All Blacks demolish USA Eagles but rugby union’s flag is flying in States

• USA 14-104 New Zealand
• USA Rugby setting out its stall to host a World Cup

At FedEx Field, just outside Washington, America set out its stall to host the Rugby World Cup. The crowd cheered, the Star-Spangled Banner flew . . . and New Zealand scored many tries.

That was predictable and USA Rugby, and perhaps World Rugby, are thinking bigger-picture. Through the rosiest spectacles possible this was a fleeting taste of things to come. It was also, if more like a training video than any sort of contest, a showcase of pure All Black attack.