All Blacks smash Italy to wrap up European tour

Scotland see off Argentina

England’s wing Jonny May (left) holds off Australia’s centre Bernard Foley during the international rugby union Test

match between England and Australia at Twickenham Stadium in south-west London on Nov 24. (AFP)

ROME, Nov 24, (RTRS): New Zealand smashed Italy 66-3 in Rome on Saturday, finishing their European tour with an 10-try romp and leaving coach Steve Hansen with plenty to consider as he looks to settle on a squad to defend their World Cup title next year.

Hansen retained just four players from the starting team that lost to Ireland last week, and a few of his new picks took full advantage of the opportunity.

Winger Jordie Barrett, the man of the match, scored four tries and Damian McKenzie, whose selection at fullback has been questioned by rugby pundits at home, scored three.

Fly-half Beauden Barrett, seldom under the kind of pressure he felt last week in Dublin, also scored a try before being substituted in the second half. He opened up the Italians with sharp passing and some clever kicks, including one that picked out his high-flying brother Jordie to score in the corner.

Scotland 14, Argentina 9

Argentina’s fly-half Nicolas Sanchez scores a penalty kick during the autumn international rugby union Test match between Scotland and Argentina at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Nov 24.

(AFP)

In Edinburgh, Sean Maitland scored a try 15 minutes from time to earn Scotland a hard-fought 14-9 victory over a profligate Argentina at Murrayfield on Saturday and end the year on a winning note.

The winger was sent over on the blind side by Stuart Hogg after a smart piece of thinking that brought to life a dour tussle.

Greg Laidlaw kicked three penalties for Scotland but Nicolas Sanchez miss four out of seven kicks for the Pumas.

Scotland were 6-3 ahead at halftime as Argentina suffered a fifth successive test defeat which has included losses in Ireland and France during their November tour programme.

Canada 27, Hong Kong 10 In Marseille, France, Canada upheld its record of appearing in every Rugby World Cup by claiming the 20th and last berth in the 2019 championship on Friday.