New Zealand have safely booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup courtesy of a 73-0 victory over Uruguay in their final Pool A match this evening.
The All Blacks went into the game in Lyon knowing that a bonus-point victory would secure a top-two spot in the group courtesy of their superior head-to-head record over third-placed Italy.
After a slow start, they had that bonus point wrapped up before half time and went on to run in 11 tries in total as Uruguay's campaign came to an end with a heavy defeat.
Damian McKenzie starred for New Zealand to strengthen his claim for the full-back jersey, producing a moment of magic to set up Will Jordan's first try, and also touching down twice himself.
Jordan helped himself to a brace of tries as well, while Leicester's Fainga'anuku went one better with a second-half hat-trick to help New Zealand to a third win from their four group games.
It has been a mixed World Cup for the All Blacks so far - from their first-ever pool stage defeat against France on the opening night to hammering Italy last time out - and it took them 20 minutes to get going in Lyon as Uruguay valiantly held out for the opening quarter.
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It was McKenzie who finally broke the South Americans' resistance, and Ian Foster's men never looked back from there, with Richie Mo'unga and Jordan quickly following him over the tryline - the latter owing largely to a majestic assist from McKenzie, who chased his own kick and brilliantly kept it in play with one hand to flick it to Jordan for the score.
Cam Roigard secured the bonus point with some dancing feet towards the end of the first half, and the floodgates really opened in the second half as New Zealand ran in seven further tries.
In addition to Fainga'anuku's hat-trick and second scores for McKenzie and the prolific Jordan, Fletcher Newell and Tamaiti Williams both got their names on the scoresheet.
It was also a special occasion for Sam Whitelock, who became the most-capped player of all time at World Cups with his 23rd appearance at the tournament - moving clear of Richie McCaw and Jason Leonard - and the first All Black to reach 150 Test appearances for his country.
The victory lifts New Zealand top of Pool A on 15 points and guarantees their place in the quarter-finals, although they will be knocked off top spot by France if the hosts avoid defeat or pick up two losing bonus points against Italy on Friday night.
Barney Corkhill
