It took the All Blacks just 29 seconds to score the opening try of their 104-14 win over the United States in Maryland on Sunday (AEST) and they added another 15 as the predicted mismatch came to pass.
With Finlay Christie starting at No.9 and Richie Mo’unga restored at No.10, the All Blacks ran riot, although they did allow in two tries – the first the USA have ever scored against New Zealand.
It was New Zealand’s largest win over the USA, after the 74-6 margin the last time they played in 2014.
TJ Perenara crossed with the final play to crack the century and give New Zealand their third highest points tally in a Test behind 108 vs. Portugal at the 2007 World Cup and 145 vs. Japan in 1995.
It was also the All Blacks second century of the season – they racked up a 102-0 victory over a depleted Tonga.
Before kick off there was a touching tribute to Maori All Blacks player Sean Wainui, who died in a car crash earlier in the week.
The Americans presented the All Blacks with a No 11 jersey and the Kiwis held an 11 second moment of silence before haka that held even more power and passion than ever.
Luke Jacobson opened the scoring after 29 seconds, Will Jordan scored a hat-trick, and the All Blacks went to the sheds leading 59-7 with nine first half tries.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The USA scored their first tries against the All Blacks through halfback Nate Augspurger and winger Ryan Matyas, but the huge gulf between the teams was apparent all game.
Quinn Tupaea, playing his fifth Test, was outstanding for the All Blacks in midfield, running 162 metres with the ball.
“Solid performance once again,” said former All Blacks player Mils Muliaina on Sky Sports NZ. “He’s really stepping up. You need someone solid and sound when things are a little frantic and what I love is his voice, for such a young man.”
Former All Black Jeff Wilson said Tupaea’s development was putting pressure on his rivals.
“He made a couple of errors but the number of times he had his hands on the ball, was involved in the play, I can live with those because you’re not going to get it right every time.”
Christie was busy throughout his time on the park and underlined the incredible depth at No.9 for the All Blacks.
“His selection going forward is going to be pure and simply about the type of player they’re going to want off the bench, whether it’s going to be a physical player, a more experienced player,” said Wilson.
“I look at physicality of Finlay Christie and he’s at the heart of the game. I don’t think there’s a difference in terms of the physicality between these two players [Christie and TJ Perenara]. His speed from ruck to ruck, speed around the field, I think his stock is rising.”
“Every time he goes out there he’s looking very, very good and fundamentally sound which is very important for any halfback. Passes are good, speed around the ruck. I love what he’s doing.”
Muliaina added: “I’ve been really impressed with how he’s gone about it. What he brings is energy. It’s obvious when you are new to the environment but what I love also is his defensive effort. He’s just going in there making really good tackles but also clearing the ball nicely for his first five.”
Mo’unga returned at No.10, having lost his starting place near the end of the Rugby Campionship when he left to attend the birth of his child.
“Today was a big pass mark for him,” said Muliaina. “He orchestrated the game really well, showed some nice touches but it wasn’t really a game to roll up the sleeves and kick to the corners. But it showed his attacking brilliance.”
Wilson added: “The interesting thing for me is the ombination they’ve been running of Mo’Unga and [Damien] McKenzie and [Beauden] Barrett and [Jordie] Barrett. That’s been through circumstance, but whether or not that’s what they do going forward and for th rest of this tour, I’m not sure.
“The combination of Mo’unga and Jordie Barrett hasn’t had a lot of time to develop. I think it’s a toss up right now. Jordie Barrett was outstanding and I think that impacts who they play at 10.”
