Staff Reporter
Two-time defending champions New Zealand scored nine tries to thrash Canada with a score of 63 – 0.
Brothers Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett all went over as the All Blacks hit the highest score and the widest score margin so far in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Tournament in Japan.
The All blacks were awarded a penalty try four minutes into the match but later that Jordie Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams and Beauden Barrett also crossed line for four tries before the half-time whistle.
Scott Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Brad Weber and Shannon Frizell also scored in the first ten minutes after the start of the second half as New Zealand tore their opponents’ defence apart.
The victory moves All Blacks up to second in Pool B, one point behind leaders Italy – courtesy of their two bonus-point wins. The Kiwis will play Namibia on Sunday and will be looking to gain the top spot in the log when facing the second tier team.
Earlier in the day the French saw off the Eagles with a victory of 33 – 9 after scoring three tries ate in the match.
Yoann Huget and Alivereti Raka scored early tries but France conceded regular penalties and made handling errors to keep Americans within reach of a possible win.
The USA, ranked 13th in the world, got within three points in the 64th minute but Gael Fickou and Baptiste Serin scored three tries in quick succession to take Les Blues out of danger. With the bonus point secured, Jefferson Poirot added a fifth try late on.
The win moves France up to second spot in Pool C, one point behind England.
England ran in seven tries when they beat the US last Thursday and, despite the late points, France’s performance only strengthens England’s position as group favourites.
England will play Argentina on Saturday and France will meet Tonga on Sunday.
