross stole the resulting lineout. McAlister chipped across field and Rokocoko gathered and beat two Azzuri defenders to touch down for his first All Black try for almost two years.

A McAlister penalty shortly after extended the lead to 13 points as New Zealand looked to turn the screw but Australian-born Luke McLean replied to get the Italians on the board as the home side continued to give up paddock space.

With errors continuing on both sides the first half failed to hit the highs an expectant New Zealand public would expect against the lowly-ranked Italians and it fizzled out without further scoring.

The Italians had an early chance in the second half to put pressure on an All Black outfit whose ears were still ringing from Henry's half-time blast.

But after failing to break the line the Azzuri looked to have run out of ideas and captain Sergio Parisse tried a Zinzan Brooke-esque drop-goal which failed miserably.

Television Match Official George Ayoub then made a controversial call with ten minutes gone in the second half, denying an All Black try.

Lelia Masaga collected the ball on the right wing and chipped through. He pushed a retreating Italian defender before Kieran Read touched the ball down - but with the action taking place in the field of play it was outwith the TMO's jurisdiction to make the call and Read was denied.

But the second try wasn't far behind and it was impressive rookie Ross who scored it.

The All Blacks did well from the kick-off following a second Italian penalty.

They secured the ball deep in the Italian half and Isaia Toeava impacted on the game for the first time with a break out wide.

Ross was supporting on the inside and had the easiest of tasks to score behind the posts in front of his home crowd.

George Whitelock, on for former Crusader Tanerau Latimer, then marked his debut with a try started and finished by Canterbury stock.

Ross made another break through the middle, beating three sets of tackles.

Ma'a Nonu kept the ball going forward and, when he passed the ball inside, Whitelock juggled the ball and then gathered to mark a dream debut.

That finished the scoring, despite the All Blacks pushing for another try and the Italians trying to reduce the deficit via drop goals.

The final whistle went with the Italian coaches celebrating like they'd won the World Cup and the All Blacks with much to ponder ahead of the Tri Nations.

All Blacks 27 (Tries: Joe Rokocoko, Isaac Ross, George Whitelock Conversions: Luke McAlister 3 Penalties: Luke McAlister 2)

Italy 6 (Penalties: Luke McLean 2)

H/T: 13-3