A THIRD successive five-point victory for the All Blacks. After an even first 20 minutes, with the score 10-10, they took control by adding three tries before half time and the bonus point was already in the bag.

Taunton were a big side, particularly their second row of David Bufton and Oliver Marriott and their left wing Ruben Haile. When they got their act together and spread the ball they could look dangerous, but they hadn't the versatility and imagination, which the All Blacks backs had plus the home pack was far more 'skilful and shrewd'.

The home side drew first blood when hooker, Jamie Salter, stole a Taunton lineout and the ball was fed fast out and flanker, Josh Lord, who had joined the line neatly fed centre Ryan Westren who raced round and over for the first try, which full back Kieron Lewitt converted.

As usual, Lewitt was on form with the boot converting all but one (Struminski's) of his side's five tries, adding one first half and two second half penalties for a commendable personal tally of 17 points.

The All Blacks' one achilles heel in the first half and early in the second was ill-discipline - the first instance of which came in the fifth minute when Salter was yellow carded for punching.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.