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MARSEILLE - All Blacks coach Graham Henry has warned his team against complacency when they open their World Cup campaign against Italy here on Saturday.
New Zealand are the overwhelming favourites to win the title to add to their only victory so far in 1987, a campaign which started with a 70-6 demolition of the Azzurri.
"That was 20 years ago and things have changed a lot since then," said Henry.
"They played well in the Six Nations this year (Italy finished fourth above Wales and Scotland), they have developed their rugby and have a number of talented players.
"They have also been well coached," added Henry in reference to Italy handler Pierre Berbizier.
"Italy are improving all the time. They won two matches in the Six Nations and their first away from home. They could have beaten Ireland last week (the Irish scored a last-minute try). So we expect a very difficult match."
New Zealand are in Group C at the World Cup and will also take on Scotland, Romania and Portugal.
"There are no easy matches," added Henry. "Italy are strong. Scotland beat Ireland recently and fought pretty well against South Africa, so I think they will be two difficult games. And I think it's good for us."
Henry refused to pinpoint one team which he thought would trouble his All Blacks more than most.
"There's a lot of very good teams here. France look particularly good at the moment. Our southern hemisphere friends, South Africa and Australia are always difficult to beat."
- AFP
