WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Winger Zac Guildford scored four of New Zealand’s 12 tries in a 79-15 victory over Canada on Sunday, while Colin Slade failed to seize his moment hours after becoming the All Blacks’ first-choice No. 10 for the pressured knockout rounds of the Rugby World Cup.
Slade stepped into a glaring spotlight after being nominated by coach Graham Henry as New Zealand’s flyhalf-elect to replace Daniel Carter, who has been forced out of the tournament with a groin injury.
New Zealand will meet 2007 semifinalist Argentina in the quarterfinals. The Pumas overcame a 7-5 halftime deficit to beat Georgia 25-7 in Palmerston North in the first of Sunday’s four matches.
With six of the quarterfinal berths filled, the last two group matches will decide the rest: Wales vs. Fiji, and Italy vs. Ireland. New Zealand was already assured of a quarterfinal spot.
