Road to the RWC Final - New Zealand

New Zealand’s path to the World Cup Final against France at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday.

Pool A matches:

NEW ZEALAND 41 TONGA 10
September 9, Auckland (Eden Park)

Richard Kahui and Israel Dagg scored two tries each as New Zealand kicked off their campaign with a six tries to one romp over the Tongans. The All Blacks had the match in their keeping with a 29-3 half-time lead.

NEW ZEALAND 83 JAPAN 7
September 16, Hamilton

The All Blacks, missing Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Mils Muliaina, ran in 13 tries against the hapless Brave Blossoms with Sonny Bill Williams and Kahui each nabbing a brace of tries and flyhalf Colin Slade landing nine conversions.

NEW ZEALAND 37 FRANCE 17
September 24, Auckland (Eden Park)

The two finalists met in this pool game where Les Bleus began confidently but were ultimately no match for the All Blacks, who won five tries to two with Dagg scoring a brace and Carter kicking three conversions, a drop-goal and a penalty. Skipper McCaw played his 100th Test.

NEW ZEALAND 79 CANADA 15
October 2, Wellington:

The unbeaten All Blacks topped their pool with a 12 tries to two romp over the Canadians. Wing Zac Guildford ran in four tries in what has so far been his only appearance at the tournament.

Knock-out matches:

NEW ZEALAND 33 ARGENTINA 10 (Quarterfinal)
October 9, Auckland (Eden Park)

Scrumhalf Piri Weepu, taking over the kicking in the absence of sidelined Carter, landed seven penalties in a torrid contest. Argentina restricted the home side to just two tries, both in the final quarter of the game, while the Pumas crossed the line once to briefly lead in the first half. Fullback Mils Muliaina played his 100th Test.

NEW ZEALAND 20 AUSTRALIA 6 (Semifinal)
October 16, Auckland (Eden Park)

The All Blacks overwhelmed Australia in the physical and tactical exchanges to remain unbeaten at their Eden Park fortress since 1994. Centre Ma’a Nonu scored the only try of a brutal match in the sixth minute and shut down the Wallaby threat with dominant work in the set-pieces and in defence.

AFP