All Blacks Through To RWC Semi-Final

The All Blacks have beaten Ireland 28-24 to progress to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals against Argentina on Saturday morning, 8.00am NZT.

The All Blacks had to overcome yellow cards to halfback Aaron Smith late in the first half, and hooker Codie Taylor midway through the second half as well as defend against a 37-phase passage on attack by Ireland in the final minutes of the match. Captain Sam Cane and number eight Ardie Savea were two key defenders for the All Blacks, while first five Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett had strong attacking games. 

New Zealand: 28

Tries: Leicester Fainga'anuku, Ardie Savea, Will Jordan, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett, Penalties: Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett 2

Ireland: 24

Tries: Bundee Aki, Jamison Gibson-Park, Penalty try, Conversion: Jonny Sexton, Penalty: Sexton 

All Blacks Named To Face Ireland In RWC Quarter Final

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Ireland in their knock out Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Stade de France in Paris on Sunday morning, 8am.

Foster has bought in Leicester Fainga’anuku on the wing in place of Mark Talea, after he broke a team set curfew in staying out well past the decided time. There was also good news with prop Tyrel Lomax in the starting side after recovering from a knee strain that forced him from the field early in the Paraguay match last Friday. Foster also has Ethan de Groot back from a two game suspension, and has included young props Taimaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell in the reserves.

Other matches see Wales v Argentina at Stade de Marseille 4am Sunday, England v Fiji at Stade de Marseille 4am Monday, and France v South Africa at Stade de France 8am Monday NZT.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. 

Reserves: 

Dane Coles, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Sam Whitelock, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown.

Ireland: 

Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park, Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony, Iain Henderson, Tadgh Beirne, Tadgh Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter. 

Reserves: 

Ronan Kelleher, David Kilcoyne, Finlay Bealham, Joe McCarthy, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Jimmy O’Brien.

All Blacks Win Over Uruguay

The All Blacks have beaten Uruguay 73-0 in their final pool match at the Rugby World Cup in Lyon.

The All Blacks scored eleven tries in total, but only held a 26-0 lead at halftime after spirited play from Uruguay. It wasn't until the 19th minute that the All Blacks had finally scored their first try after numerous handling errors and a dis-allowed try. There was concern for prop Tyrel Lomax who left the field early in the match with an apparent knee injury, and then his replacement Fletcher Newell also left the field late in the match. The All Blacks quarter-final opponent will be known after the Scotland v Ireland match on Sunday morning 

New Zealand All Blacks: 73

Tries: Damian McKenzie 2, Richie Mo'unga, Will Jordan 2, Cameron Roigard, Fletcher Newell, Leicester Fainga'anuku 3, Tamaiti Williams, Conversions: Mo'unga 5 con; McKenzie 2, Beauden Barrett 2.

Uruguay: 0

All Blacks Beat Namibia

The All Blacks have beaten Namibia 71-3 in wet conditions, with halfback and man of the match Cam Roigard getting two tries.

The All Blacks scored eleven tries, with the opening one from Roigard after only a minute and a half into the match, with first five Damian McKenzie also getting a double and 26 points in the match. The All Blacks again conceded multiple penalties with he count 12-7 against them, and also lost prop Ethan de Groot to the sin-bin in the 71st minute for a shoulder to head clash in a tackle, which was upgraded to a red card from the television match official. 

The All Blacks now have a week off, and will next face Italy on the 30th September.

New Zealand: 71 

Tries: Cam Roigard 2, Damian McKenzie 2, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ethan de Groot, Dalton Papali'i, David Havili, Caleb Clarke, Rieko Ioane tries; McKenzie 8 con) 

Namibia: 3

Penalty: Tiaan Swanepoel pen). HT: 38-3

All Blacks Named To Face Namibia

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named the All Blacks side to face Namibia in their second pool match at the 2023 Rugby World Cup at Toulouse, 7am on Saturday 16th September.

