Team America lacked the offensive firepower and experience in this one-sided match as the annual World Rugby Classic got underway at Nationals yesterday.

While they gave a gutsy performance against the reigning champions, the Americans simply had no answer to the All Blacks' try scoring machine.

Speedster Terry Wright notched a hat-trick of tries while Wayne (Buck) Shelford, Steve Baker, Snow Cruden, Bernie McCahill, Buck Anderson, Bruce Hemara and Steve McDowell all added a try apiece.

The US replied through Charlie Tyack, Matt Pickston and Gary Giepert.

Despite the margin of victory, All Blacks' skipper Andy Haden said he was not entirely satisfied with his side's display.

"We have got a bit of work to do,'' he said. "It was good to get away with the win. The US were quite young and quite vigorous although it will take a little bit of work for them to get where we are.'' Haden refused to single out any of his players for special mention. "The players always come together as a team. That is the strength of our game.'' US captain David Skidmore said his side lost due to their inability to retain possession.

"What we cannot do against this team is lose possession. Every time we did, they scored. While we hung with them physically, mentally they beat us with team work.'' New Zealand feature a few new faces in their side but most of the players have been to Bermuda before. Included among the new crop is number eight Shelford who gleaned 24 caps.

Argentina 28 Canada 0 Argentina dominated yesterday's second match with a tough defensive and flowing attacking game.

Martin Yanguela, Fernando Llerena, Mario Gerosa and Daniel Poett scored a try apiece for last year's Plate champions. Each try was converted.

Pumas captain Rafael Madero said he was pleased with the team's performance as it was the first time his side had been able to play together.

"I thought we did very well, especially in defence. Our plan was to throw the ball wide as we have some new backs in the side and it worked well.'' While the Canadians threatened on occasions, they lacked the cohesive punch of their opposition.

Canadian captain Hans De Goede admitted: "I was not happy with our game but I was impressed with Argentina. Usually they are fired up but not organised and today they were on top of that.'' Canada face bitter rivals USA in the next round. And De Goede said: "We will be playing for supremacy of the North American continent. We have never been in the Plate competition before so it will be a chance to bring a nice piece of silverware home.''