NZ All Blacks Suffer Another Loss

The All Blacks are looking to this weeks test against South Africa at Ellis Park as a must win after losing the latest test 26-12. All the talk has been around whether coach Ian Foster will still have a job after another loss, but the players must bear a lot of responsibility for the loss with basic handling errors on both attack and defense. The latest match also saw the South Africans tactics come into question, with numerous bombs peppering the All Blacks and several instances where the South Africans did not even attempt to catch the ball, but took All Blacks players out in mid-air. South African winger Kurt-Lee Arendse was red carded in the second half and later suspended for three matches after he hit Beauden Barrett in the air when he jumped for the ball, and was flipped resulting in him landing on his neck.

South Africa: 26

Tries: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie Le Roux, Conversions: Handré Pollard 2, Penalties: Pollard 3, Drop Goal: Pollard.

New Zealand: 12

Try: Shannon Frizell, Conversion: Richie Mo'unga  Penalty: Jordie Barrett

All Blacks Squad Named For 2022

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his initial squad to contest the three test Steinlager Series against Ireland. 

All Blacks Squad 2022.

Props: George Bower, Nepo Laulala, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi

Hookers: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukeiaho

Locks: Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa'i, Sam Whitelock 

Loose forwards: Sam Cane (c), Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea, Pita Gus Sowakula

Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Folau Fakatava, Aaron Smith

First fives: Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga, Stephen Perofeta

Midfielders: Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Quinn Tupaea

Outside backs: Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece

All Black debutants are prop Aidan Ross, loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula, halfback Folau Fakatava, first five Stephen Perofeta, mid-fielder Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and outside back Leicester Fainga'anuku.

The first All Blacks v Ireland match is Saturday 2nd July, 7.05pm at Eden Park, Auckland.

All Blacks Named To Face Italy

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Italy at Stadium Olimoico in Rome on Sunday 7th November 2.00am NZT. Foster has made wholesale changes to the side that beat Wales, and has bought Sam Cane back at openside flanker to captain the side. New All Black lock Josh Lord starts alongside Tupou Vaa'i, with the front row containing George Bower, Dane Coles and Tyrel Lomax. Brad Weber and Richie Mo'unga start at halfback and first five, with Damian McKenzie at fullback.

New Zealand All Blacks:

1.George Bower, 2. Dane Coles,3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Tupou Vaa’i, 5. Josh Lord, 6. Luke Jacobson, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Brad Weber, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. George Bridge, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves: 

16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Ethan de Groot, 18. Ofa Tuungafasi, 19. Samuel Whitelock, 20. Shannon Frizell, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. David Havili, 23. Jordie Barrett

All Blacks Named To Face Wales

All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Wales in their match at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Sunday 5.15am NZT.

The side is much changed from the match against USA last week, with lock and captain Sam Whitelock, flanker Dalton Papalii and wing Will Jordan the only one's remaining from the starting side. First five Beauden Barrett gets the nod ahead of Richie Mo'unga, and will play his 100th match for the All Blacks, while TJ Perenara starts at halfback, and Jordie Barrett at fullback.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Whitelock (c), Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. 

Reserves: 

Samisoni Taukei'aho, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa'i, Akira Ioane, Brad Weber, Richie Mo’unga, Sevu Reece.

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 Named For Perth Bledisloe Cup Match

All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Australia in Perth on Sunday 5th September at 6pm NZT for the third Bledisloe Cup match. The side features only one change to the forwards from Eden Park, with lock Scott Barrett replacing Sam Whitelock, who was one of the side not travelling to Perth for upcoming births. Ardie Savea will captain the side at number eight, with Ethan Blackadder and Tupou Vaa'i both coming onto the reserves bench. In the backs, Brad Weber starts at halfback, Beauden Barrett at first five, Anton Lienert-Brown at centre, Will Jordan on the right wing with Rieko Ioane shifting to the left, and Jordie Barrett at fullback. TJ Perenara is in the reserves, as is Damian McKenzie and George Bridge.

