Canada did themselves proud in this match and the scoreline really flatters the AB's a bit.
This will certainly ensure Knuckles doesn't run out the "B's" in the World Cup meeting.

All Blacks splutter to success

From Chris Foley in Hamilton, New Zealand
June 16, 2007

NEW ZEALAND has defeated Canada 64-13 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, but the All Blacks' performance raised more questions than it answered ahead of the Tri-Nations and the Rugby World Cup.

The All Blacks struggled to establish combinations and rhythm, although their tally of 10 tries left them wondering what could have been.

They led by just seven points at half-time, 26-13, before running away from the overmatched visitors in the second period - five-eighth Daniel Carter leading the way with 29 points from three tries and seven conversions.

The second-half romp was sparked by personnel changes made soon after the break, with the replacement of Luke McAlister, who had made his first Test start as a centre, in the No.13 jumper, significantly sharpening the backline.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry was "reasonably satisfied" with his side's performance, described the game as a "good wake-up call'' before New Zealand opens its Tri-Nations campaign against South Africa in Durban next Saturday.

Carter was more forthcoming publicly in acknowledging that New Zealand had to improve when it played South Africa and Australia in the coming weeks.

"It wasn't the best display from us," Carter said.

"We didn't start too well and we were running lateral.

"A few sharp words at half-time and things got better in the second half.

"We're going to have to make a big step up in our game as the big challenges lie ahead."

The capacity crowd of 25,000 spectators had reason to believe they would see a try-scoring bonanza when wing Sitivini Sivivatu waltzed through the Canada forward pack to score in the opening minutes of the game.

McAlister scored soon after, but Canada was determined to stand its ground and the visitors reduced the margin to 12-10 midway through the half, with a penalty goal from James Pritchard and a converted runaway try by Mike Pike.

The full back ran 90 metres to score after intercepting a wayward All Blacks pass when Canada was desperately defending its try line.

All Blacks debutant prop John Schwalger and hooker Andrew Hore also scored in the first half, while Pritchard kicked a second penalty to conclude the scoring in the first 40 minutes.

Several other scoring opportunities went begging, with New Zealand scrum half Byron Kelleher, inside centre Aaron Mauger and full back Mils Muliaina, in particular, guilty of breaching the first line of defence then not looking for support players.

Carter, after a quiet first half, came into his own after the resumption of play.

He scored his first try to cap a blindside move a minute after the break. He then scored a solo effort after beating three defenders, and crossed for a third time taking the final pass from a long build-up.

New Zealand flanker Chris Masoe and wings Doug Howlett and Rico Gear also touched down in the second half.

Canada captain Morgan Williams was pleased with his side's effort, despite the scoreline.

"I thought at halftime that we weren't that far behind,: Williams said.

"But it goes to show when you turn ball over against the All Blacks, it's going to hurt.

"We have a bunch of hurt guys right now, but I think it's more our pride than anything else."

Agence France-Presse