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All Blacks And Tonga Light Up St. James' Park
Written by Newcastle Utd
St. James' Park played host to New Zealand's clash with Tonga in the Rugby World Cup on Friday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Defending champions New Zealand secured top spot in Pool C of the Rugby World Cup with a comfortable 47-9 victory over Tonga at St. James' Park on Friday night.
The Magpies' stadium played host to its second game of the tournament, in which nearly 51,000 spectators created a superb atmosphere.
And they were treated to an enthralling contest which saw Tonga impress in the first half but come up against an All Blacks side who were simply too strong and eased to the win thanks to a dominant second-half showing.
Ben Smith and prop Tony Woodcock both crashed over before half-time, while the second period saw tries from Nehe Milner-Skudder - twice - Sonny Bill Williams, Sam Cane and Ma'a Nonu, the latter of who was making his 100th Test appearance.
Dan Carter also added six conversions for New Zealand, whereas all Tonga had to show for their efforts were a trio of penalties from fly-half Kurt Morath.
The final match at St. James' Park is on Saturday afternoon, and sees Scotland face Samoa in Pool B (2.30pm kick-off).
