Pool C/New Zealand 108 Portugal 13:They have racked up 184 points in their opening two World Cup pool games but just how good the All Blacks really are remains open to question. South Africa have set out their credentials with a clinical 36-0 destruction of defending champions England and Australia have confirmed their candidature for a third crown with a 32-20 win over a lively Wales but New Zealand have yet to be tested.
With matches against an unfancied Scotland side and a second-grade Romania to come, there is the very real prospect Graham Henry's side will reach the quarter-finals without ever being stretched. What is clear, however, is this All Blacks team are one of the most talented sides to grace the World Cup and they have more versatility and greater strength in depth than any other team in the tournament.
A World Cup record 13 players got on the scoresheet in Saturday's 108-13 annihilation of a courageous Portugal side, while second-string outhalf Nick Evans scooped an individual points haul of 33. Jerry Collins, standing in as skipper for Richie McCaw, provided further proof he is one of the most exciting loose forwards in the world, combining his usual rock-like presence in the contact phases with superb running and passing. Joe Rokocoko set out his case for a first-team place on the wing by giving a taster of his electric pace with the opening two tries, while Leon MacDonald made a strong claim for the fullback berth.
Unlike some previous All Black sides, this team did not run up a massive points total because of a ruthless desire to destroy their opponents, instead the scoreline was more a product of high-class team play. "We're probably not entirely satisfied with the way we played but it's a step up from last week," Collins said. "We were just focusing on our basics and fundamentals, the things we need to nail as we get to the business end of the tournament."But Collins knows better than to take anything for granted.
"At the beginning of the tournament you're raring to go, it's always like that, then the pressure starts mounting," he said. "But we're in a pretty good space. Here's hoping, eh."
NEW ZEALAND: Muliaina; Toeava, Smith, Mauger, Rokocoko; Evans, Leonard; Tialata, Hore, Somerville; Jack, Williams; Collins, Masoe, Lauaki. Replacements: MacDonald for Muliaina (7), Hayman for Jack (51), Oliver for Hore (57), Woodcock for Somerville (60), So'oialo for Williams, Ellis for Leonard (both 54), Mealamu for Collins (64).
PORTUGAL: Leal; Aguilar, Portela, D Mateus, Carvalho; Malheiro, Pissarra; Da Silva, Correia, Spachuck; D'Orey, G Uva; Coutinho, Murinello, V Uva. Replacements: Penalva for D'Orey (27), D Pinto for Malheiro, J Pinto for Pissarra (both 42), Ferreira for Da Silva (43), Girao for Coutinho (44), J Uva for Murinello (51).
Referee: C White (England).
