The All Blacks needed a strong second half showing to earn a 47-9 victory over Tonga this morning.
After a tight first-half ended with the score at 14-3, the All Blacks found their form in the second spell, with some strong running rugby seeing the lead balloon out as multiple players crossed the chalk.
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As it happened: All Blacks v Tonga
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The All Blacks gained 506 metres in the contest compared to Tonga's 242, despite having less carries, showcasing their impressive defensive display.
Here are the players who stood out in statistically in the encounter.
Ben Smith
Smith had one of his better World Cup games to date, with the opening tryscorer gaining 70 metres on 11 carries, having two clean breaks and making three defenders miss.
Nehe Milner-Skudder
The best back on show, Milner-Skudder crossed twice and had nearly double the running metres of any other player on show, gaining 134. He had 12 carries, beat four defenders and made two clean breaks, while also adding a try assist as he further stamped his mark on a starting wing berth.
Sam Cane
Cane is making a strong push for the All Blacks coaches to follow Australia's trend and play two flankers. Always sound defensively, he made 14 tackles, but he also showed plenty on attack, with a game-high six defenders beaten and two clean breaks. He also pitched in with a lineout win.
Ma'a Nonu
Nonu started slowly before bursting into life in his 100th test. 13 carries gave him 49 metres and three defenders left in his wake. However, he made a big impact defensively too, making eight tackles and winning two turnovers, before capping it off with a try.
He was much better than centre compatriot Conrad Smith - who made just nine metres on three carries.
Fetu'u Vainikolo
The most elusive Tongan player on the night, the former Highlanders winger beat three defenders and had two clean breaks while also gaining the most metres for Tonga.
Sione Kalamafoni
A tackling machine with a game high 15 tackles, the Tongan loose forward also had the most carries in the contest, with 16. He somehow only made 14 total metres on those carries - a testament to the All Blacks' strong defensive performance.
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