NZ vs Portugal - Score the Game.?

Question

At the 2003 RWC Australia set the record for the largest margin in a single match beating Namibia 142-0. Can the All Blacks take this record from the Aussie's when they play Portugal. Score the Game!

Answer 1

I think the minnows such as Portugal are more competitive these days - and it may now be impossible to score that many points in 80mins.

Let's face it - no-one wants to see that sort of score blowout in a World Cup, but I do think the AB's are gonna pass the ton.

Who cares about records - as hard as it may be the focus will be on performance - so lets hope that Portugal plays out of their skins and gives us a decent challenge.

My score is 113-3

Answer 2

NZ 120 + Portugal 3

Answer 3

I don't think that kind of scoring does the game or the teams any good, as has already been mentioned, Graham Henry has already said they are not interested in putting up a huge score, Portugal will be in awe of playing the All Blacks, as they look up to them and to be playing them in rugby world cup for Portugal would be a great honour, The all Blacks want Portugal to enjoy the game, and are not to initerested in having a cricket score posted, even though it may happen that way.

Answer 4

I think NZ wont go much higher than 70 points and and Portugal will get two penalties. The ABs are not out to prove anything so they will practise moves and aim to improve the kicking side of the game, ie Drop kicks and so fourth.

Answer 5

Breaking the Ton would be nice. But most importantly, they need to play the full 80 minutes like they did the first 30 against Italy.

Lets face it, the second half of the Italy game was sloppy by the All Blacks. Any one one here in their right mind would agree to that, especially considering how well the first 30 minutes went, so they can't attribute it to being rusty.

McAlistair for my liking made a mess of quite a few things (Chip kicks out of our 22 etc...) and perhaps was a bit too arrogant by doing so given the scoreline.

If the All Blacks polish their performance off, make as few mistakes as possible, keep a level head and play good, entertaining and effective rugby, then the score board will take care of itself. 80+ or even 110+ would be nice and should happen if we refine our play

Answer 6

+90 to the ABs.I don't think they're going to play their 1st XV in this game. Its a long tournament and a lot of stars are injured and going home like Jean DeVilliers and Mark Gerrard. I don't think the ABs can take that chance with injuries hence just a good win rather than a cricket score against Portugal.

Answer 7

Being a portuguese, may I point out the most significant fact that the portuguese team is composed entirely of amateurs and them being present in a world cup is an extraordinary achievment?

Don't forget all other teams are professionals and the portuguese players have to work for a living and still find the time to train and play AFTER a full days work, and because in Portugal all attentions are turned to football those guys in the rugby team don't have any sponsor and practically any support from the government...

This said (and it's never enough because many people assume the portuguese are pros like all the others), I hope the NZ team, which I like very much, doesn't break that record...

Answer 8

138 NZX POR 6

Answer 9

Yeah I dont think they are looking for the record.  Graham Henry and Wayne Smith are already talking about respecting Portugal... not in terms of them being a threat, but by not going out there to try and run rampant and embarass them.  I have absolutely no doubt that NZ could beat the record if they set that as their goal, but they are almost certainly playing everyone that hasn't played yet with only a couple of starters from the Italy game returning purely through necessity due to injuries.

NZ has the record for the highest score, 145-17 against Japan when greedy Mark Ellis scored 6 tries (4 of them should have gone to the wings) so that will do for our records.

I think they will use this game to try and run some plays, get some cohesion going, test a couple guys out (someone has to play second row with Robinson and Thorne out) and keep up the game fitness.

With NZ's all out attacking game style, it leaves them open for the opposition to score when they dont execute exactly right so I think Portugal could score a try... I certainly hope they do, so I will predict 117-7.

Answer 10

I guess if Scotland can take 54 points from them, it's a possibility. Portugal are very erratic though, so they could actually prove to be quite a challenge. That said, I predict a score of about 95-6

Answer 11

NZ 150+ Port 3

Answer 12

I would love to see Portugal take that record - just to support the "underdogs" - nothing personal against the NZ team.

Answer 13

If they walk away uninjured and healthy that's a win.  Demeaning another team is nothing to be proud of.  All Blacks still have along way to go before the truly prepare themselves for the top end of the tournament.  Lets walk away with a win.

Answer 14

I don't think we need to best that record.

I doubt it will be a factor in the game plan.

We are in France to win a world cup, not to spank the new kid on the block.

We will be more concerned with jelling combinations, dry run set plays, giving a disciplined performance.

That Aussie record is impressive - they didn't let Nambia score a point - if we can do the same against Portugal, and walk away with no injuries, that should be enough. (not easy)