The All Blacks dealt a blow to United States rugby at the moment of its greatest ambition, posting a record 104-14 win against an under-strength Eagles team on Sunday.
After two matches in which their attack struggled against the stifling defense of South Africa, the All Blacks were able to thrive again, scoring their first try after 28 seconds in front of more than 40,000 fans at FedExField.
United States Rugby has just announced an ambitious goal to host the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
While Sunday's result isn’t material to that bid, it won’t help to encourage support for rugby in the country at a time when the sport needs it most.
Wing Will Jordan dotted down for a hat-trick, while loose forward Luke Jacobsen and prop Angus Ta'avao bagged two tries each.
Prop Ethan de Groot, fullback Damian McKenzie, first-five Richie Mo'unga, second-five Quinn Tupaea, loose forward Dalton Papalii also scored tries as did replacements Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles and TJ Perenara.
A rare bright point for the Eagles was when scrumhalf Nate Augspurger became the first man to score a try for the US against New Zealand.
The try came just before halftime when the Eagles already were trailing 59-0.
The hosts added a second try when left winger Ryan Matyas dove in the corner in the tackle of Will Jordan. It appeared Matyas was tackled out but the on-field decision of a try was backed by a review that checked if his foot was in touch.
The All Blacks next play Wales in Cardiff next Sunday morning, before games against Italy, Ireland and France.
- Additional reporting by the Associated Press.
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