WEST
Roar Guru
How good are Hawks Bay!! :silly: I’m really enjoying watching those guys. Taranaki are putting in some good performances. I’m enjoying Canterbury not dominating the competition too :thumbup:
piru
Roar Rookie
Yeah the big boys would definitely need some time on the treadmill
potsie
Guest
There are more than 120,000 rugby players in the US. Problem is they take the game up late and are dispersed over a vast area so don't get a high level of competition.
potsie
Guest
The Glendale Raptors who were one of the strongest rugby teams in the US tried just that. They dropped out of the major league, recruited a team of fringe NFL players and other elite athletes, then proceeded to get tonked by the reserve grade teams of amateur clubs from across the States most of which consisted of physiques that you would see gracing a bar leaner at a golden oldies game. Every now and again Glendale would score a brilliant runaway individual try then go back to being smashed. Not easy to carry all that fast twitch around for 80 minutes.
potsie
Guest
Why does Mo'unga throw his passes behind the receivers? McKenzie and Ennor were having to catch the ball on their shoulder or behind nearly every time it went wide. Against a stronger rush they would have got smashed.
potsie
Guest
It was a nice gesture by the Eagles, but the picture on the black shirt looked more like Jerry Collins than Sean Wainui.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
My suspicion is that by then the dust will have settled to a great extent and the world will rely on vaccinations to bring back a degree of normality. The big worry is if Covid mutates further, which has to be a possibility. Fingers crossed.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
So true… It will be upon us before we know it, hopefully travel will not be an issue by then. Having said that travelling Internationally will not be the same as each country will have their own rules regarding COVID.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Hell MadKiwi, you're right!! With all the Covid disruption a lot of time has passed and 2023 is just around the corner. France as well, hopefully travel will be feasible.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
In my view Westie, Zarn is the most precocious talent and has a prodigious and very accurate kick. Penalties from 50m + are well within his range. Plays either at first five or fullback, but has the talent to play anywhere in the backline.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
All I can say is if people want an idea of what the future holds for NZ Rugby and therefore the ABs all they need to do is watch the NPC. Even in its reduced capacity (without the Auckland based clubs), there is a world of emerging talent in the NPC.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Totally agree EF… TJP has regressed, I used to enjoy watching Graham Bachop with his speed to the breakdowns and crisp passing. This is what Smith, Webber and Christie provide, where TJ is just to slow and is picking wrong options which puts Mo’unga and co under pressure.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
yeah liking the game would be a start. Americans dont follow rugby. I saw an article saying USA is a great financial place rather than a rugby place but with 300,000,000 surely 100,000 could take it up LOL.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Good call Malotru… Another set of brothers coming through, hopefully they keep impressing next season. Next season is huge season for players wanting to impress with the RWC fast approaching, I personally cannot wait.
WEST
Roar Guru
Has to start somewhere, like Japan. Next minute they beat the Springboks! Who knows.. 5-10 years it might be USA tipping the Boks over
WEST
Roar Guru
Bailyn Sullivan is going to the Canes next year.. Interesting to see how he gets on there? Zarn Sullivan Is wicked too! He’s a big unit, could play midfield instead of fullback? Have to keep an eye on them next year
piru
Roar Rookie
Haha, I wouldn't make any bets mate
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the info Piru. It shows that with 300,000,000 people it would be a generation change, not a 3 generation change.
piru
Roar Rookie
Jacko there are skills that would be transferable, I just don't think the right people in the right places in the USA know what they are. So many people seem to focus on running backs and receivers, when really they should be looking at (imo) linebackers, and offensive linemen. Having played both, I think the position of guard or centre is much closer to the 'round the park' responsibilities of a rugby front rower than people realise. The big fellas are well versed in body positioning, footwork, momentum, leverage and doing all this in contact. There's a business here in Australia called ProKick that prepares kids who miss out on the AFL draft (and even those who have played in the AFL) to become punters for US colleges. They've been so successful that it's become a talking point in the college sports sphere about these already pro level athletes who are coming in and taking positions away from young kids. I think there's a niche for a similar organisation to help American football kids who miss out on the NFL.
Nick
Roar Rookie
This❗His highlights reel in games against the big boppers is getting smashed. Also need a big body in midfield to partner with ALB or DH. Personally I think ALB is better off the bench as he's always coming back from injury.