New Zealand 41 Tonga 10:New Zealand ran in six tries to begin their quest for a first World Cup triumph in 24 years with victory over Tonga in the tournament opener at Eden Park. Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui showed they deserved their starting spots as they crossed for two tries apiece, with Dan Carter adding a penalty and three conversions for a 29-3 half-time lead.

But the All Blacks were nowhere near as impressive after the break, with their disjointed attacking play and under-pressure scrum giving coach Graham Henry plenty of food for thought. But they managed to add further tries from Jerome Kaino and Ma’a Nonu, while replacement Sona Taumalolo crossed for the visitors.

With the players having to wait for the formalities of an opening ceremony to be completed it was little surprise that there was a frantic start to proceedings. A rush of blood from Tonga saw them take a quick line-out on their own line, with Taniela Moa’s resulting clearance being charged down.

That set up a penalty chance that Carter easily slotted for the opening points of the tournament. The outhalf was soon paving the way for the opening try in the 11th minute. His pass saw wing Kahui make the initial break up the middle to link with Sonny Bill Williams, and when the ball came back left Dagg eased over for an unconverted score.

Some lovely inter-passing between Nonu, Williams and Isaia Toeava then sent Kahui over for the second try, Carter adding the extras for a 15-0 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

Williams’ audacious offloading skills were causing the Tonga defence huge problems, and they were in evidence again as his brilliant one-handed pass gave Dagg a second try on a plate, Carter again converting.

The All Blacks were soon over again as Dagg’s out-the-back-door pass saw Kahui streak clear and drag full-back Vunga Lilo over the line, the try again converted by Carter. Tonga did at least get on the scoreboard, as Kurt Morath, off target with an early attempt from distance, landed a penalty right on half-time.

The South Sea Islanders did well to repel strong surges by Williams and Richie McCaw early in the second half, before preventing an early contender for try of the tournament. Sonny Bill Williams looped around lock Ali Williams on his own 10-metre line and slid a delicate grubber through for Toeava. The wing gathered but was clattered by some brave last-ditch defence.

Tonga then lost captain Finau Maka, who had been struggling with an Achilles problem, to injury and almost conceded another try moments later, but Toeava was adjudged to have had a foot in touch by the video referee.

The fifth try eventually arrived just before the hour mark thanks to more inspired play from the outstanding Kahui. The Chiefs three-quarter chipped over two defenders, regathered and flipped the ball inside for Kaino to cap his powerful display with a score. Carter struck the post with the simple conversion.

Tonga then enjoyed their best passage of the match as replacement Taumalolo forced Carter to spill the ball, the visitors spent phase after phase within sight of the line and eventually got their reward when Taumalolo burrowed through the fringe defence to dot down.

But New Zealand had the last word as Nonu finished a fine breakaway move, replacement Colin Slade adding the extras.