View photosKEY POINTS:
New Zealand's build-up to their Tri-Nations rugby title defence ended in anti-climatic fashion though Canada provided stout resistance before being swamped by a second-half onslaught at Waikato Stadium tonight.
The All Blacks sported looks as dark as their jerseys at halftime, but were slightly more satisfied at the final whistle after running in 38 unanswered points to power to a 64-13 victory.
First five-eighth Daniel Carter was the individual star, mirroring the All Blacks second-half recovery by scoring a hat-trick of tries as the home side shed early moments of indecision to eventually lay on 10 tries.
Carter, who had a patchy opening spell, converted seven for a personal haul of 29 points.
New Zealand 64 (Dan Carter 3, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Luke McAlister, John Schwalger, Andrew Hore, Chris Masoe, Doug Howlett, Rico Gear tries; Dan Carter 7 con), Canada 13 (Mike Pyke try, James Pritchard 2 pen, con). Halftime: 26-13
- NZPA
