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MARSEILLE - New Zealand coach Graham Henry was left delighted by his team's 76-14 mauling of Italy in a one-sided Pool C game this morning that sent out a stark promise of intent from the trophy-hungry All Blacks.
The New Zealanders, led superbly by captain Richie McCaw and loose-forward cohorts Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo, blitzed to a 38-0 lead after just 20 minutes.
The Italians had refused to line up and face the traditional pre-match haka, and the same could be said for their woeful early defence, which the All Blacks fully exploited.
"I am very pleased. We played some good rugby in the first 20 minutes despite the heat. We have no injuries, so it's ideal," Henry said.
The contest was over after that first breathless quarter, during which the All Blacks scored five converted tries.
An Italian interception try just before half-time was followed by another handful of All Black tries in the second period before the Azzurri claimed a final consolation touchdown.
Henry said he had expected the Italians, last season's Six Nations over-achievers after wins over Scotland and Wales, to provide some more resistance.
"I expected Italy to be a little bit more stubborn, but they played very well," he said, highlighting the exemplary decision-making shown by his team's playmakers.
"We played very well and chose the right options. The players and the team in general made great decisions," he said, adding: "It was much more competitive out there than the scoreline indicated."
Italy coach Pierre Berbizier was left ruing his side's horrendous start.
"Today we played a basic game but we didn't have the right mental attitude," the Frenchman said.
"We didn't become involved in the match in the first quarter. The All Blacks were aware of this and capitalised on our weak points. That's how great teams play."
Captain Marco Bortolami said the thrashing would be a wake-up call for his side, which go on to face Romania, Portugal and Scotland.
"We had mental problems at the start. We let them score three times in the first few minutes," Bortolami said.
"Our play was too passive. We must learn from this experience. I think we respected them too much.
"Our team will be much more determined," he vowed. "Three matches to play and they are in our reach. If we play as we know how to, the outcome could be positive."
For the All Blacks, whose next opponent are minnows Portugal next Saturday, there will be no let-up.
"There's 30 players in the squad here and we all want to play," said scrum-half Byron Kelleher. "There'll be no easing back."
- AFP
