Opening Salvos: How the All Blacks start World Cups

1/9

1/9 The All Blacks opened their 1987 campaign with a 70-6 thumping of Italy.
2/9

2/9 In 1991, they faced a far tougher opening assignment, England at Twickenham.
3/9

3/9 Michael Jones scored a crucial try, with the All Blacks taking a narrow 18-12 win. England went on to lose the 1991 final.
4/9

4/9 Ireland were crushed by the All Blacks in their opening match of the 1995 campaign.
5/9

5/9 The match featured a warning from Jonah Lomu, who crossed for two tries in the 43-19 demolition.
6/9

6/9 The All Blacks scored 5 tries in their 45-9 win over Tonga to open their 1999 campaign.
7/9

7/9 Rokocoko scored twice in the 70-7 thrashing of Italy to start the 2003 World Cup campaign.
8/9

8/9 It was more of the same in 2007, with Doug Howlett crossing for three in the 76-14 win over Italy to open the All Blacks' tournament.
9/9

9/9 Tonga were brave in the 2011 opener against the All Blacks, but steady scores eventually put a 41-10 win beyond doubt.
More Galleries

Advertisement

Take a look back at previous All Blacks Rugby World Cup opening matches, ahead of their highly anticipated match up against Argentina.

For those concerned a loss is on the cards, history shows that has never happened.

However, there have been some stern tests, and the All Blacks aren't always entirely convincing in their first up matches.

All Blacks vs Argentina live from Wembley Stadium, London – Live Commentary with Nigel Yalden on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport - 3.15am-5.45am (kick off 3.45am)

(Photos: Getty Images and Photosport)