All Blacks Named To Face Australia In Melbourne

New Zealand All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Australia in Melbourne on Thursday night. With number eight Ardie Savea remaining in New Zealand for the birth of his child, and Shannon Frizell out injured, Foster has moved Scott Barrett to blindside flanker, and bought in Brodie Retallick to start at lock, and Hoskins Sotutu to start at number eight. The backs are unchanged from the Argentina test, while Akira Ioane comes into the reserves.

After their previous 24-8 loss to South Africa, Australian coach Dave Rennie has made eight changes to his starting side. Halfback Nic White, hooker Folau Fainga'a and openside flanker Fraser McReight drop to the reserves, while prop Taniela Topou has a calf injury, and both first five Noah Lolesio and center Hunter Paisami are out with concussion.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Caleb Clarke, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Cane (c), Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot. 

Reserves: 

Dane Coles, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Quinn Tupaea.

Australia Wallabies: 

Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Lalakai Foketi, Marika Koroibete, Bernard Foley, Jake Gordon, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Rob Leota, Matt Philip, Jed Holloway, Allan Alaalatoa, Dave Porecki, James Slipper (c). 

Reserves: 

Folau Fainga'a, Scott Sio, Pone Fa'amausili, Darcy Swain, Fraser McReight, Nic White, Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia.

All Blacks Named For Second Argentina Test

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Argentina in their second match for the Rugby Championship in Hamilton on Saturday night. After last weeks 25-18 loss to Argentina, Foster has named an unchanged starting side, but has Brodie Retallick back from a facial fracture and Beauden Barrett from a neck injury on the reserves bench as well as Dane Coles and Dalton Papali'i.

New Zealand All Blacks v Argentina:

1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Sam Whitelock, 5. Scott Barrett, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. David Havili, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Jordie Barrett

Reserves: 

16. Dane Coles, 17. George Bower, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Brodie Retallick, 20. Dalton Papali’i, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Beauden Barrett, 23. Quinn Tupaea

All Blacks Defeated By Argentina In NZ For First Time

The All Blacks have suffered a 25-18 defeat to Argentina in Christchurch, the first time they have beaten the home side in New Zealand. 

The All Blacks scored two tries to one in the match and led 15-12 at halftime, but coughed up as 8-5 penalty disadvantage for the match. Argentina had kicked penalty goals to stay in touch with the All Blacks in the first half, but took the lead early in the second half after lock Scott Barrett was unable to hold a catch from a restart, with flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez running away to score. The All Blacks had an opportunity late in the match to tie the game with a lineout close to the Puma's line, but replacement hooker Codie Taylor failed to throw the ball in straight to the line-out.

New Zealand All Blacks: 18 

Tries: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Caleb Clarke, Conversion: Richie Mo'unga, Penalties: Mo'unga 2

Argentina: 25 

Try: Juan Martin Gonzalez, Conversion: Emiliano Boffelli, Penalties: Boffelli 6

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 Win First Test Against Ireland

The All Blacks have beaten Ireland 42-19 in their first test at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday night.

As was expected, it was a tough physical match early on, with the Irish getting the first try in the 5th minute to winger Keith Earls. The All Blacks did not help themselves with handling errors, but got on the board in the 20th minute with a try to Jordie Barrett, and again the the 29th minute when Sevu Reece picked up a loose ball to run 75 metres untouched. Second five Quinn Tupaea added the third try off a Beauden Barrett grubber kick, and Ardie Savea pounced on a loose ball in the Irish goal to see the All Blacks go to half time with four tries and a 28-5 lead.

The Irish struck back early in the second half with a try to centre Garry Ringrose to reduce the margin to 28-12, but Ardie Savea then struck back for the All Blacks with his second. The Irish held a territorial and possession advantage for the match, but handling errors saw the ball lost over the line twice when scoring, and strong defense and scrummaging from the All Blacks proved the difference.

New Zealand All Blacks: 42  

Tries: Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Quinn Tupaea, Ardie Savea 2, Pita Gus Sowakula, Conversions: J Barrett 6 

Ireland: 19 

Tries: Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Conversions: Joey Carberry 2 

All Blacks Named To Face Ireland In First Test

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Ireland in their first test at Eden park on Saturday night. Covid has hit the All Black camp this week, with Foster, assistant coaches John Plumtree, Scott McLeod and Greg Feek, mid-fielders David Havili and Jack Goodhue, and outside back Will Jordan all testing positive for Covid.

