New Zealand get back to winning ways

Canada beat Hong Kong to secure last Rugby World Cup place

New Zealand smashed Italy 66-3 in Rome, 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 scored four tries and man-of-thematch 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 beat Argentina 14-9 in a turgid affair to wrap up their own autumn series.

Meanwhile, Canada sealed their qualification for next year’s Rugby World Cup with a 27-10 victory over Hong Kong in muddy Marseille on Friday. “We’ll see you in Japan next year,” tweeted Canada Rugby after the last game of a four-team repechage.

Reuters Eibar’s Gonzalo Escalante celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates during a La Liga match against Real Madrid at Ipurua in Spain yesterday.

Reuters New Zealand’s Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi attempts to get away from the pack during the game against Italy yesterday.