There are multiple changes to the side, with Damian McKenzie in at first five, Cam Roigard getting his first start at halfback, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Caleb Clarke on the wings, and Samisoni Taukei’aho at hooker. Brodie Retallick will start at lock, while Sam Cane is rested with his back injury. Lock Sam Whitelock will play his 148th test cap for the All Blacks, equaling former captain Richie McCaw with most matches played.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Ardie Savea (c), Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala,  Ofa Tuungafasi. 

Reserves: 

Dane Coles, Ethan de Groot, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Rieko Ioane.

Namibia: 

Cliven Loubser, Gerswin Mouton, Johan Deysel (c), Le Roux Malan, Divan Rossouw, Tiaan Swanepoel, Damian Stevens; Richard Hardwick, Prince Gaoseb, Wian Conradie, Tjiuee Uanivi, Johan Retief, Johan Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Jason Benade. 

Reserves: 

Louis van der Westhuizen, Desiderius Sethie, Haitembu Shifuka, PJ Van Lill, Adriaan Booysen, Max Katjijeko, Jacques Theron, JC Greyling.

All Blacks Lose To South Africa

The All Blacks have not had the best dress rehearsal for the Rugby World Cup with a 35-7 loss to South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday. They conceded five tries to one, and had lock Scott Barrett sent off in the first half after getting two yellow cards. Playing with 14 men for the remainder of the match, coach Ian Foster was forced to bring on replacement lock Tupou Vaai' in place of blindside Luke Jacobson to compete in the lineouts. The All Blacks also lost prop Tyrel Lomax to a leg cut early in the match that needed 30 stitches, putting him in doubt for the RWC opening match against France. Any possible suspension of Barrett would put pressure on the All Blacks with Brodie Retallick still out several weeks with his knee injury from the Dunedin test.

New Zealand All Blacks: 7

Try: Cam Roigard, Conversion: Richie Mo'unga

South Africa: 35

Tries: Siya Kolisi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Kwagga Smith, Conversions: Manie Libbok 5

All Blacks Win Second Bledisloe Cup Match

The All Blacks have beaten Australia 23-20 in Dunedin on Saturday after a late penalty from Richie Mo'unga. Trailing 17-3 at half time, the All Blacks struck back with tries from winger Shaun Stevenson and flanker Samipeni Finau in the second half, and put together a much better defensive effort. A knee injury to lock Brodie Retallick in the first half forcing him from the field, was one of the biggest concerns ahead of the Rugby World Cup squad naming, giving coach Ian Foster plenty to worry over.

New Zealand All Blacks: 23

Tries: Shaun Stevenson, Samipeni Finau, Conversions: Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga, Penalties: McKenzie, Mo'unga 2

Australia: 20

Tries: Marika Koroibete, Tom Hooper, Conversions: Carter Gordon 2, Penalties: Gordon, Quade Cooper

All Blacks Named For Second Bledisloe Match

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side for the second Bledisloe Cup match at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday 2.35pm.

After beating Australia 38-7 last week in Melbourne, Foster has made several changes to the starting side, with captain Sam Cane returning from a neck injury suffered against Argentina, and wing Shaun Stevenson and flanker Samipeni Finau making their All Black debut's. In the backs, Will Jordan will start at fullback, Damian McKenzie is back at first five, and Leicester Fainga’anuku returns from injury on the other wing. In the forwards prop Tamaiti Williams gets his first start, while uncapped midfielder Dallas McLeod comes into the reserves.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

Will Jordan, Shaun Stevenson, Braydon Ennor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Damian McKenzie, Finlay Christie, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Samipeni Finau, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams. 

Reserves: 

Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Dallas McLeod

Australian Wallabies: 

Andrew Kellaway, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott (capt), Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Pone Fa'amausili, David Porecki, Angus Bell. 

