Rugby World Cup favourite New Zealand got a tougher test than it bargained for from unfancied Canada at Telstra Dome, with All Blacks coach John Mitchell publicly thanking the Canucks afterwards.

Four-try hero Mils Muliaina steered the All Blacks past a spirited Canada 68-6 - but it was far from the 100-point thumping that some pundits expected.

Canada put up a courageous showing for the first hour before being overwhelmed late in the match.

Winger Muliaina was the star, crossing for four of New Zealand's 10 tries, while centre Daniel Carter had a day out with the boot, kicking nine of 10 conversion attempts.

But it was a match which allowed the All Blacks' machine to shake off plenty of rust, especially in the first half when Canada took it to the New Zealanders with gutsy defence and some impressive work in the lineout.

"It was actually a very good workout for us. We learned a lot from that," All Blacks coach John Mitchell said.

"They tackled their hearts out and we lacked a bit of rhythm, especially in the first 30 minutes.

"We always give the opposition respect and we expected a physical workout.

"But you never know what you're going to get and they played with a lot of pride."

The All Blacks, featuring nine changes to its starting side, didn't cross for their first try until the 18th minute thanks to a moment of magic from five-eighth Carlos Spencer.

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