New Zealand winger Zac Guildford scored four tries as the All Blacks temporarily lifted the dark pall over their rugby World Cup campaign with a 79-15 victory over Canada in their final Pool A clash yesterday.
With the All Blacks coming to terms with news that flyhalf Daniel Carter had been ruled out of the tournament after tearing a groin tendon in training, Guildford popped up all over the field and had a hand in three other tries against the Canadians.
“I think ... he played particularly well, which was very pleasing,” coach Graham Henry told reporters.
Photo: EPA
“He has put his hand up and is a selection candidate for next week. I’m very pleased for him,” he added, talking about the All Blacks’ quarter-final against Argentina on Sunday.
Carter’s exit from the tournament was described earlier by Henry as a “major” blow to the All Blacks, though the team also suffered a series of other injuries in the match.
Carter’s replacement Colin Slade limped off in the second half, as did utility back Israel Dagg, while loosehead prop Tony Woodcock was forced off following a head clash with Canada’s Adam Kleeberger.
Photo: Reuters
“His health is okay. He told me he is fine,” Henry told reporters of Woodcock, who appeared to be knocked cold in the collision. “He got a pretty severe head knock, but he recovered pretty quickly. I think he’ll be fine.”
Guildford, making his first start of the tournament, ran in a hat-trick of tries in the first half as the All Blacks backline cut the Canadians to shreds with their pace, width and ability to push their hands free of the tackle.
Guildford also helped set up tries for Dagg and veteran fullback Mils Muliaina, while Victor Vito smashed over after the All Blacks had demolished the Canadian scrum inside their own 22m area.
Slade had difficulty kicking in the swirling northerly breeze, adding just two conversions and a penalty in the first half.
Canada had defended for most of the first half, but managed to score just before the break when winger Conor Trainor crossed in the corner following a sustained buildup.
Trainor added his second try immediately after halftime when he fell on the loose ball from a kick ahead and slid over. Ander Monro converted to make it 37-15.
The All Blacks lost some structure in the second half, but still managed to post their highest score against Canada as Jimmy Cowan, Jerome Kaino (two), Sonny Bill Williams, Guildford and Vito all crossed.
Piri Weepu slotted four conversions as the All Blacks surpassed their previous highest score against Canada of 73-7, which they posted in 1995.
“It’s a bit disappointing the way we finished here today, but I’m really pleased with the guys the way they played as a team and as individuals,” Canada captain Pat Riordan said.
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