Reserves: 

Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Zane Nonggorr, Will Skelton, Rob Leota, Nic White, Quade Cooper, Izaia Perese

All Blacks Named To Face South Africa

All Black coach Ian Foster has named his side to face South Africa at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night, 7.05pm. At first five Richie Moúnga replaces Damian McKenzie, while wingers Will Jordan and Mark Telea, replace Caleb Clarke and Emoni Narawa. In the forwards Codie Taylor replaces Dane Coles at hooker, and Brodie Retallick starts at lock in place of Josh Lord.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. 

Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Braydon Ennor, Caleb Clarke.

South Africa: 

Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Damian Willemse, Faf de Klerk, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth (capt), Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff. 

Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Pieter Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok.

All Blacks Win Against Argentina

The All Blacks have opened the Rugby Championship with a 41-12 win against Argentina in Mendoza. They led 31-0 at half time after scoring five first half tries, while winger Emoni Narawa also scored a late try on debut.

New Zealand: 41

Tries: Dane Coles, Ardie Savea, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Emoni Narawa, Conversions: Damian McKenzie 3

Argentina: 12

Tries: Lucio Sordoni, Agustin Creevy, Conversion: Emiliano Boffelli

In the other weekend match the All Blacks XV beat Japan 38-6 in Tokyo

All Blacks XV: 38

Tries: Jack Goodhue, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Alex Nankivell, Folau Fakatava, Stephen Perofeta, Conversions: Perofeta, Brett Cameron, Penalties: Perofeta 3

Japan XV: 6

Penalties: Rikiya Matsuda 2

All Blacks Draw With England

The All Blacks have drawn their final test of the year 25-25 with England, after conceding three tries in the final ten minutes. The All Blacks started the game well and had scored two tries in the opening ten minutes, with a Dalton Papali'i intercept try, and hooker Codie Taylor going over off a rolling mall. The All Blacks had a further try disallowed with off the ball play in a ruck, and went to half time with a 17-3 lead. England kicked an early second half penalty, but the All Blacks struck back with an 80 metre try to centre Reiko Ioane. A dropped goal to fullback Beauden Barrett put the All Blacks into a 25-6 lead, but it was the reply from England that swung the match. Barrett had failed to release in the tackle of England first five Marcus Smith, and with the penalty advantage, replacement Will Stuart scored. Barrett was sin-binned for 10 minutes, and from the kick off England ran the ball wide with fullback Freddie Steward scoring. With mere minutes remaining in the match the All Blacks had the ball under control, but a kick from replacement half back TJ Perenara gave possession back to England who again attacked out wide, with Stuart scoring his second. Perenara had to leave the field in the fianl minute of the match, and it has since been revealed he has ruptured his achilles tendon, leaving a nine month recovery span ahead of next years Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand All Blacks: 25

Tries: Dalton Papali'i, Codie Taylor, Rieko Ioane, Conversions: Jordie Barrett 2, Penalty: Jordie Barrett, Dropped Goal: Beauden Barrett

England: 25

Tries: Will Stuart 2, Freddie Steward, Conversions: Marcus Smith 2, Penalties: Smith, Owen Farrell

All Blacks Win Against Scotland

The All Blacks have scored two late tries to secure a 31-23 win against Scotland this morning. After leading 14-0 early in the match after tries to prop Samisoni Taukei'aho and winger Mark Telea, the All Blacks lost Anton Lienert-Brown to a yellow card after he tackled Stuart Hogg in goal as he chased a kick through. The penalty try plus a second to winger Darcy Graham saw Scotland lead a halftime 17-14, and they scored 23 unanswered points before the All Blacks struck back. A sin-bin to loose forward Jack Demspey in the 65th minute preceded a try to lock Scott Barrett, with the second for Mark Talea in the 75th minute securing the match.

All Blacks: 31 

Tries: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Mark Telea 2, Scott Barrett, Conversions: Jordie Barrett 4, Penalty: Jordie Barrett

Scotland: 23 

Tries: Darcy Graham, Penalty Try, Conversion: Finn Russell, Penalties: Russell 3

All Blacks Named To Face Scotland

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face to face Scotland at Murrayfield on Monday 3.15am NZT. There is one new cap in the side, with Mark Telea named on the wing.

