Reigning champions New Zealand will face the loser of Sunday's Rugby World Cup Pool D showdown between France and Ireland after guaranteeing top spot in Pool C with a 47-9 victory over Tonga on Friday in Newcastle.

The All Blacks were in a close fight until the final half-hour when the Tongans appeared to run out of steam and New Zealand ended up going over seven times.

Two of those tries were scored by winger Nehe Milner-Skudder, who now has four for the tournament, and Sports Mole grabbed a word with the 24-year-old after the match at St James' Park.

Sum up the mood in the dressing room after that win...

"Yeah the boys are pretty happy. Tonga really pushed us in that first half, but the way we kept them out when we were a man down was really pleasing. Then we came out in the second half and put some good patches of play together.

"We just knew that we needed to get into our rhythm and that's what we did in the second half."

That's the pool stage done with now. How would you reflect on your four games?

"Well there's still a lot of work to do, for sure. We can be happy that we've qualified for the quarters and now we can really look forward to the next stage."

Did Tonga surprise you at all tonight?

"Look, we know they're a physical side and they definitely showed that in the first half. They were strong around those rucks and got some good momentum going.

"I wouldn't say they took us by surprise. They're a passionate team and they certainly showed that in the first half."

On a personal level, you must be pretty pleased with your performance tonight?

"Yeah I'm just happy to be out there, to be honest. It's another chance to put on the black jersey and play alongside some awesome players.

"To be out there when Ma'a [Nonu] scored on his 100th appearance was a really special moment and something I'll definitely remember for a long, long time."

New Zealand, the tournament favourites, are aiming to become the first country to successfully defend a World Cup.