The Junior All Blacks laid down a firm statement of intent for the Pacific Nations Cup by thrashing Fiji 57-8 in Suva on Saturday.
The New Zealand pack was far superior to the opposition, destroying the Fijians at scrum-time and nicking throw after throw at the line-out. The Fijians were left with no ball at all.
It was a worying reminder of the gulf between the full-time professionals and the Fijians who are rarely together, and playing part-time domestically. What scale will the mis-matches be at the rugby World Cup?
New Zealand's forward supremacy provided a steady supply of ball to a dangerous set of three-quarters to give the Junior All Black a 29-3 lead, with the bonus point already assured.
Casey Laulala was the first on the scoresheet after just seven minutes, capitalising on 12 phases of picking and driving by the pack.
When Rico Gear tore away down the left after 20 minutes, the support once again got the ball out quickly enough for scrum-half Andrew Ellis to score.
A scrum shoved against the head after half an hour gave quick turnover ball for Cory Jane to get his try, side-stepping the last three defenders superbly, and then another powerful scrum gave Mose Tuiali'i space to kick wide for Gear to dot down.
Tuiali'i opened the scoring again just after half-time, visibly sapping the Fijian spirit, and the home pack then conceded a penalty try, before Scott Hamilton and tane Tuipulotu rounded off the scoring.
Fiji's consolation score came from centre Gabiriele Lovobalavu, but it was little cause for cheer for the home team.
The scorers:
For Fiji:
Try: Lovobalavu
Pen: Buatava
For the Junior All Blacks:
Tries: Laulala, Ellis, Jane, Gear, Tuiali'i, penalty try, Hamilton, Tuipulotu
Cons: Donald 4, Brett 3
Pen: Donald.
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