New Zealand destroyed Scotland on Saturday afternoon, securing a 68 point victory in Christchurch.
The Kiwis were tested during the opening eight minutes of the contest but from there, New Zealand piled on the tries, eventually scoring six in the first half to effectively wrap up the result at halftime.
In the second half, the Kiwis kept their foot on the pedal and scored eight tries to one to en route to a crushing victory.
Overall, the foundation for this win was laid once again by New Zealand’s superb pack, with Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Martin Taupau, Kenny Bromwich, Russell Packer, Joseph Tapine and company all strong upfront.
Backline stars such as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Shaun Johnson, Te Maire Martin, Peta Hiku and Dean Whare were also impressive as they tore Scotland to shreds when given space to do so.
Despite this great win, next week’s test against Tonga will provide a more conclusive measure of where the Kiwis are at in their bid to win another World Cup.
New Zealand 74
Scotland 6
Justin Kearney
Guest
Television viewers silly!
Rugby365
Guest
100% agree it’s definitely a game for the views hence the sold out stadiums ?
Justin Kearney
Guest
Each to their own in brief. I was just telling you how three former rugby players felt watching both games. These days i find union almost unwatchable and dull which is disappointing as i played the game for over 30 years.
Justin Kearney
Guest
Lol he was. And not very good at it.
Nat
Roar Guru
Curtis Rona. Eto Nabuli, Karmichael Hunt, Reese Robinson... SBW, Brad Thorn. Of course it goes both ways. It would be an interesting comparison to see how many have played Super Rugby or higher and rep'd for league - as opposed to vice versa.
john williams
Guest
korobiete was a rugby player who waltzed into the nrl first get your facts right I just think Fijians seem to be born to be wingers doesn't seem to matter which code its only in the last few years the league world seems to have cottoned on to how good these guys are should have seen rupeni cau cau jeoli vidiri and joe rockokoko
Albo
Guest
I tend to agree with you kiwijack. New Zealand have a far better spine than the Tongans and the Kiwi pack is solid enough to match the Tongans, I feel. The big surprise for me has been the heavy involvement of Nelson Asofa - Solomona for the kiwis. His development and impact in a short space of time must be having Storm fans excited about his next season. Also like the involvement and experience that Te Mare Martin is getting from this tournament for his future development with the Cowboys.
JP
Guest
At least you got it Nat. Former Melbourne Storm winger Korobiete goes alright as well.
Jacko
Guest
I heard he was an AFL player....
kiwijack
Guest
I agree with you Samoa lost that game through poor options especially on the last tackle. Ben Roberts has never been a very good half and has a poor kicking game. I am at a loss as to why Mason Lino was not in the Samoan team, he has NRL experience and a pretty good kicking game. Samoa will go nowhere using Roberts.
kiwijack
Guest
I can see the Kiwi's winning over Tonga, the Kiwi's are better organised and have a better halves combination wether they use Johnson/Martin or Johnson/Nikorima. This game will be won or lost in the halves, the forwards and backs cancel each other out pretty much. Kiwi's also have the better fullback which could also make a difference. Should be a good game and will give both teams an Idea of how they are travelling going into the semi's.
Nat
Roar Guru
Izzy able to put that together JP?
In Brief
Guest
Really, who?
In Brief
Guest
I completely disagree. I find rugby union so much more dynamic it's not funny. The fastest match I"ve watched this year was SA vs All Blacks at Newlands. Not only fast, but the variety in play, the innovation, the physicality was awesome. Players literally are under constant pressure with each play carrying a huge risk. The time between receiving the ball and getting hit is microseconds. In league playmakers seem to have an eternity on the ball with no pressure. Chalk and cheese.
JP
Guest
In Brief, Wallabies best player is a former NRL and Kangaroo rugby league winger.HUH ?
JK
Guest
No one will be at the Kangaroos.The Kiwi halves are rubbish..
DJ
Guest
I disagree with Frank Da Tank. Tonga didn't win the game. Samoa lost it through unforced errors and failure to capitalise on opportunities. Tonga were also unimpressive in the second halves of both games and will struggle to match the Kiwis' flair, experience and match fitness. Two star forwards do not make a team and tournament sensation Nelson Asofa-Solomona is the equal of Andrew Fifita while Martin Taupau is capable of neutralising Jason Taumalolo who was noticeably MIA in the NRL final. The results thus far reflect Kidwell's raison d'être to restore pride in the Kiwi jersey and whilst I have enormous respect and admiration for Tonga the Kiwis will advance to the semi-finals in what will arguably be the most scintillating game of the tournament
Justin Kearney
Guest
If that is your view of this great sport then ignore it. If you dont like it dont watch it. Calling the people who play league thugs is childish. If it upsets you so much that you have to express such a negative opinion why are you here?
Justin Kearney
Guest
Just saying kiwis are playing better than expected and aussies look a bit suspect. Might be a surprise on the cards. PNG Ireland game is a cracker by the way.
Justin Kearney
Guest
He claims that he flies to england every fortnight to watch 4th division soccer. You can draw your own conclusions from that.