The new-look All Blacks, still smarting from their failed Tri-Nations campaign this summer, started the match at Stadio Flaminio at lightning speed, with Conrad Smith, Daniel Carter and Mils Muliaina all notching tries inside the first eight minutes.

Skipper Tana Umaga added two more before the break, and second-half efforts from debutant Saimone Taumoepeau, Richie McCaw (2) and Muliaina again, brought back memories of the 70-7 drubbing in the World Cup last year.

Italy, coached by former All Blacks legend John Kirwan, were dumped back to earth with a bump after their 51-6 thrashing of Canada last weekend, and a penalty from Rima Wakarua midway through the first half and a late try from Mauro Bergamasco will have been of little consolation to the Azzurri coach.

The outstanding Carter was instrumental in the first try for Smith, before a delightful chip-and-chase gave him a score of his own.

However, the pick of early tries was from Muliaina, who touched down in the right corner after a superb break involving Smith and Rico Gear.

Umaga sold a dummy to Fabio Ongaro to go in under the posts, and then collected Muliainas sharp pass to get his second score.

Just seconds into the second half Taumoepeau scored a pushover try, and New Zealand made the most of some dispirited Italy tackling to run in two tries from McCaw and another for Muliaina in the space of six minutes just after the hour mark.

In the dying seconds Bergamasco raced home past a tired New Zealand defence, but it was far too little too late.

Italy: Kaine Robertson; Ludovico Nitoglia, Gonzalo Canale, Andrea Masi, Walter Pozzebon; Rima Wakarua, Paul Griffen; Andrea Lo Cicero, Fabio Ongaro, Salvatore Perugini, Santiago Dellape, Marco Bortolami, Aaron Persico, Mauro Bergamasco, David Dal Maso.
Replacements: Giorgio Intoppa, Salvatore Costanzo, Enrico Pavanello, Silvio Orlando, Pietro Travagli, Luciano Orquera, Matteo Pratichetti.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina; Rico Gear, Conrad Smith, Tana Umaga, Joe Rokocoko; Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher; Saimone Taumoepeau, Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Norm Maxwell, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw, Mose Tuiali'i.
Replacements: Corey Flynn/Keven Mealamu, Greg Somerville, Ali Williams, Steven Bates, Jimmy Cowan, Luke McAlister/Aaron Mauger, Ma'a Nonu.