Rugby-Foster happy to quell "panic" over World Cup chances

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool A - New Zealand v Italy - Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France - September 29, 2023 Italy's Montanna Ioane scores their second try REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

LYON, France (Reuters) -New Zealand have laid down a marker for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup following their superb 96-17 victory over Italy in Pool A on Friday, with a delighted coach Ian Foster admitting he did not see the huge scoreline coming.

The All Blacks ran in 14 tries as they overwhelmed Italy to move into second place in the group with 10 points, and on course for a quarter-final place with a game against Uruguay to come on Thursday next week.