Plate Semi-final

New Zealand 20 Iberia 0

Clearly stung by their early exit from the Classic proper, the All Blacks poured out their frustrations on the Iberians last night to ensure a Plate final appearance against either Canada or Argentina.

The New Zealanders ran in four unanswered tries and the fact they opted to forgo, in traditional manner, conversions was never likely to come back to haunt them.

Outhalf Frano Botica, who as well as playing union also played rugby league for crack English side Wigan, agreed it had been a far more workmanlike performance last night than in their opening match.

"I think the guys had a bit more rest last night (Tuesday) than they had in the first game. We paid for that and so we owed it to ourselves to play a bit better than last time," he said, adding that the first round defeat had hurt. "We never like to lose but at the end of the day they played better than us and deserved to win."

Having travelled all the way to Bermuda, there was no way the All Blacks wanted to go home without a shot at some silverware, Botica said.

"We have got one more game to redeem ourselves," he said. "But they are all tough games. The boys don't take it easy off the field and they don't take it easy on it so it's going to be good. It's been great so far and we are looking forward to the next few days and looking forward to Saturday."