New Zealand All Blacks:

1. George Bower 
2. Codie Taylor
3. Nepo Laulala
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Scott Barrett 
6. Akira Ioane 
7. Dalton Papalii 
8. Ardie Savea (c)
9. Brad Weber
10. Beauden Barrett 
11. Rieko Ioane 
12. David Havili 
13. Anton Lienert-Brown 
14. Will Jordan
15. Jordie Barrett 

Reserves:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho 
17. Karl Tu’inukuafe 
18. Angus Ta’avao 
19. Tupou Vaa’i 
20. Ethan Blackadder 
21. TJ Perenara 
22. Damian McKenzie
23. George Bridge

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.

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 Beat Tonga In First Test Of 2021

The All Blacks have started their 2021 test season with a 102 point win against an understrength Tonga side at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium.

The All Blacks scored 16 tries, with wing Will Jordan getting five tries, halfback Brad Weber three, and open side flanker Dalton Papalii two. 

New Zealand All Blacks: 102

Tries: Damian McKenzie, Dalton Papalii 2, Brad Weber 3, Will Jordan 5, Luke Jacobson, Richie Mo'unga, Rieko Ioane, Patrick Tuipulotu, George Bridge, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 7, Beauden Barrett 4

Tonga: 0

The next match for the All Blacks in the 2021 Steinlager Series is against Fiji, this Saturday at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

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.

All Blacks Team Named To Face Argentina

All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Argentina for their last match of 2020 on Saturday 28 November, 9.45pm, at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Australia.

After the 25-15 loss to Argentina in Sydney two weeks ago, Foster has made changes to the starting forwards only, and left the backs unchanged. Akira Ioane will start at blindside flanker in place of Shannon Frizzel who drops out of the match 23, Scott Barrett replaces Patrick Tuipulotu who moves to the reserves, and prop Nepo Laulala replaces Tyrel Lomax who also moves to the reserves. On the reserves bench there are also changes, with Karl Tu'inukuafe replacing Alex Hodgman, TJ Perenara replacing Brad Weber, Will Jordan replacing Damian McKenzie, and Tupou Vaa'i dropping out of the match 23.

New Zealand All Blacks:

1. Joe Moody, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Akira Ioane, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jack Goodhue, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Jordie Barrett, 15. Beauden Barrett.

Reserves:

16. Codie Taylor, 17. Karl Tu'inukuafe, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Hoskins Sotutu, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Rieko Ioane, 23. Will Jordan.

Argentina: 

Emiliano Boffelli, Ramiro Moyano, Juan Cruz Mallia, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Santiago Cordero, Nicolas Sanchez, Felipe Ezcurra; Facundo Isa, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera (c), Lucas Paulos, Guido Petti, Santiago Medrano, Julian Montoya, Mayco Vivas.

Reserves: 

Santiago Socino, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Lucio Sordoni, Matías Alemanno, Santiago Grondona, Gonzalo Bertranou, Santiago Carreras, Lucas Mensa.

All Blacks Lose To Argentina In Sydney

The All Blacks have lost to the Argentinian Puma's for the first time in an upset 25-25 loss at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney. The Puma's were combative in forward exchanges and forced multiple errors and penalties upon the All Blacks, leading to a 16-3 halftime lead, which they were unable to bridge in the second half.

Pablo Matera the Puma's captain had an outstanding match, and helped his side to a 62-42 advantage in the rucks won, while first five Sanchez scored all their points with a try, conversion and six penalties.

New Zealand All Blacks: 15 

Tries: Sam Cane, Caleb Clarke, Conversion: Richie Mo'unga, Penalty: Mo'unga,

Argentina: 25 

Try: Nicolas Sanchez, Conversion: Sanchez, Penalties: Sanchez 6

All Blacks Named For Fourth Bledisloe

After their 43-5 win last week over Australia, All Black coach Ian Foster has made several changes to his side for the fourth Bledisloe Cup match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Four players have been named to make their All Blacks debut, with Akira Ioane, starting at blindside flanker, while hooker Asafo Aumua, loose forward Cullen Grace, and outside back Will Jordan will be in the reserves.

In the forwards, Codie Taylor replaces Dane Coles as starting hooker; Scott Barrett starts at lock ahead of Patrick Tuipulotu, Ioane comes in for Shannon Frizell, and Ardie Savea replaces Hoskins Sotutu at number eight.

