All Blacks Suffer First Defeat Of Season

The All Blacks have suffered their first defeat of the 2021 season with a 31-29 loss to South Africa on Saturday night in the final match of the Rugby Championship. 

The All Blacks scored three tries to two, but it was a reversal from last week where South Africa kicked the late penalty to win the match. The All Blacks had led 20-14 at half time after tries to Sevu Reece, Ardie Savea, and Brad Weber even though South Africa had more possession and territory. The second half saw South Africa bounce back with penalties to Handré Pollard and Elton Jantjies, and a try to Makazole Mapimpi to go out to a 25-20 lead before two penalties to Jordie Barrett put them back in front. In the remaining minutes Jantjies kicked a dropped goal to go ahead before Barrett kicked a 78th minute penalty for a 29-28 lead. The All Blacks had possession in the final minute of the match, but conceded a turnover and then a penalty to gift Jantjies a penalty out in front of the post in injury time.

New Zealand All Blacks: 29 

Tries: Sevu Reece, Ardie Savea, Brad Weber, Conversion: Jordie Barrett, Penalties: Jordie Barrett 4

South Africa 31 

Tries: Damian D'Allende, Makazole Mapimpi Penalties: Handré Pollard 4, Elton Jantjies 2, Dropped Goal:  Elton Jantjies

All Blacks Named For Second South Africa Match

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face South Africa at Gold Coast's CBUS Stadium on Saturday 2 October, in their second match of the 2021 Fortinet Rugby Championship.

In the forwards, there is one change from last week, where Luke Jacobson, who was a late withdrawal due to illness replaces Ethan Blackadder, with Asafo Aumua and George Bower coming on to the reserves bench in place of Samisoni Taukei’aho and Karl Tu’inukuafe. 

In the backs, Brad Weber starts at halfback with TJ Perenara dropping to the reserves, Anton Lienert-Brown returns from a hamstring strain at centre with Rieko Ioane moving to the left wing, and Sevu Reece starts on the right wing. Richie Mo'unga who has rejoined the team from New Zealand is named on the reserves bench with Damian McKenzie, while both Will Jordan and George Bridge drop out of the match 23.

New Zealand All Blacks:

1. Joe Moody
2. Codie Taylor
3. Nepo Laulala
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Scott Barrett
6. Akira Ioane 
7. Ardie Savea (c)
8. Luke Jacobson
9. Brad Weber 
10. Beauden Barrett 
11. Rieko Ioane 
12. David Havili
13. Anton Lienert-Brown 
14. Sevu Reece 
15. Jordie Barrett 

Reserves:

16. Asafo Aumua 
17. George Bower
18. Ofa Tuungafasi 
19. Patrick Tuipulotu 
20. Ethan Blackadder 
21. TJ Perenara 
22. Richie Mo’unga 
23. Damian McKenzie

All Blacks Win Against South Africa

In the 100th test match between the sides, the New Zealand All Blacks have beaten South Africa 19-17 in Townsville on Saturday night. In a closely fought match, it was the boot of Jordie Barrett who secured the victory with a 78th minute penalty kick. The South African tactics of continually kicking for position or high balls worked to some degree, with their try to Sbu Nkosi coming off a dropped ball near the line by winger George Bridge. 

The All Blacks conceded 23 turnovers to eight from South Africa, carried for 378 metres to South Africa's 236, passed the ball 141 times to South Africa's 65, made 12 offloads to one, kicked 18 times to South Africa's 38 and missed 14 tackles to South Africa's 23.

New Zealand All Blacks: 19

Try: Will Jordan, Conversion: Jordie Barrett, Penalties: Jordie Barett 4

South Africa: 17

Try: Sbu Nkosi, Penalties: Handre Pollard 4

The next 2021 Rugby Championship match for the All Blacks is their second match against South Africa at Gold Coast's CBUS Stadium on Saturday night 11.05pm.

All Blacks Named To Face South Africa

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face South Africa in their Rugby Championship match in Townsville on Saturday night. 

In the forward pack, there are multiple changes with Nepo Laulala and Codie Taylor in at prop and hooker, Scott Barrett and Brodie Retallick paired at lock, Akira Ioane at blindside and Luke Jacobson at number eight, while prop Joe Moody and captain Ardie Savea are the only ones retained from last week.

In the backs, Jordie Barrett retains his place at fullback, with brother Beauden in at first five, and Rieko Ioane in paired with David Havili in the centres with Anton Liernert Brown out with a hamstring strain.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, George Bridge, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea (c), Akira Ioane, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. 

Reserves: 

Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ethan Blackadder, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Quinn Tupaea.

