New Zealand 91 Tonga 7
New Zealand delivered another scintillating display of high-speed, running rugby with 13 tries in a horribly one-sided 91-7 win over Tonga in their World Cup pool D encounter today.
Despite constant rain which made handling difficult, the All Black backs turned on the style in a match where they enjoyed more than 70 per cent possession.
There were nine different scorers plus a penalty try while centre Leon MacDonald was successful with 12 out of 12 conversion attempts, Carlos Spencer landing the other.
Left winger Caleb Ralph scored twice in a terrific performance that will put the pressure on first choice Joe Rokocoko, while fellow winger Doug Howlett and fullback Mils Muliaina also scored two tries.
The Tongans had promised a physical approach but, apart from one or two high hits early on, they simply ran out of steam trying to keep up with their vastly superior opponents.
New Zealand, who have already beaten Italy 70-7 and Canada 68-6, are the tournament's leading scorers and today's win came with several first choice players out through injury.
Scorers:
New Zealand- Tries: Daniel Braid, Daniel Carter, Corey Flynn, Caleb Ralph (2), Carlos Spencer, Kees Meeuws, Mils Muliaina (2), Leon MacDonald, Doug Howlett (2), penalty try; Conversions: MacDonald (12), Spencer.
Tonga- Try: Pierre Hola; Conversion: Sateki Tu'ipolotu.