World champions New Zealand powered to a 42-10 win over Italy on Saturday
World champions New Zealand ran in five tries as they powered to a 42-10 win over Italy in Rome.
Last Updated: 17/11/12 4:51pm
Julian Savea notched a late brace of tries and Keiran Read, Ma'a Nonu and substitute Cory Jane also touched down for the All Blacks, while Alberto Sgarbi scored a consolation try for the hosts.
The visitors asserted their dominance after the break at the Stadio Flaminio, scoring 29 points to Italy's three as they powered to a second successive victory on their European tour.
But they had to wait 13 minutes for their first points, which came courtesy of Aaron Cruden's close-range penalty.
Their first try followed soon afterwards when a fast-flowing move ended with Conrad Smith scooping up a loose ball and sending number eight Read over. Cruden converted and soon added his second penalty.
A promising position for Italy slipped away when Mirco Bergamasco could not find Tommaso Benvenuti but they came again and their pack set up a first Test try for centre Sgarbi, one which Luciano Orquera converted.
A crucial tackle from Bergamasco, helped by Simone Favaro, prevented Hosea Gear going over in the corner as Italy stayed in touch at the interval, sitting just 13-7 behind.
But a deliberate knockdown after a brave goal-line stand allowed Cruden to extend the lead five minutes after the restart and wonderful passing then sent Nonu barrelling over for his side's second try, Cruden's routine kick making it 23-7.
The Azzurri enjoyed a spell of attacking field position and Orquera's drop-goal took them into double figures. But as they sought to build up a head of steam, their handling became sloppy and knock-ons twice checked their momentum.
And having battled so hard, they allowed replacement Jane to stroll in far too easily and put New Zealand out of reach at 30-10 with 11 minutes to go.
Luke McLean was credited with first contact on a bouncing ball to deny Cruden a try but Savea dived over in the left corner shortly afterwards, despite losing a boot in the build-up.
Cruden missed for the first time but strong running from Jane sent left-winger Savea coasting through a tired defence for a converted score to make it 42-10.
