That was a frankly disappointing game, especially as it came hot on the heals of the astonishing match between Fiji and Wales.

The Scots will not mind at all about the spectacle, they're through to the quarter-finals to probably play Argentina, although if they play like that again it will be easy passage to the semi's for the Pumas. More

So just how are France, Argentina or Ireland going to stop the All Black machine?

It seems that no matter which XV coach Graham Henry puts out, there's no chance for the opposition, not even the merest chink in the armour as they steamroller their way to win after win. More

So Graham Henry's All Blacks easily brushed aside the Scottish at a thankfully dry Murrayfield, inflicting just the sixth whitewash in World Cup history.

But despite the 40 point margin of victory, there was a lot missing from this Kiwi performance. More

It would appear that Ìtaly have finally caught the same disease that has so far held back other teams from the Six Nations Championship.  More

Scotland made light work of the inhispitable Edinburgh weather, and their opponents as they cruised to a bonus point win against Pool C foes Romania.

In doing so they inflicted just the fifth shutout in World Cup history. Of course, the fourth came just last week as World Champions England were humbled by South Africa. More

The All Blacks have once again put the performances of others into perspective, after totally annihilating a plucky Portuguese outfit that never gave up in the face of superior fire-power.

However, these easy matches may come back to bite New Zealand in the bum.  More

Once again the ugly spectre of rest periods has raised its head, after Italy utterly failed to perform against a Romanian team that they would usually put away with the minimum of fuss. More

While Scotland will be pleased with their solid start in Pool C, for the impartial observer this match was all about the Portuguese making their World Cup debut.

Pedro Carvalho opened their try count with a short-range try after some surprising pressure on the Scottish line to cue some wild celebrations. More

Predictably, a stunning start for the All Blacks, who brushed aside a spirited but comparatively limited Italian team. More