25 Sep 2015

All Blacks made to work against Namibia

11:25 am on 25 September 2015

The All Blacks have beaten Namibia 58-14 in their second pool game at the Rugby World Cup in London.

Nehe Milner-Skudder scores against Namibia RWC2015

Nehe Milner-Skudder scores against Namibia RWC2015 Photo: PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand led 34-6 at half-time and scored nine tries.

Wings Nehe Milner-Skudder and Julian Savea each touched down twice with the other tries going to loose forward Victor Vito, centre Malakai Fekitoa, first-five Beauden Barrett, replacement fullback Ben Smith and hooker Codie Taylor.

Follow how the game unfolded here

Centre Johan Deysel scored Namibia's only try, early in the second half.

It was the first time New Zealand and Namibia had played a Test against each other.

The All Blacks wing Julian Savea scores one of his two tries against Namibia.

The All Blacks wing Julian Savea scores one of his two tries against Namibia. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"Credit to Namibia, they put us under a lot of pressure, they put a lot of pressure on us at the breakdown, they fought throughout the whole 80 minutes and never gave in and it put us under pressure at times," New Zealand captain Sam Cane told Rugby World Cup 2015.

Asked about playing easy pool games ahead of the quarter-finals Cane said they're taking it one game at a time. "Most of the squad have had a start now and got some rust out, so we take what we can from this game and move on."

"It was a very proud performance. We won a couple of small victories during the match which we can take into the next game, particularly to score a try against the best side in the world, who normally give others at times a solid hiding," Namibian captain Jacques Burger said.

The All Blacks impressed at times - especially in attack - although Namibia defended well and the quality of the match deteriorated in the second half as substitutions were made.

Beauden Barrett scores against Namibia RWC2015

Beauden Barrett scores against Namibia RWC2015 Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Second five Sonny Bill Williams had another good game, with his off-loads leading to a couple of tries.

Sonny Bill Williams takes the ball into contact during the All Blacks World Cup match against Namibia.

Sonny Bill Williams takes the ball into contact during the All Blacks World Cup match against Namibia. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

It was a solid effort by the largely second-string All Blacks side, who came away no obvious injury concerns.

The All Blacks top group C with two wins from two matches, with their next game against Georgia in Cardiff next weekend.

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