By WYNNE GRAY in Melbourne
Italian No 8 Matthew Phillips struggled with his emotions before he played his country of birth.
During the anthems he had to stop himself joining in the New Zealand rendition, then he faced the haka for the first time.
That turmoil became an even greater battle for Phillips
and Italy as they tried to stem the All Black scoring on Saturday in Melbourne.
Searching for some salvation, Italy turned down shots at goal, but came up short in the search for a try before in a hot little spell after the break players were twice held up over the line.
Then, from another tap penalty after 50 minutes, the Kaitaia-born Phillips was able to break the Azzurri drought and plunge over the All Black goal-line from close range.
"It made a bit of difference to cross the line against the All Blacks," the quietly spoken loose forward said. "We put them under pressure, but that is no use unless you score points, so it lifted the squad a little bit.
"It was a bit special playing against New Zealand because, obviously, I was born there and knew a few of the boys who I was playing against.
"It was a bit different almost singing both national anthems before the game, too."
Before the test, Phillips and fellow New Zealand flanker Scott Palmer had discussed the significance of the match for them, but it had been even more distinctive during the anthems and the haka.
Every test was special, but to play against his former country was unique - especially as Phillips did not think he would be selected for Italy's opening cup game.
"So for Scott and myself it was different, special in respect to everything," the 28-year-old said.
Phillips' international career for Italy started in controversy because he was the first player allowed to play for the Azzurri under residential rather than birth qualifications.
After his first confrontation with the All Blacks he was impressed. The pack was not as big as many in the Northern Hemisphere, but it was technical and fast, while the outside backs were lethal.
"England are structured and strong, but each All Black is a game-breaker," he suggested when asked for a comparison.
With the ball the All Blacks were exceptionally dangerous, but when they were placed under pressure they were just like any other team.
Italian coach John Kirwan commended his side for a committed start to the competition, especially as he had saved some players for the next match against Tonga on Wednesday.
That tight turnaround initially caused Kirwan to criticise the tournament organisers and on Saturday his side had to fly back to their Canberra base to regroup for game two.
"Our World Cup starts now," he said.
The former All Black great was in awe of the finishing power in the New Zealand back division.
"When they get space they are devastating."
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By WYNNE GRAY in Melbourne
Italian No 8 Matthew Phillips struggled with his emotions before he played his country of birth.
During the anthems he had to stop himself joining in the New Zealand rendition, then he faced the haka for the first time.
That turmoil became an even greater battle for Phillips
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