New Zealand 62
France 13
World champions New Zealand sent a message to their competitors tonight as they progressed to the semi-final of the World Cup at the expense of a sorry looking France outfit.
The All Blacks looked dominant from the outset and throughout, Brodie Retallick scoring the first of their tries after blocking down a Frédéric Michalak kick. This was certainly a sign of things to come.
Dan Carter successfully converted to give New Zealand a modest 10-3 lead after 10 minutes and after Morgan Parra added a second penalty on 15 minutes, the French were well and truly in contention.
But the physicality of the All Blacks and their ability to do the simple things well stood to them and after a stunning Julian Savea try on 29 minutes, Les Bleus looked dead in the water.
The winger powered through the French rearguard, breaking three tackles before crossing the whitewash.
France attempted to add some respectability to the scoreline and Louis Picamoles touched down after some intense French recycling, perhaps their best spell in the game.
At the interval it was 29-13, Savea added another on 38 minutes to leave Philippe Saint-Andre's side dead and buried.
New Zealand's Julian Savea scores a try. Image Credit: Alastair Grant / AP/Press Association Images
After the restart it was much of the same, but where New Zealand found the extra gear, the French broke down.
Picamoles did his side no favours on 48 minutes when he was sin binned and allowed the All Blacks to charge at France and they crossed again and again.
Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Savea and a Tawera Kerr-Barlow brace rounded off what can only be described as a domineering performance by Steve Hansen's side.
Hansen looked unfazed in the post match interview, "We can't wait for the semi-final" he said placidly.
This may be the standard he is used to, but for the millions watching, this was rugby erotica. The All Blacks just sat up and beat their chest.
Ireland, take note.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