In the backs, Richie Mo’unga drops out of the match 23, with Beauden Barrett starting at first five-eighth, Jordie Barrett moves from right wing to fullback, and Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece will start on the left and right wing.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Akira Ioane, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Ofa Tuungafasi, Codie Taylor, Karl Tu'inukuafe. 

Reserves: 

Asafo Aumua, Alex Hodgman, Tyrel Lomax, Patrick Tuipulotu, Cullen Grace, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan.

Australia:

Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete, Reece Hodge, Nic White; Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (c), Lachie Swinton, Matt Philip, Rob Simmons, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper. 

Reserves: 

Folau Fainga'a, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Ned Hanigan, Liam Wright, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Filipo Daugunu.

All Blacks Named To Face Australia In Third Bledisloe.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Australia in the third Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney on Saturday. Hoskins Sotutu will debut at number eight in place of Ardie Savea who stayed behind in New Zealand on paternity leave, and loose forward Dalton Papalii is brought in the reserves. Other changes in the forwards see Sam Whitelock return from from concussion in place of Tupou Vaa’i, and Karl Tu'inukuafe replaces Joe Moody at loosehead prop. In the reserves, Ngani Laumape returns from a broken arm earlier in the year in place of Damian McKenzie.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

1.  Karl Tu'inukuafe, 2.  Dane Coles, 3.  Ofa Tuungafasi, 4.  Patrick Tuipulotu, 5.  Samuel Whitelock, 6.  Shannon Frizell, 7.  Sam Cane (c), 8.  Hoskins Sotutu, 9.  Aaron Smith, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jack Goodhue, 13.  Anton Lienert-Brown, 14.  Jordie Barrett, 15.  Beauden Barrett 

Reserves: 

16.  Codie Taylor, 17.  Alex Hodgman, 18.  Tyrel Lomax, 19.  Scott Barrett, 20.  Dalton Papalii, 21.  TJ Perenara, 22.  Ngani Laumape, 23.  Rieko Ioane

The Australian Wallabies side has four debutants in their side, with both first five James O'Connor, and second five Matt Toomua out with injury, replaced by Noah Lolesio, and Irae Simones, and halfback Tate McDermott and loose forward Fraser McReight in the reserves. Other changes see Allan Alaalatoa starting at tight-head prop in place of Taniela Tupou, Jordan Petaia at centre in place of Hunter Paisami, and Dane Haylett-Petty in at fullback in place of Tom Banks for his first match since the Rugby World Cup.

Australia:

1. James Slipper, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5. Matt Philip, 6. Ned Hanigan, 7. Michael Hooper (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Nic White, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Jordan Petaia, 14. Filipo Daugunu, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Reserves:  

16. Jordan Uelese, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Fraser McReight, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Reece Hodge, 23. Hunter Paisami 

All Blacks Draw With Australia

The New Zealand All Blacks have drawn the opening Bledisloe Cup match with Australia 16-16 in Wellington on Sunday. It was 400 days since the All Blacks last played a home test match, and the match was an exciting one which went down to the final seconds.

The All Blacks had led 8-3 at half time, after a try and penalty to winger Jordie Barrett. They extended their lead early in the second half after Aaron Smith scored, but the Wallabies struck back with tries to wingers Marika Koroibete and Filipo Daugunu. With the 80 minutes up Reece Hodge attempted a long range kick which hit the posts, and for the next eight minutes of injury time neither side was able to score.

New Zealand All Blacks: 16

Tries: Jordie Barrett, Aaron Smith, Penalties: Barrett 2

Australia: 16

Tries: Marika Koroibete, Filipo Daugunu, Penalties: James O’Connor 2

All Blacks Named For First Test Against Australia

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his first test team to face Australia in Wellington on Sunday 11 October, at 4pm. Foster has named Richie Mo’unga at first five, Beauden Barrett at fullback, Jordie Barrett on the right wing, and Jack Goodhue partnering Rieko Ioane in the centres, with Anton Lienert-Brown on the bench. The forwards have a front row combination of Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Ofa Tuungafasi, with Dane Coles and Karl Tu’inukuafe on the bench, Patrick Tuipulotu locking with Sam Whitelock, and a back row combination of captain Sam Cane, Ardie Savea at number eight and Shannon Frizell on the blindside. In total, there are 17 players out of 23 from the losing semi-final against England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup last year.

