Pool C/ New Zealand 85 Romania 8: Now that the phoney war of the pool phase is over, New Zealand can finally concentrate on the real business of winning that elusive second World Cup.

As predicted, the All Blacks romped through the group phase, racking up 309 points, 46 tries and a maximum four bonus points in the process.

Coach Graham Henry and his assistants Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have stuck to their strategy of using all 30 players in the squad, keeping them fresh and game hungry ahead of the key knock-out matches.

The players have responded by playing some of the best running rugby in the tournament as they have put each of their pool opponents to the sword.

They appear determined not just to win the Webb Ellis trophy but to win it in style. Mentally the players appear more able to handle the pressure All Black sides have to endure before every World Cup and the team spirit is second to none.

They destroyed Italy with an irresistible 38-point deluge in the first 19 minutes of the opening game, but were accused of easing up on the Azzurri in the second half. They racked up a century against Portugal but were scolded for allowing the amateurs to breach their defence.

They stopped Scotland getting on the scoreboard at Murrayfield but commentators played down the significance of the victory because the Scots had fielded a second-string team.

"We take it on the chin as long as we keep winning," said winger Joe Rokocoko. "We are always trying to raise the bar each week."

"Of course we want perfection," Henry said after his side's demolition of Romania. "We want zero turnovers and to win 250-nil and that's what we try and do. We try and play the perfect game every time. . . There is a desire to play a high-quality game and to win this tournament."

NEW ZEALAND: Evans; Rokocoko, Toeava, Mauger, Sivivatu; McAlister, Ellis; Tialata, Mealamu, Somerville; Thorne, Robinson; Collins, Masoe, Lauaki. Replacements: Smith for Sivivatu (61), Howlett for McAlister (55), Leonard for Ellis (59), Hore for Mealamu (61), Jack for Robinson (55), McCaw for Masoe (55). Not used: Woodcock.

ROMANIA: Dumitras; Ciuntu, Gal, Gontineac, Brezoianu; Dimofte, Sirbu; B. Balan, Tincu, Florea; Socol, Petre; Corodeanu, Manta, Tonita. Replacements: Vlaicu for Dumitras (61), Dascalu for Gontineac (70), Calafeteanu for Sirbu (62), Mavrodin for Tincu (53), Ion for Florea (52), Ratiu for Corodeanu (48), Ursache for Manta (67).

Referee: Joël Jutge(France).