All Blacks crush Samoa ahead of Lions Test opener

The All Blacks cruised to a 78-0 thrashing of Samoa at Eden Park on Friday, running in 12 tries as they put down a marker ahead of the Lions series.

Tries from Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett, Ardie Savea and Sonny Bill Williams gave New Zealand a comfortable 28-0 lead.

Once Samoa’s energy levels dipped after Savea’s ruthless score off first phase, the outcome of the contest felt familiar as the All Blacks took full control.

Israel Dagg continued the rout with Julian Savea, Codie Taylor, a second for Beauden Barrett, Vaea Fifita on debut, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea’s second, Sam Cane all finally Lima Sopoaga all crossing.

New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith (c), 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Scott Barrett, 20 Vaea Fifita, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 Jordie Barrett

Samoa: 15 Ah See Tuala, 14 Albert Nikoro, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Alapati Leiua, 11 Tim Nanai-Williams, 10 Tusiata Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 Faifili Levave, 7 Faalemiga Selesele, 6 Piula Faasalele, 5 Faatiga Lemalu, 4 Chris Vui, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Maatulimanu Leiataua, 1 Viliamu Afatia
Replacements: 16 Seilala Lam, 17 Nephi Leatigaga, 18 Paul Alo-Emile, 19 Taiasina Tuifua, 20 Alafoti Faosiliva, 21 Dwayne Polataivao, 22 D’Angelo Leuila, 23 Ken Pisi

Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant Referees: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)