Crusaders wing Leicester Fainga’anuku will debut on the wing, with Scott Barrett named at blindside flanker, and Beauden Barrett at first five with Richie Mo'unga on the bench.

NZ All Blacks:

1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Scott Barrett, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Jordie Barrett

Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Angus Ta'avao, Pita Gus Sowakula, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Richie Mo'unga, Braydon Ennor

Super Rugby Quarter Final Results

Crusaders: 37

Tries: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Richie Mo'unga, Tamaiti Williams, Conversions: Mo'unga 4, Penalties: Mo'unga 3

Reds: 15

Tries: Suliasi Vunivalu, Filipo Daugunu, Conversion: Lawson Creighton, Penalty: Creighton

Chiefs: 39

Tries: Brad Weber 2, Luke Jacobson, Alex Nankivell, Pita Gus Sowakula, Conversions: Bryn Gatland 4, Penalties: Gatland 2

Waratahs: 15

Tries: Dylan Pietsch, Will Harris, Conversions: Tane Edmed, Penalty: Edmed

Blues: 35 

Tries: Akira Ioane, Beauden Barrett 2, AJ Lam, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Conversions: Stephen Perofeta 5

Highlanders: 6 

Penalties: Marty Banks 2

Brumbies: 28

Tries: Folau Fainga'a, Irae Simone, Tom Banks, Conversions: Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Penalties: Lolesio 3

Hurricanes: 25

Tries: Josh Moorby 2, Penalties: Jordie Barrett 5

All Blacks Lose Last Match For 2021

The All Blacks have finished their final test match of 2021 with a 40-25 loss to France. It was a similar physical contest to last weeks loss to Ireland, with a relentless French side leading 24-6 at half time. The All Blacks worked their way back into the match in the second half, but the sin-binning of number eight Savea, and an intercept try to Damian Penaud ended their resurgence.

New Zealand All Blacks: 25

Tries: Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Ardie Savea, Conversions: Barrett 2, Penalties: Barrett 2

France: 40 

Tries: Peato Mauvaka 2, Romain Ntamack, Damian Penaud tries;  Melvyn Jaminet 4 con, 4 pen) 

All Blacks Get Win Over Italy.

The All Blacks have secured a 47-9 win over Italy to continue their unbeaten run on the Northern tour. Both hooker Dane Coles and his replacement Asafo Aumua scored two tries each out of the total seven for the match, but it was again a disjointed effort with many errors. Italy put up spirited defense for much of the match, but only managed three penalties for the match to first five Paolo Garbisi. The All Blacks will face a greater challenge this week against Ireland, and could potentially have halfback Brad Weber unavailable after he left the field with a head knock.

New Zealand All Blacks: 47 

Tries: Finlay Christie, Dane Coles 2, Sevu Reece, Asafo Aumua 2, Hoskins Sotutu, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 6 

Italy: 9 

Penalties: Paolo Garbisi 3

All Blacks Get Record Win Against USA

The All Blacks have secured a record 104-14 win against the USA in Washington. The writing was on the wall for USA after flanker Luke Jacobson scored the All Black's first try after only 29 seconds of the match, and further tries resulted in a 59-7 halftime lead. The Eagles did however manage to score their first try ever against the All Blacks when halfback Nate Augspurger did so late in the first half. 

New Zealand All Blacks: 114

Tries: Luke Jacobson 2, Ethan de Groot, Will Jordan 3, Damian McKenzie, Angus Ta'avao 2, Richie Mo'unga, Quinn Tupaea, Dalton Papalii, Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, TJ Perenara, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 9, Damian McKenzie 3

United States Eagles: 14  

Tries: Nate Augspurger, Ryan Matyas, Conversions: Luke Carty 2

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 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

Draw Announced For Rugby World Cup 2023 In France

The All Blacks have been drawn with hosts France in Pool A for the 2023 Rugby World Cup based in France. Due to Covid-19 affecting test matches this year, the rankings for the draw were based from January 2020, and saw the All Blacks seeded number two behind 2019 RWC winners South Africa. Details for the 2023 World Cup match schedule, venues and timing will be announced later in February 2021.

Pool A: New Zealand, France, Italy, Americas 1 and Africa 1

Pool B: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Asia / Pacific 1 and Europe 2

Pool C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Europe 1 and Final Qualifier Winner

Pool D: England, Japan, Argentina, Oceania 1 and Americas 2.

Mitre 10 Cup Semi-Final Results

Following the weekend matches, the finalists for the Mitre 10 Cup 2020 have been determined.

