Sport | Italy to shock All Blacks at RWC 2023? It’s ‘ludicrous’ to think that, says coach

Ian Foster with the All Blacks

• Italy can take a huge step towards the Rugby World Cup playoffs if they beat New Zealand on Friday. 
• Defence coach Marius Goosen, however, says it would be “ludicrous” for Italy to think they could beat the All Blacks. 
• The South African coach pointed to the history between the sides and said it was crucial for Italy to stay in the game for as long as possible.
• For more World Cup news, visit our Rugby World Cup Zone. 

New Zealand may not be rugby’s dominant force as they once were but beating them remains more a fanciful dream than a realistic possibility, Italy’s defence coach Marius Goosen said on Tuesday.

Italy have earned many plaudits recently for a marked upturn in performances and results.

Last year, they beat Australia for the first time and also broke new ground in winning away to Wales.

READ | Boks stand by kicking policy after Ireland loss

New Zealand, on the other hand, come into Friday’s