It was do or die for New Zealand but the three-time world champions demolished a below par Italian side with a scintillating 14-try 96-17 victory.

A defeat would have eliminated the All Blacks at the pool stages for the first time but Ian Foster’s men flexed their muscles with seven tries in the opening 40 minutes that wrapped up the game early on before the attacking brilliance continued in the second stanza. 

New Zealand scored the opening try after just six minutes as Beauden Barrett’s pinpoint cross field kick picked out Will Jordan, who finished sensationally out wide.

But the All Blacks infringed at a ruck after the restart and full back Tommy Allan was on hand to knock over three points in reply.

New Zealand scored their second try after going to the corner and Aaron Smith went over off a driving maul.

The All Blacks began to run riot in Lyon as Ardie Savea made a barnstorming break through midfield brushing off attempted Italian tacklers and fed Mark Telea who was too big and too strong for the weak Italian defence.

Telea’s score was followed a minute later by the bonus point try from Savea who went over untouched off a lineout.

Richie Mo’unga remained perfect off the tee with his conversations and the game began to run away from the Italians mainly due to their woeful defence.

Smith scored his second after 26 minutes as the All Blacks forwards and backs continued to gel together in the set piece. 

Jordie Barrett then broke through the Italian defence and fed Smith who secured his hat-trick after just 34 minutes.

And on the stroke of half time Savea scored his second and New Zealand’s seventh try by burrowing over from close range.

Italy started the better of the two sides in the second half and responded with a well worked try courtesy of silky handling that was finished by Ange Capuozzo.

But New Zealand surpassed the half century mark as Brodie Retallick pounced from three metres out.

Telea broke through the Italian defence once more to feed Dalton Papalii and the Blues flanker produced an excellent pick up to go over and score.

Dane Coles was the next cab off the rank to cross off a well worked lineout and Damian McKenzie  followed with his own seven-pointer. 

Jordan chipped ahead and Savea played a one two with his wing as the Crusaders flyer touched down for his second try before Coles followed suit. 

Anton Lienert-Brown got in on the scoring act after being assisted by the excellent Cam Roigard. 

Monty Ioane rounded off the try scoring festival with a last gasp solo effort to bring an end to an entertaining but extremely one sided affair.