Rugby can look so easy when the good guys turn it on.
New Zealand spluttered and scrapped their way to a Pool C win over Georgia, last night, and were grateful for a devastating hat-trick from Julian Savea.
The Lelos, led by the inspirational Mamuka Gorgodze, were putting up one hell of a fight, in the first half, when the All Blacks delivered a thump to the solar plexus.
A sweeping backline move had the Georgians’ drift defence stretched but some smart play by Richie McCaw turned an opening into a try.
Realising that cover defence was on its way, and that hooker Dane Coles needed space, McCaw jagged infield.
With Georgia prop Levan Chilachava arriving on the scene to assist fullback Beka Tsiklauri, McCaw’s line drew both men in before he found Coles with a flat pass.
The try secured New Zealand a bonus point but it would be their last score of the half as Georgia fronted up something fierce.
Check out the score here [at 1:37]:
