All Blacks scored they would collectively shake their heads in disbelief.

The scoreline changed so frequently that most of them are bound to wake up this morning with sore necks.

The New Zealand All Blacks sent out an unmistakeable message early and often yesterday -- they are in Bermuda to recapture the prize they lost to the Barbarians a year ago.

The Kiwis dominated the United States in brutal fashion, racking up 70 points en route to one of the most one-sided victories in World Rugby Classic history. In the process they exceeded the total points (65) they scored last year.

Moments after the match a shell-shocked Brian Vizard, the US captain, questioned whether anyone would be able to prevent New Zealand from winning their fifth title in six years.

And Rudy Visagie, the hulking lock from Orange Free State who will join his South African team-mates for their first-ever Classic game on Wednesday night, also expressed surprise at the level of play. "We can't play the game we thought we were going to play,'' Visage said incredulously from the western side of the pitch.

"It's too late for them to do anything about it now,'' a relaxed Andy Haden warned the South Africans following his team's remarkable triumph in the second of two games before a packed house at National Sports Club yesterday.

Bermuda, showing considerable improvement from a year ago when they were 0-3 in the tournament, got off to a respectable showing, although losing to defending champions Barbarians 26-7.

Number eight Ali Nicoll put the home crew on the scoreboard late in the first half with a nifty try while Argentinian Rafael Madero connected on a conversion seconds later.

Bermuda strode confidently into the second half with a slim lead when Cardiff native Glenne Webbe proceeded to turn the game into his own one-man show.

The speedy wing exploded for three tries in the half, two coming in the span of three minutes steering the Barbarians toward a winning note.

Geoff Davies finally gave the Barbarians some offensive spark to open the half and after that it was all Webbe.

"I should have scored more tries than that,'' said Webbe, playing in Bermuda for the second time.

Barbarians captain Allan Martin exhorted his team-mates to play with more discipline after an uneasy start, but he was all smiles after the match.

"I was a little nervous at first,'' the cheerful captain admitted.

Bleddyn Bowen added six points when he booted three of four conversions.

It didn't take the Eagles long to become nervous as New Zealand quickly showed they may have brought the perfect mix of aging veterans and players who have only recently left the international stage.

Three of those players, Brent Anderson, with a pair of tries, and Steve McDowell and Bernie McCahill, with one each, led the `youth' movement, but there were plenty of others who contributed to the Kiwi attack.

The All Blacks jumped out to an eye-popping 30-5 lead after the first half, with the only US score coming from centre Steve Barrett.

After that the US game plan was left in complete disarray, with the Eagles now facing the grim prospect of playing the Springboks in their next game (Wednesday, 8.15 p.m.).

"I would be very surprised if anyone came near New Zealand this year, I think they came loaded for bear,'' Vizard said afterwards. "The All Blacks kicked our butts. They retain their ball extremely well and whether there was a ruck or maul they had us in size. I was really proud of the fact that our guys didn't stop trying, though. It's hard work trying to stop (New Zealand).'' The other All Black tries were scored by Alan Whetton (three), Andy Earle, Snow Cruden, Fred Woodman (two), John Boe, Haden and Andy Jefferd.

When told of the comments made by a worried Visage, Whetton said: "He's a cunning old dog that Rudy. I guess South Africa have been out of it for a while so it'll be interesting to see how they perform and they're creating a lot of interest. We're just glad to see them here and back onto the international scene.'' The All Blacks face the Springboks in what is being regarded as the Classic's showcase match on Friday afternoon.

Haden said one factor in the All Black success probably stemmed from a cancelled workout on Saturday (the Springbooks practiced from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day). But even he marvelled at how well his side clicked.

"Yeah, the boys came back together pretty quick,'' he said. "We were very relaxed, our team's enjoying it and we'll have a lot of fun this week.'' Said Vizard: "I'm hoping South Africa won't pose the challenge that New Zealand did. If we have another game like this it's going to be really demoralising.

"A couple of the guys are down, but after a night or two of drinking they'll be all right. We're going to have a good time here. A 70-5 game is embarrassing, but we tried our hardest and hopefully the fans will see that and I think we can regroup.'' Photos by David Skinner ON THE MOVE -- Allan Martin and Bill Cuthbertson (left) try to protect a Barbarian ball carrier in the early moments of their 26-7 victory.

EAGLES FLOORED -- Classic newcomer Brent Anderson (right) charges toward the try line during yesterday's one-sided match against the US. Anderson scored two tries in the 70-5 rout.