KEY POINTS:
New Zealand flexed their muscles impressively with a 65-10 drubbing of Ireland at the under-20 rugby world championship in Cardiff this morning (NZ time).
Victory followed their opening 48-9 defeat of Tonga, setting up a crucial final group D match against unbeaten Argentina on Sunday morning.
It was
no contest at Cardiff Arms Park today in a nine-try performance which reflected New Zealand's dominance up front as well as their speed on the flanks.
Replacement winger Andre Taylor crossed for their last three tries while the man he replaced, Kade Poki, crossed for two.
New Zealand scored at a try a minute for the first half-hour, taking a 34-3 lead into halftime before Ireland enjoyed their best period and cross through No 8 Patrick Mallon.
The other New Zealand tries went to lock Sam Whitelock, flanker Luke Braid, winger Sean Maitland and halfback Grayson Hart while first five-eighth Trent Renata kicked 16 points in a seven-from-eight goalkicking return.
The most bizarre try of the night was Whitelock's, from a 25m lineout maul which the Irish never put a defender in to try and stop.
Maitland's try had a Super 14 flavour, with he, Poki and fullback Zac Guildford all heavily involved.
Guildford is one of just three players who has started in both of New Zealand's matches.
Captain Ryan Crotty was pleased with the performance although didn't think the scoreline reflected the tough nature of the game.
"We had a really good week leading up to this game and the boys were switched on going into it and it showed," said Crotty.
The New Zealand team is comprised largely of players from last year's world under-19 champion team but second five-eighth Crotty said that didn't guarantee anything.
"We're not feeling the pressure. We're fairly confident," he said.
"We know we can beat anyone on our day but the Argies look a really good side, they look fairly physical and they've won their games pretty comfortably."
Earlier today Argentina outclassed Tonga 30-10 while all other games went with seedings.
South Africa and Samoa are unbeaten in pool B through two rounds, along with Australia and England in pool C and Wales and France in pool D.
New Zealand 65 (Andre Taylor 3, Kade Poki 2, Sam Whitelock, Luke Braid, Sean Maitland, Grayson Hart tries; Trent Renata 2 pen, 5 con, Daniel Kirkpatrick 2 con) Ireland 10 (Patrick Mallon try; Ian Porter pen, con). Halftime: 34-3.
- NZPA