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 Defeat Fiji In Hamilton

The All Blacks have beaten Fiji 60-13 in Hamilton on Saturday night, for a sweep of the Steinlager Series. It was a much improved effort from the home side at the breakdown compared to last week, with Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson having strong games. Winger Sevu Reece scored three tries, and debutant replacement hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho scored a double.

All Blacks: 60 

Tries: Sevu Reece 3, Samisoni Taukei'aho 2, Ardie Savea, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Shannon Frizell, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 5, Beauden Barrett

Fiji: 13 

Try: Peni Ravai, Conversion: Ben Volavola, Penalty: Volavola 2

All Blacks Named For First Fiji Test

All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Fiji in the second match of the Steinlager Series at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 7.05pm, Saturday 10 July.

The side features 13 changes to the starting side that faced Tonga last week, with only centre Rieko Ioane and winger George Bridge remaining to start. Halfback Aaron Smith will captain the side for the first time, in his 98th test, and will pair with Beauden Barrett at first five. Brodie Retallick also starts his first match for the All Blacks since 2019, and partners Patrick Tuipulotu at lock. 

All Black Team: 

1. George Bower 
2. Codie Taylor 
3. Nepo Laulala 
4. Patrick Tuipulotu 
5. Brodie Retallick 
6. Shannon Frizell 
7. Ethan Blackadder 
8. Hoskins Sotutu 
9. Aaron Smith - captain
10. Beauden Barrett 
11. George Bridge 
12. David Havili 
13. Rieko Ioane 
14. Sevu Reece 
15. Jordie Barrett 

Reserves:

16. Dane Coles 
17. Ethan de Groot 
18. Tyrel Lomax 
19. Samuel Whitelock 
20. Luke Jacobson 
21. Finlay Christie 
22. Damian McKenzie 
23. Will Jordan 

Fiji Team:

1. Peni Ravai
2. Samuel Matavesi
3. Mesake Doge
4. Temo Mayanavanua
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Johnny Dyer
7. Mesulame Kunavula
8. Albert Tuisue
9. Simione Kuruvoli
10. Ben Volavola
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Levani Botia (c)
13. Waisea Nayacalevu
14. Eroni Sau
15. Kini Murimurivalu

Reserves:

16. Peni Narisia
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Leeroy Atalifo
19. Tevita Ratuva
20. Peceli Yato
21. Setareki Tuicuvu
22. Eneriko Buliruarua
23. Manasa Mataele

All Blacks Named To Face Tonga In First Test For 2021

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his first side for 2021 to face Tonga at Auckland's Mt. Smart Stadium, Saturday 3rd July 7.05pm.

The All Blacks side features second five Quinn Tupaea making his starting debut, while prop George Bower, loose forward Ethan Blackadder, and halfback Finlay Christie are named on the bench. Starting first five is Richie Mo'unga, fullback Damian McKenzie, and halfback Brad Weber, with both Beauden and Jordie Barrett in the reserves.

Because of Covid travel issues and European player unavailability, Tongan coach Toutai Kefu has had to source New Zealand based players, resulting in nine players making their starting debut. The side will be captained by Toulon halfback Sonatane Takulua, and has Chiefs forward Zane Kapeli, former Crusaders halfback Leon Fukofuka and ex-Highlander Nasi Manu.

All Blacks team:

1. Karl Tu’inukuafe, (17)
2. Dane Coles (74)
3. Angus Ta’avao (14)
4. Scott Barrett (36)
5. Samuel Whitelock (122) – captain
6. Akira Ioane (2)
7. Dalton Papalii (4)
8. Luke Jacobson (2)
9. Brad Weber (7)
10. Richie Mo’unga (22)
11. George Bridge (10)
12. Quinn Tupaea (new cap)
13. Rieko Ioane (33)
14. Will Jordan (2)
15. Damian McKenzie (27)
16. Asafo Aumua (1)
17. George Bower (new cap)
18. Tyrel Lomax (6)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (35)
20. Ethan Blackadder (new cap)
21. Finlay Christie (new cap)
22. Beauden Barrett (88)
23. Jordie Barrett (23)

Tonga:

James Faiva, Hosea Saumaki, Fine Inisi, Nikolai Foliaki, Penikolo Latu, Kalione Hala, Sonatane Takulua (c); Sione Tu’ipolotu, Solomone Funaki, Mateaki Kafatolu, Zane Kapeli, Don Lolo, Sila Puafisi, Sam Moli, Duke Nginingini. 

Reserves: Siua Maile, Jethro Felemi, Tau Koloamatangi, Harrison Mataele, Viliami Taulani, Nasi Manu, Leon Fukofuka, Walter Fifita.