Springbok's Side Named To Face All Blacks

South Africa rugby coach Jacques Nienaber has named his side to face the All Blacks at QLD Country Back Stadium in Townsville on Saturday night.

Nienaber has made five changes to his squad that lost 30-17 against Australia last weekend, with lock Lood de Jager returning from concussion, Trevor Nyakane starting at loosehead prop and Kwagga Smith starting at blindside flanker in place of Franco Mostert who drops to the bench. Also coming onto the reserves bench are Elton Jantjies and Frans Steyn to provide cover in the backs.

South Africa Springboks Team:

1 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 3 Frans Malherbe, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Lood de Jager, 6 Siya Kolisi (capt), 7 Kwagga Smith, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 9 Faf de Klerk, 10 Handre Pollard, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 15 Willie le Roux.

Reserves: 

16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Frans Steyn.

All Get Second Victory Over Argentina

The All Blacks are on top of the Fortinet Rugby Championship after a 36-13 win over Argentina, while Australia beat South Africa again. The All Blacks led 24-3 at half time after dominant periods of play, but were forced into a more defense game in the second half. Lock Tupou Vaa'i and blindside flanker Ethan Blackadder both had strong games for the All Blacks

New Zealand All Blacks: 36 

Tries: Patrick Tuipulotu, TJ Perenara, Tupou Vaa'i 2, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Conversions: Jordie Barrett 4, Penalty: Jordie Barrett 

Argentina: 13

Try: Emiliano Boffelli, Conversion: Boffelli, Penalty: Boffelli 2

All Blacks Named For Second Argentina Match

All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Argentina in their second Rugby Championship match at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Saturday 18th September at 10.05 NZT.

In the forwards, Joe Moody starts in place of Tu’inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax in place of Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu and Tupou Vaa'i in place of Retallick and Barrett, and Ethan Blackadder, Hoskins Sotutu and Ardie Savea in place of Papalii, Jacobson and Ioane.

In the backs McKenzie moves to first five in place of Barrett, Quinn Tupaea replaces Havili, and Will Jordan replace Sevu Reece on the right wing.

All Backs Team:

1.          Joe Moody

2.          Samisoni Taukei’aho
3.          Tyrel Lomax
4.          Patrick Tuipulotu
5.          Tupou Vaa’i
6.          Ethan Blackadder
7.          Ardie Savea (c)
8.          Hoskins Sotutu
9.          TJ Perenara
10.        Damian McKenzie
11.        George Bridge 
12.        Quinn Tupaea 
13.        Rieko Ioane 
14.        Will Jordan
15.        Jordie Barrett

Reserves: 

16.        Codie Taylor
17.        George Bower
18.        Ofa Tuungafasi 
19.        Scott Barrett
20.        Luke Jacobson
21.        Finlay Christie
22.        Beauden Barrett
23.        Braydon Ennor

All Blacks Beat Argentina To Lead Rugby Championship

The All Blacks are on top of the Fortinet Rugby Championship after a 39-0 bonus point win over Argentina on the Gold Coast on Sunday. The All Blacks scored five unanswered tries in a top defensive effort, with Argentina's sole scoring opportunity a missed penalty attempt. Argentina had to make 208 tackles to the All Blacks 108, missed 29 tackles to the All Blacks 9, and had only 186 metres gained to the All Blacks 702.

New Zealand All Blacks: 39

Tries: Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson 2, Conversions: Beauden Barrett, Jordy Barrett 3, Penalties: B Barrett, J Barrett

Argentina: 0

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Argentina in the Rugby Championship match in Brisbane on Sunday. Brodie Retallick will captain the side in place of Ardie Savea who was ruled out after a failed HIA against the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday. Asafo Aumua will start at hooker alongside Karl Tu'inukuafe and Nepo Laulala, with Luke Jacobson in for Savea, and Joe Moody, who is back from foot surgery on the bench. In the backs, TJ Perenara will start at halfback, with Brad Weber in the reserves, and George Bridge will start on the left wing and Sevu Reece on the right wing.

New Zealand All Blacks v Argentina:

1. Karl Tu'inukuafe
2. Asafo Aumua 
3. Nepo Laulala
4. Brodie Retallick (c)
5. Scott Barrett
6. Akira Ioane
7. Dalton Papalii
8. Luke Jacobson
9. TJ Perenara
10. Beauden Barrett
11. George Bridge
12. David Havili
13. Anton Lienert-Brown 
14. Sevu Reece
15. Jordie Barrett 

Reserves:

16. Samisoni Taukei'aho
17. Joe Moody
18. Tyrel Lomax
19. Tupou Vaa'i
20. Ethan Blackadder
21. Brad Weber
22. Damian McKenzie
23. Rieko Ioane

