New Zealand 108 Portugal 13

NEW Zealand became the sixth side in World Cup history to score more than 100 points when they racked up an emphatic victory over an outgunned Portugal in their group C match.

The All Blacks scored 16 tries as they overpowered their mostly amateur opponents, with winger Joe Rokocoko and centres Aaron Mauger and Conrad Smith helping themselves to two apiece. Five-eighth Nick Evans contributed 28 points with the boot and scored a try as New Zealand compiled the fourth-highest World Cup total.

Despite the one-sided scoreline, it was a spirited effort from Portugal who managed to restrict their opponents to 12-3 midway through the first half and were given the biggest cheer of the day when replacement prop Rui Cordeiro crossed for a try just into the second half.

The Portuguese managed to hold out longer than the All Blacks' first opponents, Italy, who conceded a try after 64 seconds in their 76-14 loss.

Portugal produced some brave tackling in midfield to keep Graham Henry's side at bay but there was nothing they could do to stop Rokocoko in the fourth minute and again nine minutes later after a quick lineout.

They responded well, though, getting to the New Zealand line when five-eighth Goncalo Malheiro intercepted a pass and kicked up to the 22.

Malheiro had his moment of glory soon after, dropping a goal from 35metres after his forwards held off the All Blacks pack in a ruck to leave his side down 12-3 after 22 minutes.

The All Blacks made an unusually high number of handling errors early in the game, but quickfire tries from winger Isaia Toeava, second-rower Ali Williams and Mauger stretched their lead to 33-3.

Portugal were tired by the end of the first half, but the break and a spate of substitutions gave them a new lease on life.

When Cordeiro was awarded his try, wild celebrations erupted among the 40,000-strong crowd.

But from 52-10, normal service was resumed when Brendon Leonard, Evans and replacement Andrew Ellis crossed for tries, before the All Blacks finished with another five in the last 15 minutes.