"Beauden needed" - Three All Blacks who flopped against Italy – and who should replace them

Dave Rennie's side struggled for rhythm during a competitive opening half before a devastating spell after the break put the contest beyond the visitors.

Will Jordan and Cam Roigard enhanced their reputations, but three All Blacks will be looking over their shoulders ahead of next week's Nations Championship clash with Ireland.

McKenzie was regularly on the front foot with ball in hand and produced several excellent flat passes to put teammates into space.

However, he struggled to find the final pass or make the clean breaks supporters have come to expect from the explosive full-back.

It continues a mixed start to the Nations Championship for the 29-year-old. He showed flashes against France in the opening round before another solid, if unspectacular, display against Italy.

With Ireland providing a much sterner examination next weekend, the All Blacks may need greater control from the backfield than McKenzie has offered across the opening two Tests.

Beauden Barrett. The 144-Test veteran was surprisingly overlooked for the opening two matches, but McKenzie's performances have done little to make the No.15 jersey his own.

Against Ireland, Barrett's tactical kicking, game management and experience in the biggest Test matches could prove invaluable. If Rennie wants a calmer presence at the back, this feels like the perfect time to restore one of the All Blacks' greatest modern players.

Taylor endured a frustrating performance despite New Zealand eventually taking control.

The All Blacks had started to build momentum midway through the opening half when the experienced hooker was penalised for a neck roll on Juan Ignacio Brex. The decision halted a promising attack and allowed Italy to relieve the pressure.

He also struggled to impose himself at the set-piece, with Italy disrupting New Zealand's lineout more than expected.

Against a clinical Irish side, the All Blacks will need much greater accuracy from their throwing and set-piece.

Samisoni Taukei'aho. The replacement hooker brought immediate physicality, flattening Stephen Varney with a huge fend before carrying aggressively throughout his stint.

He also played a key role in the relentless 17-phase attack that ended with Tupou Vaa'i's late try and did enough to stake a serious claim for a starting spot.

Sititi produced flashes of brilliance but too many mistakes undermined his overall display.

He was penalised for playing the ball on the ground during a period when Italy were building momentum before knocking on under pressure at first receiver. After making a powerful break from the restart following New Zealand's third try, he again lost possession, and another handling error near the Italian line brought a promising attack to an end.

His work rate remained impressive and he finished among the leading players for offloads, but the errors mounted throughout the evening.

Against Ireland, those mistakes are far more likely to be punished.

Anton Segner. The Test debutant looked immediately at home after coming off the bench, carrying strongly, bringing real energy around the breakdown and playing a key role in the turnover that led to Ethan de Groot's try. It would be a bold call to hand him a first start against Ireland, but his performance was composed enough to put genuine pressure on the established back-row options.