Snowstorm tipped to disrupt All Blacks' preparation

The All Blacks are set for a chilly reception when they run out to face Italy in their final test of the 2024 season.

Weather forecasts for Turin predict temperatures could drop below zero by kickoff on Saturday night local time (9.10am Sunday) at Allianz Stadium, home of the Juventus football team.

And the team’s preparation looks set to be disrupted by a snowstorm. A weather warning has been set for the city on Thursday with 2-4 cm of snow forecast.

The All Blacks are making their maiden test appearance at the northern Italy city, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 2006, after past visits to Rome, Milan, Genoa and Bologna.

New Zealand have played eight previous tests in Italy, the closest of which was a 20-6 victory in 2009.

The two sides met at last year’s Rugby World Cup, with the All Blacks almost bringing up a century, winning 96-17 in a 14-try romp.

The All Blacks side will be named on Friday morning NZT, with Sam Cane and TJ Perenara a chance to play their final test matches for New Zealand before heading to deals in Japan.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission