Carter seized his chance with some style

The Canterbury flanker saw his side run out record 55-3 winners against Wales in Hamilton, and he was particularly impressed with the form of Super 12 colleagues Daniel Carter and Brad Thorn, both making their All Black debuts.

Carter gave a commanding display in the centre, taking the goal-kicking responsibilities from Carlos Spencer to contribute 20 points to the Kiwi cause.

Thorn came off the bench in the second half to batter the flagging Welsh defence with his driving runs from the second row.

Match report: New Zealand 55-3 Wales

"Carter showed some great skills while Thorn has been itching to get out there and he took his chances," said Thorne.

"Dan showed some great skill and played like he's always been there - it was a very confident display."

There's an old saying that it all starts up front and I think we proved it again Reuben Thorne

Carter said he took heart from his first successful kick at goal and felt his assurance grow as the match progressed.

"It was a bit frustrating last week sitting on the bench but I got my chance tonight and enjoyed every minute of it," he said, "After last week we were all pretty disappointed but we got things back on track."

Thorne believed that the performance was comprehensive enough to banish memories of the England defeat.

"It was a much more accurate performance than against England and I think the guys will be pretty happy with that," he said.

HAVE YOUR SAY Well done to the Kiwis, they showed how rugby should be played! From Catrin Jones Join the Scrum V debate

"We were determined to get go-forward ball for our backs and we did that - there's an old saying that it all starts up front and I think we proved it again.

"It felt like we had a lot of possession and when they did get their hands on the ball we defended well. It was very pleasing."

The All Blacks will face a more severe examination against France in Christchurch next Saturday.