Slow start irks McCaw

FIRST, something we expected — a New Zealand win.

Second, something unexpected — a few creaks in the favourites’ armoury.

After a rousing opening ceremony and passionate pre-match challenges, the All Blacks scored four tries in the first 33 minutes, and found the Tongans wanting out wide. But after taking a 29-3 lead into half time, New Zealand failed to capitalise on long periods in Tonga’s half by giving away penalties against the prideful Pacific neighbours and dropping crucial passes.