Italians on learning curve

Italy rugby coach John Kirwan believes his team's short tour of New Zealand is proving hugely beneficial as they build towards the World Cup in Australia this year.

The former All Black winger arrived with the Italian side in New Plymouth to prepare for tonight's match against Taranaki.

"I think the players have got a bit of a surprise how intense things are down here [in NZ] and how healthy the rugby scene is. It's exactly what we wanted the tour to be," he said.

The Italians lost 33-30 to Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on Sunday, the second defeat in three games so far.

- NZPA