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Posted at 3:10 a.m., Saturday, September 15, 2007

Rugby: Top-Rated New Zealand routs Portugal, 108-13

By Sam Sheringham
Bloomberg News Service

Top-ranked New Zealand routed Rugby World Cup newcomer Portugal, 108-13, in Lyon, France, to maintain its winning start at the tournament.

The All Blacks, who beat Italy 76-14 in their opening game, ran in 16 tries at the Stade de Gerland in the first ever match between the teams. It was the sixth time a team posted more that 100 points at rugby's premier event.

New Zealand again entered the 20-nation tournament as the favorite after being upset in each World Cup since winning the first one in 1987. The All Blacks next face Scotland in Edinburgh on Sept. 23.

Portugal, which is ranked 22nd and has just 4,300 registered players, was appearing in its second World Cup match after losing 56-10 to Scotland last weekend. Substitute Rui Cordeiro got Portugal's only try against New Zealand early in the second half.

In today's other matches, Wales hosts two-time winner Australia in Cardiff and Ireland meets Georgia in Bordeaux.