New Zealand were scintillating against France last night.

Although New Zealand received a good deal of criticism for their performances in the pool phase, Steve Hansen consistently pointed out that his side were holding something back for the knock out rounds.

Hansen and his team were true to their word, as they opened up France with some brilliant running rugby last night. Their dominance was such that the All Blacks were truly deserving of their 49 point winning margin. Indeed New Zealand’s brilliant victory set ten new records.

62 points is the most ever scored by a team in a single match during the knock out phase of the World Cup. New Zealand scored more points against France than any other side. Julian Savea’s hat trick means that he is now tied with Jonah Lomu (1999) and Bryan Habana (2007) for most tries scored at a single World Cup. Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith recorded more consecutive World Cup wins, 13, than any other centre partnership. Julian Savea surpassed the number of tries scored by Jonah Lomu. Savea has scored an incredible 38 tries in 39 tests, while Lomu scored 37 touchdowns in 63 games. The All Blacks became the first team to score 300 World Cup tries. No other side has yet to surpass 200. Savea joins Lomu and South Africa’s Chester Williams as the only players to score hat tricks during the knock out phase. The All Blacks winning margin was the highest they have ever recorded in the knock out stage. New Zealand have become the first team to reach seven World Cup semi finals Last night’s win was New Zealand’s 12th consecutive World Cup victory, equalling the record set by Australia during the 1999 and 2003 World Cups.

Alan Drumm, Pundit Arena

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