New Zealand's Michael Campbell and David Smail vaulted into the halfway lead at the World Cup in Japan today, firing a six-under-par 66 to move four shots clear of the 24-team field.
Ireland dropped back to seven shots off the lead after Paul McGinley carded a disappointing 72.
The New Zealanders, who were one stroke off the first-round pace, mastered the foursomes format on the second day at The Taiheiyo Club to finish on a 15-under-par total of 129.
Japan's Toshi Izawa and Shigeki Maruyama thrilled the large home crowds, shooting a 69 to share second place on 133 with Scotland, whose bogey at the last hole cost them outright second place.
Defending champions the US fought back from their fourball problems on the opening day with a 68 as Tiger Woods and David Duval moved into a tie for fourth spot - on 134 - with Denmark and Spain.