Perfect All Blacks Obliterate France

The All Blacks have obliterated France to romp into the semi-finals at the Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand's run in nine tries in a 62-13 thrashing in Cardiff, with Julian Savea scoring a superb hat-trick with substitute halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow scoring a quick double late in the match.

Brodie Retallick scored the All Blacks' first try from a charge down in the 11th minute, before Nehe Milner-Skudder and Savea crossed within moments of each about 10 minutes later.

France looked to close the gap through a try to Louis Picamoles [PEE-ca-MOL] moments before halftime, but Savea had the last laugh, extending the lead to 29-13 at halftime.

The second half was all one-way traffic with the All Blacks producing easily their best 40 minutes of the tournament.

They ran in five tries in the second spell including Savea's last and Kerr-Barlow's double, to go with one each to Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino, while also keeping the French scoreless.

Prop Wyatt Crockett left the field midway through the first half with an apparent groin injury while Milner-Skudder didn't return after halftime and sat in the stands with ice on his shoulder.

Coach Steve Hansen said they were outstanding.

"Very very pleasing performance, and everyone from 1 to 23 played their part in it, so very happy."

Captain Richie McCaw said the team "talked about it all week, about needing to go up a notch."

"I'm just proud of the way, especially at the start, how the guys really got into it and put pressure on across the field."

The All Blacks will play South Africa in the semi-finals next weekend after their 23-19 win over Wales at Twickenham.

Radio Sport