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The All Blacks have hit their straps in the last half-hour to beat Tonga 47-9 in Newcastle and end a stuttering Rugby World Cup pool campaign on a high.
The defending champions scored five of their seven tries in the second spell at St James’ Park to qualify for the quarter-finals with a perfect pool record – matching their achievement at the previous seven tournaments.
Underwhelming at times during wins over Argentina, Namibia and Georgia, they also struggled for rhythm early in the game on Friday against the physical Pacific islanders.
Up 14-6 at halftime and just 14-9 ahead when Tongan first flyhalf Kurt Morath slotted his third penalty, New Zealand came alive.
Winger Nehe Milner-Skudder snared a double before further tries to reserve midfield back Sonny Bill Williams, flanker Sam Cane and second five-eighth Ma’a Nonu blew the scoreline out.
Nonu’s long-range try was a popular one in his 100th game, set up by his impressive Hurricanes teammate Milner-Skudder, who was named man of the match.
Dan Carter, who converted six tries in a welcome return to goalkicking form, finished the game in a ginger state. The veteran flyhalf was dumped in a lifting tackle which resulted in a yellow card for Tongan replacement hooker Paula Ngauamo.
New Zealand captain Kieran Read was also sent to the sin bin when he collapsed a maul late in the first half as the cohesive Tongan pack launched a series of drives on the line.
Tonga finished the pool in fourth place, with a lone win over Namibia, but saved arguably their best rugby for the world champions.
The first half was especially physical, with the All Blacks able to cross the line just twice, through fullback Ben Smith and prop Tony Woodcock, who scored his first Test try since the 2011 World Cup final.
Morath slotted two penalties but his team were unfortunate not to be closer after dominating possession for long periods and forcing the world champions into mistakes.
Read says the game ticked several boxes heading into a quarter-final in Cardiff on Saturday next week.
Their opponents will be the loser of the pool D decider between unbeaten France and Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday.
“We got a tough game, which is certainly what you need at this time of the tournament,” Read said.
“It’s going to be like that next week so in some ways I’m pleased we fought back really hard and got some points in the second half.
“Obviously there are things we can work on. In the first half they put us under a lot of pressure.”
Read expects a fierce forward examination from whoever they meet first up in the knockout phase.
“Tonga took us on up front and I was really pleased with the way we just stuck at it,” he said.
“We’re glad to be where we are. Not everyone’s there next week so we’re looking forward to that challenge.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.