Hookers Dane Coles and Asafo Aumua have scored try doubles to help the All Blacks overcome Italy 47-9 in a scratchy display at Rome's Stadio Olimpico.
Through the opening 40 minutes, New Zealand struggled to get on top of the Italians, who applied plenty of pressure through high kicks or quickly advancing defensive line.
The All Blacks contributed to their own shortcomings, conceding penalties, throwing loose passes, dropping good passes and often caught back-pedalling at breakdowns.
Their defence kept them in the contest, twice repelling attacking lineout opportunities.
They lost halfback Brad Weber early with a head injury that turned into a failed concussion test, gifting reserve Finlay Christie an extended run, which he turned into the opening try, when he pounced on a loose ball from a fast-retreating Italian scrum near the goal-line.
The NZ set-piece provided two more tries before halftime, both to veteran Coles from routine lineout mauls, and headed to the dressing room with a flattering 21-6 advantage.
After turning down early opportunities for goal, Italy strangely looked towards the posts, as they fell behind and converted their third penalty midway through the second half to draw closer.
That was never likely to be enough, when - not if - the All Blacks finally wore down the upstarts. Sevu Reece finally put the game beyond their reach, when he finished a move started by replacement prop Ofa Tuungafasi.
The experienced All Blacks bench, featuring veterans Sam Whitelock, Shannon Frizell, Ofa Tuungafasi and Jordie Barrett, took full toll of a tiring Azzurri defence that had performed so stoutly.
Coles departed, but replacement Aumua picked up the baton and scored two tries from identical lineout mauls, as the scoreline ballooned out, which winger Sevu Reece and No.8 Hoskins Sotutu running in long-range efforts.
While the final result appeared convincing, the performance was unlikely to promote many fringe candidates into the top line-up for upcoming tests against Ireland and France, but Italy's tactics over the opening 60 minutes may provide a blueprint for future opponents.
Coles was the standout performer, just ahead of Sotutu, while captain Sam Cane managed a full 80 minutes, as he continued to work his way back from a season-long chest/shoulder injury.
New Zealand 47 (Coles 2, Aumua 2, Christie, Reece & Sotutu tries; Mo'unga 6 conversions) Italy 9 (Garbisi 3 penalties)
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