The All Blacks dominated Italy in their Rugby World Clash in Lyon this morning, running in 14 tries to win 96-17.
Aaron Smith celebrates one of his first half tries against Italy in their Rugby World Cup clash at Lyon. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
New Zealand came out firing in their first must-win game at the tournament, with seven tries in the first half to lead 49-3 at the break.
Italy had a better start in the second half and scored their first try through Ange Capuozzo in those opening minutes, but could not stop the All Blacks from notching up a further seven tries before the final whistle. Italy's game ended with a second consolation try by Montanna Ioane in the final minute.
Aaron Smith claimed three of the All Blacks' tries in the first half, while Ardie Savea, Dane Coles and Will Jordan scored two, with the rest scored by Mark Telea, Brodie Retallick, Dalton Papalii, Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown.
Just one conversion was missed by New Zealand, with Richie Mo'unga nailing nine of his 10 attempts.
* See how the game unfolded with RNZ's live blog.
The three-time champions made a mockery of the idea that a new-look Italy side might scupper their campaign with a first win in 16 meetings between the sides.
Savea was a tireless force with ball in hand, securing the bonus point with his first try in the 22nd minute and adding his team's seventh before the break.
Largely absent was the ill-discipline that blighted their warm-up loss to South Africa and first two matches in France, the 27-13 defeat at the hands of the hosts in the tournament opener and an 11-try romp over Namibia.
All Black Dane Coles heads for the try line during NZ's 96-17 demolition of Italy at the Rugby World Cup. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Jordan opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a brilliant finish from Jordie Barrett's pinpoint crosskick and his fellow winger Talea also crossed in the first half after a scything break from Savea in midfield.
Sam Whitelock came on in the 50th minute to play his 149th test, surpassing Richie McCaw as the most-capped All Black of all time, and within seconds his long-time locking partner Brodie Retallick barrelled over the line for New Zealand's eighth try.
Papali'i scored the ninth, replacement hooker Coles crossed twice and McKenzie came off the bench to make his presence felt by scoring a try and making a second for Jordan.
Will Jordan scores his side's first try during their Rugby World Cup against Italy at the OL Stadium near Lyon. Photo: AFP / Francis Bompard
Replacement centre Leinart-Brown scored the 14th try as New Zealand closed on the 101 points they scored against Italy at the 1999 World Cup.
McKenzie also took over kicking duties from Mou'nga, who had converted nine of New Zealand's first 10 tries, and slotted four conversions from four attempts.
The result put New Zealand in second place with 10 points, ahead of the Azzurri on points difference and three points behind group leaders France, who will take on Italy next week.
The All Blacks also round out pool play against Uruguay in Lyon on Friday.
- RNZ / Reuters