2015 Rugby World Cup: New Zealand labour to win over Georgia to secure quarterfinal berth

Action from the match between New Zealand and Georgia

Defending champions New Zealand became the first team to confirm their place in the quarterfinals of the 2015 Rugby World Cup when they beat Georgia 43-10 in their third match at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. They sit atop of Pool C with three wins out of three with Argentina in second place.

Despite the win though, it was another stuttering performance from the All Blacks as they continued a trend of below par matches at this world cup. They scored seven tries past the Georgians who put on a spirited display and the score was actually very close until a few late tries increased that margin.

Four tries came in the first half, inside 22 minutes as a matter of fact. Waisake Naholo scored the fastest try of the tournament when he touched down in the second minute, just 73 seconds into the match, using his speed and strength for an incisive breakaway that left the defence flatfooted.

In the fifth minute though, the stadium erupted as Georgia hit back with a try of their own through Beka Tsiklauri, and the conversion was added to tie the scores at 7-7. New Zealand’s other winger, Julian Savea, then got into the action, scoring two tries in the far left corner as the All Blacks looked to bulldoze their opponents. Hooker Dane Coles added a fourth in the other corner after good work from Kieran Read and captain Richie McCaw in the build-up.

Georgia, who had beaten higher ranked Tonga in their first game, rested a number of first-choice players, possibly with an eye on being at full strength against Namibia in their last game. However, the team picked put in an outstanding effort to stymie the All Blacks and upset their rhythm with captain Mamuka Gorgodze leading the way and he was named man-of-the-match for his efforts.

However, New Zealand had themselves to blame as a litany of errors crept into their game after the initial spell and they failed to get any flow and continuity in their game. Even fly-half Dan Carter had an off-night converting only four of seven tries and being off the radar with his boot.

New Zealand went into the break with a 23-10 lead and Read scored a fifth try in the 52nd minute when he powered his way under the posts.

The game was finally put to bed by Savea when he completed his hat-trick on 73 minutes and substitute Malakai Fekitoa added the final try three minutes from time.

"We were trying too hard at times and created a lot of opportunities in the first half but were trying to finish it too quick instead of taking another phase or another tackle," said All Blacks skipper McCaw after the match.

New Zealand round off their pool stage campaign against Tonga on October 9.