Rugby:New Zealand captain Richie McCaw says he is excited to have the World Cup under way after his side's 41-10 win over Tonga in the tournament opener at Eden Park.
The All Blacks ran in six tries against the South Sea Islanders with Israel Dagg (2), Richard Kahui (2), Jerome Kaino and Ma’a Nonu all crossing and Dan Carter kicking three conversions and a penalty. Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams and Kaino were outstanding on the night but New Zealand’s second-half performance did not match the incisiveness of the first 40 minutes.
Some disjointed attacking play and an under-pressure scrum contributed to the All Blacks only winning the second 40 minutes 12-7. McCaw pointed out: “It was a start, we had good patches, but in the second half we spent some time in their 22 but didn’t capitalise, which is something to work on.
“Our defence was good, although it was disappointing to let them score, but we had had to defend for a while. But it’s a start and that’s all we can look at it as.”
The Crusaders flanker was not overly concerned by the nature of his side’s second-half performance, putting it down to over-excitement after the long wait for the tournament to begin. “It can happen when you are a few points up that you can expect things to happen when you make breaks instead of being ruthless. But we created opportunities and for the most part I thought it was good stuff.
“We are excited about getting under way, it’s been a long time coming and to play in front of a crowd like this is pretty cool.”
