Rugby World Cup 2019: New Zealand dominate Canada for second pool win

New Zealand have kept their quest for a Rugby World Cup three-peat on track with a resounding 63-0 romp over Canada at Oita.

After stuttering through the latter stages of the first half and leading just 28-0 at the break, the All Blacks hit their straps early in the second, confounding their opponents with their speed and execution.

Replacement halfback Brad Weber entered the contest at halftime and quickly had a try double, while Richie Mo'unga enjoyed a faultless night from the kicking tee, with eight conversions.

New Zealand's score and winning margin were the biggest of the tournament so far.

From the start, it became apparent Canada were not up to keeping the All Blacks honest, conceding a penalty try from a scrum after just four minutes.

Moments later, Mo'unga found an unmarked Jordie Barrett with a crossfield kick for the second and Sonny Bill Williams propped through a half gap to score the third.

Trailling by 21 points, Canada pounced on a loose pass from Mo'unga to Williams to hare downfield, with Beauden Barrett forced into a try-saving tackle on Peter Nelson.

They enjoyed a few minutes of ascendancy, during which Read was penalised for a no-arms tackle, but from the lineout, the Canucks made the mistake of taking on the All Blacks pack and hooker Liam Coltman forced a maul turnover.

New Zealand lost accuracy in humid conditions and struggled to put together phases without error. They went almost 20 minutes without adding to their score, before Williams slipped a kick behind the goal-line for Beauden Barrett to dot down untouched.

Coach Steve Hansen raised a few eyebrows, subbing prop Angus Ta'avao off after just 25 minutes, in what seemed to be a planned change.

He rang more changes at halftime, with Weber replacing TJ Perenara at and Ryan Crotty entering for Jack Goodhue in the midfield.

Within seconds of the restart, Williams made another telling run to put Rieko Ioane across in the left corner.

A period of continuity down the right, saw Read put Scott Barrett over, after the lock had dropped the ball over the line in the first half.

Frizell was next to score, running off a half-break from Ioane, before Beauden Barrett provided the final pass for Weber to score under the posts. 

As the changes came thick and fast, the All Blacks were suddenly travelling at better than a point a minute. Ben Smith's entrance ushered Ioane into the midfield.

Mo'unga scythed through the defence to present Weber with his second try, but the titleholders took their foot off the pedal over the closing quarter hour, letting the North Americans off the hook somewhat.

The bonus-point win still sees the All Blacks a point behind Italy on the Pool B standings, but the Azzurri have played the two weakest teams in the group and face South Africa next.

New Zealand 63 (J Barrett, Williams, B Barrett, Ioane, S Barrett, Frizell, Weber 2 tries, penalty try; Mo'unga 8 conversions) Canada 0

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