New Zealand annihilated Tonga 102-0 in their first international of 2021, scoring 16 tries.
Ian Foster's All Blacks produced a performance many would have seen coming for their first ever Test at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday.
Four new All Blacks made their debuts with Quinn Tupaea enjoying a particularly successful bow, while Will Jordan stole the show by crossing for five tries.
Tonga displayed glimpses of quality but just could not keep up with their opponents. Missing no fewer than 20 frontline players was clearly a huge blow, with 13 debutants making their bow. All in all, it made for a wholly mismatched contest and New Zealand will require a more similarly-ranked challenge to test where they are really at as they look to regain their number one world ranking position.
The result equalled New Zealand's biggest win (back in 2000) in seven contests against the Pacific Islands nation.
New Zealand: McKenzie, Jordan, R. Ioane, Tupaea, Bridge Mo'unga, Weber, Tuinukuafe, Coles, Taavao-Matau, S. Barrett Whitelock, A. Ioane, Papali'i, Jacobson.
Replacements: Aumua, Bower, Lomax, Tuipulotu, Blackadder Christie, B. Barrett, J. Barrett.
Tonga: Faiva, Saumaki, Inisi, Foliaki, Latu, Hala, Takulua Nginingini, Moli, Puafisi, Lolo, Kapeli, Kafatolu, Funaki Tuipulotu.
Replacements: Maile, Felemi, Li, Mataele, Taulani, Manu Fukofuka, Fifita.
