New Zealand inflict record 61-10 defeat on France

By Adrian Bathgate

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand inflicted the heaviest defeat suffered by France in more than a century of international rugby when they strolled to a 61-10 in the second test on Saturday.

Inspired by a dominant forward display, the All Blacks followed up last week's 42-11 win in Auckland with a ruthless nine-try demolition to eclipse their 54-7 win over the French in 1999, which was the Tricolors' previous highest defeat.

"I think the team stepped up several notches from last week," New Zealand coach Graham Henry told reporters.

"The French were competitive and tried hard."

Wing Joe Rokocoko scored two tries while hooker Anton Oliver, scrumhalf Byron Kelleher, fullback Leon MacDonald, centre Isaia Toeava, flanker Jerry Collins, replacement Keven Mealamu and flyhalf Nick Evans all crossed once each for New Zealand.

Wing Julien Laharrague scored a consolation try for the French, who paid an embarrassing price for arriving in New Zealand without most of their top players.

"The opposition was too big and too strong and there's a big difference between them and us at the moment," France coach Bernard Laporte said.

After France took an early 3-0 lead on a Benjamin Boyet penalty, New Zealand's first score came in the 11th minute when Oliver was awarded a try after grounding the ball against the post following a period of sustained pressure.