New Zealander Christine Ross led the All Blacks through their traditional Hakka dance prior to the World Rugby Classic's second game yesterday, offering the symbolic challenge to their opponents.

And challenging it was for the defending champions, as the United States carried about them an inextinguishable ball of fire that delighted the estimated crowd of more than 1,000 at the National Sports Club.

The Kiwis -- 15-10 victors -- felt more than a slight nudge throughout the contest, like the tentative pull of a big fish on a line, as they survived a last-minute scare to keep the gritty US squad at bay.

With minutes to go in the exciting contest, wing Mike Smith burst through with an offensive flurry that was typical of his day and appeared to have crossed the line for the score. Referee Brian Anderson, however, ruled that the Californian had lost the ball before diving over the line.

Smith tapped the turf three or four times afterwards with an open hand, like a countdown in a boxing match, perhaps signalling that the end was near for his side.

Smith arrived only a few hours prior to the game and did not even know where his team-mates were, but the Air Force Academy rugby coach made his presence felt in a hurry.

His first-half try tied the score (5-5) after Alan Whetton had given the All Blacks, and the game, its first tally.

Smith's try could arguably become the most memorable one of the sixth Classic.

Everything about him, his proud stride and penetrating eyes oozed intensity yesterday, and his team-mates were clearly motivated by him and the fact that they were crowd favourites.

"Mike DeJong caught their (New Zealand) backs up flat and he chipped it through and I had to make a decision to try to pick it up or kick it,'' said Smith, later recalling the try. "So, luckily, I had a little bit of soccer skills and I was able to dribble it and it got a good bounce and took it in.

"I just came down and jumped over someone's head and I was able to bring it in for the score.'' Afterwards, the All Blacks, in their fading gray uniforms, stared out into the woozy heat with small smiles teasing their mouths.

But the moment lost its stature minutes later when All Blacks wing Michael Clamp scored to give the Kiwis the lead again.

Omnipresent were Kiwi locks Andy Haden and Jock Ross, who towered over the rest of the competitors, but diminutive out-half John Boe also stood tall for the All Blacks.

Boe led his team into enemy terrority throughout the game and was key man as Bruce Hemara handed New Zealand a 15-5 lead early in the second half.

"He's our inspiration, just tremendous,'' said Haden of Boe. "He's outstandingly fit.'' "Yeah, standing is the word,'' said Boe, underscoring his contribution. The Kiwi sparkplug's footsteps absorbed almost every inch of the Devonshire pitch.

"We knew it was going to be a hard game, we expected the type of commitment and tackling and enthusiasm the Americans always have,'' he added.

US flanker Chip Seamans put the score at 15-10 even though he did not seem to cross the line. He got up with a self-conscious smile, tentative as a candle flame.

The All Blacks played their typical physical game and got away with a few things things of their own, blows clanging off forearms that deflected up to opposition faces.

And they were clearly drained after the match.

"We may have lacked a little bit of fitness, just a wee smidgeon,'' said Haden. "I think we'll be better. We might be better on Thursday.'' Smith said his team learned many lessons applied from watching American football.

"We've been applying it to rugby instead of the other way around.

"But we also learn a lot from them. The New Zealanders always play us real hard, a straight vertical game and we try to do the same thing. The fundamentals are basically where we lose it. They do the right things every time.'' The US will now face Bermuda/France tomorrow at 7.30 p.m. while New Zealand will also face the locals in their next game on Thursday at 2 p.m.

MAKE ROOM FOR ANDY -- New Zealand lock Andy Haden bulldozes through with the ball as team-mates attempt to open up some room for him.