Slade helps All Blacks clear the cobwebs ahead of Tri-Nations defence
All Blacks fly half Colin Slade did his world cup selection chances no harm as he produced a mature performance in a 60-14 win over Fiji.
The Highlanders star, contributed 19 points in the match, including a superb solo try, as New Zealand got their world cup season off to an ideal start, seeing tries from 7 different scorers, as well as a penalty score.
First Half
After an early Slade penalty, Sitiveni Sivivatu touched down for the All Blacks first try of the season, getting their campaign of to a perfect start.
Slade then scored a try of his own with a magnificent individual piece of skill, chipping over the top of the Fijian defensive line, before chasing it through and crossing the line under the posts.
He then turned provider, as he put Andrew Hoare through for the third try of the match, as the All Blacks were cruising.
The first half rout was completed by flanker Adam Thomson, scoring his side's fourth try of the match.
Fiji had little in the way of scoring opportunities and failed to take advantage of some difficult kicks.
Second Half
Fiji started the second half the better, forcing the All Blacks to show their skills on defence, dominating in both territory and possession.
Scrum Half Nemia Serelevu got his side on the scoreboard on 54 minutes as he ran clear of the New Zealand defence to score a brilliant try, Seremaia Baikeinuku duly adding the extras.
Both sides then rang the changes with Piri Weepu and Sam Whitelock coming on to add experience to the All Black ranks, while Vereniki Goneva came on in the Fijian backs corp.
Conrad Smith added his 19th career try, latching onto a wonderful chipped kick, as he ran through to beat team-mate Weepu to the ball to score on the left of the uprights.
Slade's successful conversion was his last action of the night, as he was replaced by Dan Carter, rounding off a great showing for the former Crusader.
Weepu then got his chance as he completed a wonderful team try to provide Carter with his first points opportunity of the match.
With the result beyond doubt, Fiji played with some freedom and took advantage of a missed Conrad Smith tackle allowing the replacement Goneva to run through to score from his own chipped kick.
Fiji's woes were compounded when the referee awarded a penalty try, allowing Carter to kick the extras to leave himself four short of Jonny Wilkinson's record points tally.
Mils Muliaina then scored a try which should have probably not been given, coming after a suspected knock-on, to seal the win.
Final Score: New Zealand 60-14 Fiji
New Zealand showed some signs of rust despite the scoreline, and will have plenty to think about going into their first tri-nations fixture next week.
Despite that, the strength in depth of the All Blacks, combined with their defensive ability will both be positives for Richie McCaw's side, with seven weeks left until their hosting of the world cup
