‘Ruthless, merciless and lethal’ ABS praised

Ruthless and merciless – the All Blacks gained global acclaim for their nine-try hammering of Canada to reinforce their Rugby World Cup favouritism.

New Zealand’s 63-0 win in Oita, Japan was greeted by appropriate praise from the international media.

‘‘Barrett brothers make history as merciless All Blacks crush Canada’’ screamed the headline in The Guardian, noting how the trio of Barretts all got on the scoresheet.

‘‘The All Blacks were crisp, slick and lethal, prompted by Sonny Bill Williams, who created three tries in a row with a dink, a pass after drawing the defence and a lob out of the back of his hand, a kick, a flick and a trick,’’ the British report said.

‘‘Not conceding a try was as important to the holders as maximising their opportunities.’’

With the match between the world No 1 and No 22 teams pretty much a formality, The Guardian highlighted the drawpower of the All Blacks.

‘‘They came in their tens of thousands to see the one team that resonates here, New Zealand, fans queueing in their black jerseys in the rain more than four hours before the kick-off, a swarm so dense that stewards struggled to find space for coaches and chauffeured limousines to get through to the car park.

‘‘It was chaotic but no one went home disappointed as the holders, easing through the gears as if running in a new car, outclassed what was a committed Canada.’’

In South Africa, respected rugby website Keo.co.za said the All Blacks were ‘‘ruthless in hammering’’ Canada.

They gave special mention to New Zealand’s dual playmakers Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett.

The report by French agency AFP described the match as ‘‘a romp’’ for the All Blacks and came up with an unlikely hero.

‘‘Brad Weber, back in the All Blacks after being sidelined for four years, was the inspiration the defending champions needed to set their second half alight.’’

In Britain The Telegraph were as routine as the All Blacks in their reporting: ‘‘If one-sided drubbings are your thing then Oita was the place to be. The sweaty conditions and a spirited, but hugely outclassed Canada side, were merely small speed bumps as the All Blacks recorded the largest win of the Rugby World Cup so far.’’