Kieran Crowley isn't beating around the bush when it comes to the Italian rugby team.
After coaching professional Italian club Benetton for five years, the former New Zealand fullback was appointed coach of the Azzuri in May.
Crowley's no stranger to international rugby, having coached Canada from 2008 to 2016.But he's got a big challenge on his hands, with Sunday morning's test against the All Blacks in Rome being his first at the helm.
He knows it's going to be a big ask, especially for a side that's only had 10 days to prepare. God forbid, he's only just getting to know half a dozen of his team.
Crowley says when he took over the top job, Italy's results were sub-par.
The Azzuri were thumped in all five of their 2021 Six Nations matches.
"The Italian results haven't been great, let's not beat around the bush, they've been terrible. I've said to the hierarchy don't expect results to change quickly, because we've got to establish a style of play."
Kieran Crowley. Photo / Photosport
A baptism of fire is what Crowley expects, but he's hoping his side can take plenty from the match.
"I would hope you'd see a committed effort, that their performance earns some respect and credibility. It might not be the result that we want but I'd certainly hope when we come off that field that we're proud of our performance, giving us a marker to move forward."
Crowley's been keeping a close eye on the All Blacks during their northern tour, and he says with a bit of a chuckle that his side's main focus over the past few weeks has been defence.
"You look at the All Blacks' last game against Wales. I didn't think Wales played that bad to be honest, but they still put 50 points on them."
The All Blacks last played Italy in 2018 in a 66-3 thrashing. Photo / Photosport
He says New Zealand is playing outstanding, and it's because of their depth.
"When you can replace Codie Taylor with Dane Coles, Jordie Barrett with Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett with Richie Mo'unga – there's just so much depth in New Zealand rugby, and I don't think New Zealanders fully appreciate it.
"We're going to have our hands full, but we'll give it our best shot."
Italy's preparation for the match has been less than ideal, with the side only being together for less than two weeks.
Crowley and the squad gathered together for the first time 10 days ago, and they only had three full days of training before some players headed back to play for their respective clubs in England and France.
"It's been a short build up which is not ideal when you're playing a team like New Zealand, but it is what is. They've worked hard, and hopefully we can put out a performance that puts down a marker for us going forward."
After taking on the All Blacks, Italy meet Argentina on November 13 and Uruguay on November 20. They then kick into Six Nations, with their first match on February 6 against France.
Crowley hopes by the end of this month that his side have established a way to play, and that they get their systems right.
"I would've liked this New Zealand game to be the third game rather than the first game, but it will be a good preparation for us and we can move forward from that."
