All Blacks resist 'white-line fever'
Captain's performance: Jerry Collins was man of the matchLYON, 15 September - New Zealand scored more than 100 points against Portugal but the match was far less of a one-way affair than some predicted.
The Lobos scored a try, conversion, drop goal and penalty in the 108-13 defeat and at times controlled possession for long periods.
However, New Zealand used the match as an opportunity to give many second-tier players a run-out, some out of position, and to focus on skills rather than scores.
To arms
Some of the more erratic All Blacks alterations included centre Isaia Toeava playing wing while Keven Mealamu, normally a hooker, substituted for flanker Jerry Collins in the second half.
Portugal walked on to the pitch with linked arms before lustily singing their national anthem, the chorus of which is "as armas" (to arms). From the kick off a combination of the vocal Portuguese supporters and a diminished All Black side boosted Portugal's performance.
New Zealand, using the match as a dry-run for moves to be used later in the tournament, started the tie lethargically, and had built only a 13-point lead when Portugal fly half Gonçalo Malheiro scored a drop goal in the 20th minute to put his side on the board.
It was the spur the All Blacks needed and they scored eight tries and six conversions to leave the score 52-3 at half time.
In the second half, a raft of substitutions gave the All Blacks fresh energy, while Portugal showed signs of flagging under the continual assault.
New Zealand settled into a rhythm, scoring another eight tries and eight conversions to close the match at 108-13, but only after Portugal had added a much-deserved try, conversion and a penalty.
White-line fever
"They played well. There was lots of support for Portugal. To their credit they never stopped trying and never gave up," said Collins, man of the match and New Zealand captain for the day.
He also confirmed that the team had focused on testing their skills and a new line-up rather than crossing the try line. He said his side had shown discipline in following their game plan.
"You can get white-line fever and ball-hungry and we managed to avoid that," he said.
The Lobos were also satisfied with their performance, and the score. "There are some good points," said full back Pedro Leal. "We scored a try and that's why we are happy. Anyway, we couldn't avoid suffering more than 100 points."
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