HERALD ONLINE STAFF
The All Blacks ran in eight tries to two as they sank Scotland's hopes in the mud of Eden Park on Saturday night.
Rain fell throughout the second test but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of both teams to throw the ball around.
The Scots enjoyed most of the possession but lacked a game-breaker. In contrast, Tana Umaga, Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Mark Robinson and Ron Cribb had storming games and were always dangerous.
Norm Maxwell ensured the All Blacks won their lineout ball and even snaffled one from a Scottish throw. He went off injured in the second spell after putting in a couple of jolting tackles.
All Blacks skipper Todd Blackadder praised the efforts of the tourists. "Their ball retention was outstanding," he said. "Tonight was a tough night."
New Zealand's tries came from Josh Kronfeld (his 14th in 50 Tests), Umaga (two), Cribb, Alama Ieremia, Robinson (on debut), Justin Marshall and Cullen (on the night he became the country's most-capped fullback).
The All Blacks led 24-0 at half-time.
The second spell was only a few minutes old when Scottish fullback Chris Paterson collected an attempted chip kick from Andrew Mehrtens and scooted off for his first test try.
Ieremia replied with a try for the All Blacks but the Scots hit back again with a try against the run of play to winger Cameron Murray to make the score 31-14. That was as close as the visitors got: the All Blacks then ran in three more tries.
All Blacks test programme 2000
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