After two grinding affairs against England to start Scott Robertson’s reign, the All Blacks finally broke free of the shackles as they put on a show by smashing Fiji 47-5 in San Diego on Saturday (AEST).
In a comprehensive performance, Robertson’s side ran in seven tries to one to bring back Mick Byrne’s side to reality after starting their campaign with a win over Georgia earlier this month.
With Beauden Barrett back at fullback, long-time teammate Damian McKenzie put on a show as a host of new faces made eye-catching debuts, including centre Billy Proctor and halfback Cortez Ratima.
Proctor straightened the attack and opened up space for his wingers Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece, who regularly found space and got on the scoresheet.
Ardie Savea dives over to score against Fiji at Snapdragon Stadium on July 19, 2024 in San Diego. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Cortez’s debut was just as sprightly, but the 23-year-old was forced off late in the first half with concussion after landing hard on the Snapdragon Stadium surface following a strong tackle from behind.
The injury to the Chiefs halfback was the only blemish on what otherwise was a successful outing in California as the All Blacks’ decision to take to the Test to the United States proved a fruitful one in front of a packed crowd.
The Flying Fijians were anything but embarrassed.
Vilimoni Botitu scored a stunning early try after bursting onto a lovely offload from Semi Radradra, who took a pin-point cross-field kick from Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula before unleashing his fullback.
The Flying Fijians also made six clean breaks and beat 26 New Zealand defenders but were regularly let down by the final pass going to ground.
As promising as Fiji’s attack was, the All Blacks’ was better as they regularly cut their opponents open.
With dominance at both the scrum and lineout, recalled midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown made a statement.
Christy Doranhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2024/07/20/razors-all-blacks-break-free-of-the-shackles-to-smash-fiji-as-next-generation-make-statements/Razor’s All Blacks break free of the shackles to smash Fiji as next generation make statements
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