All Blacks turn on the style to thump Sharks in Greatest Rivalry clash

Playing on a waterlogged Hollywoodbets Kings Park pitch following torrential rain earlier in the day, the All Blacks adapted superbly to the difficult conditions and steadily overwhelmed a Sharks side depleted by injuries, international duty and Currie Cup commitments.

The match began with an unusual sight, as the visitors performed their trademark haka before joining arms and facing a solo haka from their countryman Ma'a Nonu, who was named on the Sharks bench for the clash.

The hosts made a bright start and twice threatened the All Blacks' line in the opening minutes, but New Zealand's defence held firm. After soaking up the early pressure, the visitors began to take control.

Fehi Fineanganofo opened the scoring in the 19th minute, diving over in the corner after sustained pressure. Ruben Love added the conversion to give the All Blacks a 7-0 lead.

In the 28th minute, Damian McKenzie finished off a clever move after Jordie Barrett's cross-field kick was kept alive by Fineanganofo. Love converted to make it 14-0.

The Sharks would have been reasonably happy with that half-time score, but the floodgates opened after the break. Caleb Clarke crossed in the 45th minute after a superb piece of vision from Wallace Sititi, who found him on the far side, with Love's conversion making it 21-0.

Fineanganofo then grabbed his second try of the night in the 53rd minute, with Love again converting, before Jordie Barrett and Kyle Preston crossed in quick succession to take the score to 40-0 after 63 minutes.

With the Sharks bringing on a succession of replacements, including former All Blacks great Ma'a Nonu, New Zealand continued to exploit the tiring defence. Timoci Tavatavanawai powered over in the corner in the 70th minute, although Love missed the conversion.

Sam Darry added another try five minutes later after the All Blacks again worked their way deep into the Sharks' 22. Love converted to complete the scoring at 54-0.

The result gives the All Blacks some much-needed momentum headed into Saturday's clash against the Bulls at Loftus.

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