Sportal.co.nz 24.Sep.2007
While the final margin had a convincing look to it the third quarter, where New Zealand failed to stamp itself on a game, but unspectacular Scottish effort, will have caused some concern in the New Zealand camp.
It was the lack of authority against a clearly inferior opponent that served as a reminder to the All Blacks of the control they will need from the outset of tighter contests later in the competition. Capping the overall team effort was the rare sight of first five-eighths Dan Carter having an off day with his goal-kicking.
It was ironic that the All Blacks having wanted a tougher game, made game more stressful by their own failings.
There had to be satisfaction with the contribution made by the substitutes called on, especially rampaging loose forward Sione Lauaki and hooker Andrew Hore, who revelled in the loose play as the game finally opened up.
From the game itself, centre Conrad Smith showed signs of being close to his best touch while his combination with second five-eighths Luke McAlister looked effective and apart from one defensive error when kicking the ball from the field of play into the in-goal zone, Nick Evans looked lively at fullback when replacing the injured Leon MacDonald after 20 minutes.
But it was the All Blacks scrum which shut Scotland out of the contest and but for some uncharacteristic handling errors and mis-timed passes that denied captain and flanker Richie McCaw and Tony Woodcock tries, the score should have been even more substantial.
Wing Doug Howlett took only 14 minutes to claim the New Zealand Test try scoring record of 47 tries ending Christian Cullen's share of the mark.
Howlett's was the second try of the game as the All Blacks punished an indecisive Scotland combination.
New Zealand's scrum had an immediate, and lasting, effect, several times destroying Scottish ball and undermining the link between its scrum and backs.
From the third scrum of the game, after four minutes, a simple diversionary run from halfback Byron Kelleher saw No.8 Rodney So'oialo take the ball, run to the right and then flick the perfect backhand pass to McCaw to score.
Howlett's try came from a driving burst which freed the ball for McAlister to delay his pass to feed fullback MacDonald into a gap and he drew the remaining defence to see Howlett in at the corner.
McAlister then demonstrated his defensive capabilities when not only stopping a charging Craig Smith, but depositing the Scottish tighthead prop five metres closer to his own goal-line. From the resulting movement, Carter landed his first penalty goal of the afternoon.
New Zealand's defences were put under some significant pressure around the 25-minute mark with some sustained pressure but the line held firm and New Zealand eventually won the scrum feed to clear the line. Moments later tremendous defensive offence resulted in the All Blacks clearing even further downfield.
As the forwards worked a return to hooker Anton Oliver from a lineout throw, the movement gained impetus when blindside flanker Chris Masoe, who had a strong game, ran back on the angle to take play to the line and Kelleher was able to dart around the blindside to force his way over near the corner.
After Carter landed a 42nd minute penalty goal, the All Blacks ran the ball back from the re-start with McAlister making a superb break, linking with McCaw and Smith before the move broke down just short of Scotland's line.
New Zealand's third quarter was disappointing with handling mistakes and wrong options more prevalent and it wasn't until substitutions were made that some fluidity returned and tries came in quick succession for lock Ali Williams and Carter.
The first saw Williams circling behind a backs move to take the last pass and score in the corner and then a Scottish handling mistake saw Carter pick up the ball and race 60m to touch down.
Howlett scored the last try after some fine bullocking running by Hore who slipped the ball to Howlett who found space and headed the defence in a 30m run to the line.
Despite the worst weather forecasts which predicted rain and strong winds, they did not eventuate and the ground was in perfect condition for the game and a crowd of 64,550 watched on.
New Zealand's use of its 'silver' jersey did nothing to ease the confusion between the colours of the sides and only added to the clash of colours.
Scorers:
New Zealand 40 (Richie McCaw, Doug Howlett 2, Byron Kelleher, Ali Williams, Dan Carter tries; Dan Carter 2 con, 2 pen)
Scotland 0
HT: 20-0
