After a slow first 35 minutes, the All Blacks revved the engines en route to a massive 71-9 victory over Namibia. 

The Namibians more than hung in there beyond a half-hour, trailing just 10-9 before Angus Ta'avao scored his first test try in the 36th minute. 

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen opted to use this game as an opportunity to try different combinations, in an effort to prepare for unforseen circumstances. 

Hansen gave wing/fullback Jordie Barrett and scrumhalf TJ Perenara runs at flyhalf, as well as shifting Rieko Ioane into the midfield from his usual spot on the wing. 

Kiwis will also be happy to see world class lock Brodie Retallick come through the match unscathed in his first game back from injury. 

Match Stats

New Zealand vs Namibia stats and analysis

Brodie Retallick (NZL)

On making his return from injury:
"It was good to get out there, I felt pretty nervous leading into it, but felt confident at the end. I didn't want to come off in the end. I knew I was playing 30 to 40 minutes."

On feeling his injury:
"Nah didn't feel it once, good to get a few tackles and carries, would have liked to have done more in attack but overall pretty pleased."

On what it has been like being sidelined:
"Mentally it was dragging on in the sense there was no reward at the end of the week but now it's great to play a part of this World Cup.

"We got a lot to work on coming out from here. A lot of boys playing different positions so a lot of learning to take from that. For Italy we want to come out firing and probably with a lot more intensity."

Johan Deysel (NAM) - Captain

On team tactics:
"We just had to keep the ball, that was one of our goals - just to get the ball and keep it away from them. And I think it worked well in the first half, second half we didn't get that much ball, but I think we had a great first half, a worse game in the second half but I think a great effort from our boys."

On playing against the All Blacks:
"The experience is amazing. We played one of the best, the world champions and I think the young boys, they learned a lot and they can see the detail in the game New Zealand does. So yeah, just an incredible experience playing against the No.1 team in the world."

On watching the haka from on field:
"It's amazing just to stand in front of them. It's every young boy's dream to be on the pitch against them and, yeah, what an experience."