Northland defeated Otago 32-19 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, whilst Hawkes Bay defeated Taranaki 59-23 in Napier. The Mitre 10 Cup Championship Final will see Hawkes Bay face Northland on Friday 27th November in Napier at 7.05pm.

Auckland defeated Waikato 23-18 at Eden Park in Auckland, whist Tasman defeated Bay of Plenty 19-10 in Nelson. The Mitre 10 Cup Premiership Final will see Auckland face Tasman on Saturday 28th November at Eden Park at the earlier time of 6.35pm due to the All Blacks test against Argentina.

Otago: 19

Tries: Jona Nareki, Josh Timu, Sio Tomkinson, Conversions: Josh Ioane 2 

Northland: 32 

Tries: Jone Macilai, Sam Nock, Jordan Olsen, Matt Matich, Conversions: Wiseguy Faiane 2, Johnny Cooper, Penalties: Cooper 2

Hawke's Bay: 59 

Tries: Geoff Cridge, Solomone Funaki, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Ash Dixon 3, Folau Fakatava, Connor McLeod, Conversions: Caleb Makene, Lincoln McClutchie 7, Penalty: McClutchie 

Taranaki: 23 

Tries: Lukas Halls, Ricky Riccitelli, Donald Brighouse, Conversion: Jayson Potroz, Penalties: Potroz 2

Auckland: 23 

Tries: Salesi Rayasi, Tanielu Tele'a, Tumua Manu, Conversion: Harry Plummer, Penalties: Zarn Sullivan, Plummer

Waikato: 18 

Tries: Samisone Taukei'aho, Adam Thomson, Conversion: Beaudein Waaka, Penalties: Waaka 2

Tasman: 19 

Tries: Quentin MacDonald, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Penalties: Mitchell Hunt 3

Bay of Plenty: 10 

Try: Joe Webber, Conversion: Kaleb Trask, Penalty: Trask

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

Canterbury Win Farah Palmer Cup

Canterbury have won the 2020 Farah Palmer Cup after beating Waikato 8-7 in Christchurch on Saturday. Canterbury scored a late try with time up on the clock to secure their fourth consecutive title.

Canterbury: 8

Try: Cindy Nelles, Penalty: Kendra Cocksedge

Waikato:

Try: Kennedy Simon, Conversion: Chelsea Alley

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 Win Second Bledisloe In Auckland

The All Blacks have beaten Australia 27-7 in the second Bledisloe test at Auckland's Eden Park on Sunday.

After a competitive first half, the All Blacks had led 10-7 at the break after a converted try to halfback Aaron Smith and penalty to Richie Mo'unga, while Australia scored a try to winger Marika Koroibete. Debutant left-wing Caleb Clarke had several tackle breaking runs and proved a handful for Australia every time he touched the ball. The Australians made handling errors due the the defensive efforts of the All Blacks, and three further tries were added in the half, with captain Sam Cane scoring one of them. The next Bledisloe match is in Sydney Australia on 31st October, and is part of the Rugby Championship. now reduced to three teams after South Africa pulled out.

New Zealand All Blacks: 27 

Tries: Aaron Smith, Jordie Barrett, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 2, Penalty: Mo'unga

Australia: 7 

Try: Marika Koroibete, Conversion: James O'Connor 

Match Highlights Here

All Black's 2020 Rugby Championship Draw Re-Scheduled

The All Blacks will be home for Christmas after SANZAAR announced a revised draw for the 2020 Rugby Championship in Australia. The match between the All Blacks and Australia scheduled for December 12th has been moved to October 31st. NZ Rugby had disputed the draw when it was first announced by SANZAAR saying they had not agreed to play the match so late in December, due to the New Zealand government's 14 day quarantine requirement on returning home.

The updated timing of matches is below.

Bledisloe Cup New Zealand 2020.

New Zealand v Australia, Sky Stadium, Wellington, Sunday 11 October, 4pm NZT.

New Zealand v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland, Sunday 18 October, 4 NZT.

Rugby Championship Australia 2020.

New Zealand vs Australia, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, October 31, 9:45pm NZT

New Zealand vs Australia, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, November 7, 9.45pm NZT

New Zealand vs Argentina, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, November 14, 7pm NZT

New Zealand vs South Africa, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, November 21, 7pm NZT

New Zealand vs South Africa, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, November 28, 9.45pm NZT

New Zealand v Argentina, Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, December 5, 7pm NZT

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.