All Blacks Win Third Bledisloe Cup Match

The New Zealand All Blacks have completed a clean sweep of the Bledisloe Cup series with a 38-21 win over Australia in Perth on Sunday. The All Blacks had lost fullback Jordie Barrett to a red card in the 27th minute ( only for 20 minutes) after he raised his foot when taking a high kick and connected with the head of Marika Koroibete, but they still managed to lead 18-0 at halftime. Brother Scott Barrett was also sent off at the same ground two years ago. The All Blacks defense was the difference in the match, and they also scored a bonus point for the Fortinet Rugby Championship

New Zealand All Blacks: 38 

Tries: David Havili 2, Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, George Bridge, Conversion: Beauden Barrett, Penalties: Beauden barrett 2

 Australia: 21 

Tries: Folau Fainga'a, Nick White, Tom Banks, Conversions: Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge 2

All Blacks Named For Rugby Championship Tour In Australia

All Black coach Ian Foster has named an initial 35-man squad for the Australian Rugby Championship Series and Northern Hemisphere Tour. Missing from the squad is lock Sam Whitelock, halfback Aaron Smith and first-five Richie Mo’unga, with all of them expecting the birth of children in the near future. The All Blacks will play a combined 10 tests in 12 weeks, with confirmation of the third Bledisloe Cup match to be played in Perth on Sunday 5th September at 6pm NZT.

All Blacks Squad:

Forwards: 

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor. Props: George Bower, Ethan de Groot, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Joe Moody, Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi. Locks: Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i. Loose forwards: Ethan Blackadder, Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu.

Backs: 

Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber. First five–eighths: Beauden Barrett. Midfielders: Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea. Outside backs: Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie, Sevu Reece.

All Blacks Update On Bledisloe Cup And Rugby Championship.

The All Blacks have beaten Australia 57-22 to win the second Bledisloe Cup match and secure the trophy for another year. The record points haul against Australia in the eight tries to three victory, was cemented in a second half, after handling errors blighted both sides in the first spell. 

New Zealand All Blacks: 57 

Tires: Rieko Ioane, Brodie Retallick, Ardie Savea, Codie Taylor 2, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, David Havili, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 5, Beauden Barrett 2, Penalty: Damian McKenzie 

Australia: 22 

Tries: Andrew Kelleway 2, Tate McDermott, Conversions: Noah Lolesio 2, Penalty: Lolesio

Sanzaar has announced that the 2021 Rugby Championship will be hosted in Queensland after New Zealand and several Australian states were placed into lockdown over the last few weeks.

Four Rugby Championship double headers will be played in Townsville, the Gold Coast and Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium during September and October, and the third Bledisloe Cup match originally scheduled for 28th August in Perth, will now be played on either 3rd or 4th of September. The All Blacks are scheduled to leave New Zealand this weekend, after delaying the departure last Sunday over uncertainty if any matches would take place

2021 Rugby Championship:

Round 1
Sat 14 August: New Zealand 57 v Australia 22 , Eden Park, Auckland
Sat 14 August: South Africa 32 v Argentina 12 , Mandela Stadium, Port Elizabeth

Round 2
Sat 21 August: Argentina 29 v South Africa 10 , Mandela Stadium, Port Elizabeth
TBC: Australia v New Zealand: Optus Stadium, Perth**

Round 3
Sunday 12 September: New Zealand v Argentina: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast 
Sunday 12 September:  South Africa v Australia: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast 

 
Round 4
Saturday 18 September: Argentina v New Zealand: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 
Saturday 18 September:  Australia v South Africa: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 

 
Round 5
Sat 25 September: New Zealand v South Africa: QLD Country Bank Stadium, Townsville 
Sat 25 September: Australia v Argentina: QLD Country Bank Stadium, Townsville 

Round 6
Sat 2 October: South Africa v New Zealand: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Sat 2 October: Argentina v Australia: CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast

All Blacks Named To Face Australia

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Australia in the first Bledisloe Cup match at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday 7th August at 7.05pm. 

The side features Richie Mo'unga at first five, Damian McKenzie at fulback, and Aaron Smith at halfback in his 100th test. All three Barrett brothers are included in the reserves, while David Havili is named at second five-eighths to partner centre Anton Lienert-Brown, and Brodie Retallick partners captain Sam Whitelock at lock.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

Damian McKenzie, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Sam Whitelock (c), Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower. 

Reserves: 

Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Angus Ta’avao, Scott Barrett, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett.

Australia: 

Tom Banks, Jordan Petaia, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, Andrew Kellaway, Noah Lolesio, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (c), Rob Valentini, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper. 

Reserves: 

Jordan Uelese, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Matt Philip, Fraser McReight, Jake Gordon, Matt To’omua, Reece Hodge.