All Blacks: 

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody

Reserves: Dane Coles, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Hoskins Sotutu, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke.

Australia: 

Tom Banks, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Matt To'omua, Marika Koroibete, James O'Connor, Nic White; Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (c), Pete Samu, Matt Philip, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Taniela Tupou, Folau Fainga'a, James Slipper. 

Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Rob Valetini, Jake Gordon Noah Lolesio, Reece Hodge.

North v South Game To Have No Spectators.

This Saturdays North v South rugby match has been confirmed to be played without any spectators due to the current Level 2 Covid alert.

The match, the first since 2012, has been transferred from Auckland's Eden Park to Wellington's Sky Stadium (Cake Tin) starting at 7.10pm, and precede's coach Ian Foster naming his first All Blacks squad on Sunday.

The North team is coached by John Plumtree, and the South by Brad Mooar.

NORTH: 

Forwards: 1. Karl Tu’inukuafe 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Akira Ioane, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Hoskins Sotutu. 

Backs: 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Damian McKenzie.

Replacements: 16. Ash Dixon, 17. Ayden Johnstone, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Scott Scrafton, 20. Dalton Papalii, 21. Aaron Smith, 22. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 23. Mitchell Hunt.

SOUTH: 

Forwards: 1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Samuel Whitelock (captain), 5. Mitchell Dunshea, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Tom Sanders. 

Backs: 9. Brad Weber, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 11. George Bridge, 12. Jack Goodhue, 13. Brayden Ennor, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Jordie Barrett.

Replacements: 16. Liam Coltman, 17. George Bower, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20. Dillon Hunt, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Josh Ioane, 23. Leicester Fainga’anuku.

The current playing options for the All Blacks are a proposed November - December Rugby Championship with South Africa, Australia and Argentina awaiting government approval on quarantine, and Bledisloe Cup matches in either Australia or New Zealand with ongoing discussion. 

The covid level restrictions will also have an impact on the Farah Palmer Cup women’s rugby competition which starts this Saturday, with crowds also unable to view matches. Waikato will play Northland on Saturday 12.30pm at Waikato University in Hamilton, Counties Manukau play North Harbour at Navigation Homes Stadium Pukekohe at 2.35pm, and Auckland play Taranaki on Sunday at 12pm at TET Stadium Inglewood. 

The Mitre 10 Cup, first round which start's Friday 11th September will also have no spectators. First round matches see North Harbour hosting Canterbury at North Harbour Stadium 7.05pm, Waikato versus Wellington in Hamilton on Saturday 2.05pm, Otago versus Auckland in Dunedin 4.35pm, Counties Manukau versus Tasman in Pukekohe 7.05pm, and on Sunday Northland v Manawatu in Whangarei at 2.05pm, Taranaki versus Bay of Plenty in Inglewood at 2.05pm and Southland v Hawke’s Bay in Invercargill at 4.35pm.

Super Rugby Aotearoa Week 9 & 10 Results

Week Nine Results:

Hurricanes: 31  Chiefs: 18   (Halftime 12-3)

Hurricanes: 
Tries: Umaga-Jensen (2), Coles, Van Wyk, Proctor, Conversions:  J. Barrett (3)

Chiefs:
Tries: Wainui, Slater, Penalties: McKenzie (2), Conversion: McKenzie

Chiefs finished Aoteroa round winless.

Crusaders: 32  Highlanders: 22   (Halftime 13-17)

Crusaders: 
Tries: Mo’unga, Bridge (2), Ennor, Penalties: Mo’unga (2), Conversions: Mo’unga (3)

Highlanders:
Tries: Frizell, Nareki, Collins, Penalty: J. Ioane, Conversions: J. Ioane (2)

Crusaders win Aotearoa Super Rugby round.


Week Ten Results:

Highlanders:
Tries: Punivai, Dixon, Collins, Penalty try, Hunt, Penalty: Ioane, Conversions: Ioane 3, Hunt

Hurricanes:
Tries: Aso, Booth, Umaga-Jensen, Conversions: J Barrett 3

Blues v Crusaders match cancelled due to Auckland Covid lockdown