The All Blacks, in a match against the Flying Fijians in San Diego, showcased their growth with the debut of six new players.
New Zealand scored seven tries to secure a 47-5 win. The debutants were Pasilio Tosi, Wallace Sititi, George Bell, Sam Darry, Noah Hotham, and Billy Proctor.
The result maintains coach Scott Robertson’s winning start to his tenure, which now stands at three out of three.
Skipper Scott Barrett said that the performance was not as polished as they had hoped, but Fiji turned up in physical areas. However, they created enough opportunities to turn into points.
The All Blacks struck first, with McKenzie breaking the line and finding Barrett who shifted it to the left for Caleb Clarke to score. Cortez Ratima then sneaked over from the base for his first test try.
The Fijians got on the board courtesy of a cross-kick from Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, which Semi Radradra snaffled. Debutant Billy Proctor was over in his first test, the beneficiary of more slick hands from the All Blacks backs.
With the All Blacks dominating the Fijian scrum, a free kick was awarded five out, which the All Blacks took quickly. Ardie Savea switched to the left and powered to the line, while Noah Hotham entered the game.
With halftime looming, the Fijians surged upfield with several strong runs, but Jiuta Wainiqolo spilled the ball while attempting to ground it in McKenzie’s tackle. Pasilio Tosi, Wallace Sititi, George Bell, and Sam Darry became the latest All Blacks, each having a hand in a sixth try for Ethan De Groot.
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