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New Zealand demolishes England

Steam rises off the New Zealand All Black's scrum, from left, Carl Hayman, Kevin Mealamu, Kees Meeuws, Chris Jack as they line up against England in their rugby union test match at Carisbrook, Dunedin, Saturday. The All Blacks won 36-3. PHOTO: REUTERS

Southern Hemisphere rugby teams swept aside Northern sides in international tests on Saturday.

New Zealand wrested back the No. 1 ranking from England by 36-3 at Carisbrook, a weakened South Africa beat Six Nations Triple Crown winner Ireland 31-17, and Argentina almost blew a 50-44 win over Wales at Tucuman.

New Zealand Maori crushed the US 69-31 in the opener to the four-nation Churchill Cup in Canada, and on Sunday, Australia was opening its 2004 campaign against Scotland at Melbourne.

Flyhalf Carlos Spencer, and wingers Joe Rokocoko and Doug Howlett scored first-half tries as the All Blacks shattered the confidence and reputation of World Cup champion England en route to a 30-3 halftime lead in Dunedin.

Center Daniel Carter scored the only points of the second half, kicking two penalties to finish with eight goals from eight attempts and a personal tally of 21 points.

England's only points came from a 12th-minute penalty to flyhalf Charlie Hodgson, in its third loss this year.

Game summaries * New Zealand Maori 69 (Warren Smith 3, Justin Wilson 2, Ryan Nicholas 2, Adrian Cashmore, Caleb Ralph, Hoani McDonald, Jake Paringatai tries; Glen Jackson 7 conversions), def. US 31 (David Fee 2, Tony Petruzzell, Jose Naivalu, Albert Tu'ipulotu tries; Mike Hercus 2 penalties)

"We wanted to start well and we did," said All Blacks captain Tana Umaga. "This is a great All Blacks outfit, a great bunch of guys, and I think we just showed experience and leadership all over the park."

"Tough day at the office? Yes, that was tough," said England coach Clive Woodward.

"I thought New Zealand were far sharper, they were quicker to secure the 50-50 ball. Now we've got to regroup for the second test."
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