Spain/Portugal 15 Unlike the bible tale, this was one David versus Goliath match that was never likely to go the way of the underdog.

The All Blacks, despite their advancing years, were too strong in almost every department for the debutants from Iberia.

But the combined forces of Spain and Portugal, who had only met each other on arrival on the Island, won many friends by refusing to resort to a kicking game in a bid to stem the tide of New Zealand tries.

The All Blacks, who followed tradition by declining conversion opportunities, were 15-0 up inside the first 12 minutes -- their precise handling and intuitive running having the Iberians clutching at thin air during some forward forays.

But just as it looked like the floodgates might be preparing to open, Spaniard Raul Muro sprinted down the left wing, broke a number of challenges and crossed the try line to loud cheers from the touchline.

With the score at 15-5 the Iberians could have reduced the deficit still further but like their opponents opted to decline a conversion.

Although in the spirit of the competition, it looked like a wrong decision if they wanted to stand any chance of reeling in the All Blacks.

The point was proven just minutes later, the New Zealanders embarking on a mazy run that embodied finesse, power and great agility and finished under the posts.

The Iberians, however, refused to succumb without a fight and Muro notched his second try of the afternoon after a clever chip and run down the left wing.

The second half began where the first had left off, New Zealand stretching the lead to 35-10 before the Iberians found their way through the massed black-clad ranks for their third score of the afternoon.

But that was the end of their challenge and the All Blacks ran in two more tries to make the final score 45-15.

Muro said it had been a dream come true to take to the field against such exalted opposition.

"It was a good game for us, we learned so much from our heroes. It was a very clean game. We played the ball with hands, with no kicks at all and enjoyed our first match here,'' he said.

"For me it was a dream to play against the likes of Terry Wright. I always see them on television,'' Muro said, pointing out that opportunities like these are few and far between.

"It is very difficult for the Spanish A team to play against other A teams.

We play against France, Italy and Russia but when we play Commonwealth teams they always play their B team because maybe their A team is too strong for us.'' All Blacks captain Andy Haden, playing in his 11th tournament, had praise for the Iberians.

"They've got quite a good little side,'' he said. "They showed very good spirit, played well and to their limits.'' Asked whether he thought his team could go all the way the captain said: "You never know. We could lose to the Argentinians -- they are a very young side.'' The Classic Lions take on the USA today at 2.00 p.m, followed by Canada against South Africa at 3.30 p.m. Both matches are at National Sports Club.

Taking the strain: All Black captain Andy Haden tries to advance the ball during yesterday's match against Spain/Portugal. The All Blacks won the game 45-15 and go on to play Argentina.