New Zealand All Blacks v Scotland

1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Samuel Whitelock (c), 5. Scott Barrett, 6. Akira Ioane, 7. Dalton Papali’i, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. David Havili, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Mark Telea, 15. Jordie Barrett

Reserves: 

16. Codie Taylor, 17. George Bower, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Tupou Vaa’i, 20. Shannon Frizell, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Stephen Perofeta, 23. Rieko Ioane

All Blacks Win Over Japan

The All Blacks have secured an unconvincing 38-31 win against Japan, but lost both captain Sam Cane and hooker Dane Coles to injury for the remaining matches of the Northern Tour. Cane fractured his cheek bone late in the match, while Coles was a late scratching before the match with a calf strain. Also missing the next tour game against Wales will be lock Brodie Retallick, who received a two match ban after being sent off in the second half for an illegal clean-out in a ruck.

New Zealand: 38 

Tries: Brodie Retallick, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Caleb Clarke, Hoskins Sotutu, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 5, Penalty: Mo'unga

Japan: 31 

Tries: Takuya Yamasawa, Yutaka Nagare, Warner Dearns, Kazuki Himeno, Conversions: Yamasawa 2, Seungsin 2, Penalty: Yamasawa

All Blacks Named To Face Japan

 All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Japan in Tokyo on Saturday 29th October at 6.50pm.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will play his first starting match at second five, while fellow Blues player Stephen Perofeta will start at fullback. The game also has  the return of mid-fielder Anton Lienert-Brown who is back into the side after a shoulder injury.

New Zealand All Blacks

1. George Bower, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Stephen Perofeta

Reserves:

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17.  Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Dalton Papali’i, 21. Aaron Smith, 22. David Havili, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown

All Blacks Named To Face Australia For Second Bledisloe

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face Australia in the second Bledisloe test in Auckland on Saturday night in Auckland.

Missing from this weeks match are both captain Sam Cane and second five David Havivli who both left the field after head knocks, as well as Quinn Tupaea who suffered a knee injury from which Australian player Darcy Swain has been suspended for six weeks. Scott Barrett is also unavailable and it see's this weeks loose forwards as Ardie Savea at number eight, Akira Ioane on the blindside and Dalton Papali'i at openside flanker, while hooker Codie Taylor starts and Samisoni Taukei'aho drops to the reserves.

Sam Whitelock will captain the side, with Jordie Barrett starting at second five, and brother Beauden at fullback. The reserves see lock Tupou Vaa'i, midfielder Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and outside back Sevu Reece added as cover.

New Zealand All Blacks:

1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Akira Ioane, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Beauden Barrett

Reserves:

16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18. Nepo Laulala, 19. Tupou Vaa'i, 20. Hoskins Sotutu, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 23. Sevu Reece

All Blacks Have Narrow Win Against Australia

The All Blacks have secured a late 39-37 win over Australia in Melbourne, but it was not without controversy. The All Blacks scored five tries to four, but it was the match winning try in the 80th minute to Jordie Barrett that everyone was talking about. With minutes remaining in the match, the All Blacks were on attack metres from the Australian line when they conceded a penalty in a ruck, but the All Blacks were awarded a scrum by referee Mathieu Raynal when Australia took to long for kicking the ball to touch. The All Blacks then moved the ball wide for Barrett to score off the scrum and win the match.

The All Blacks lost both captain Sam Cane and second five David Havili to head knocks in the first half, and then replacement back Quinn Tupaea to a knee injury which saw Darcy Swain sinned-binned for contact to his knee. Coach Ian Foster has said at this stage he is likely out for an extended time with medial and anterior cruciate ligament damage, but was not sure of the availability of Cane and Havili for next Saturday's return Bledisloe and Rugby Championship match.

New Zealand All Blacks: 39 

Tries: Samisoni Taukei'aho 2, Richie Mo'unga, Will Jordan, Jordie Barrett, Conversions: Mo'unga 4, Penalties: Mo'unga 2

Australia: 37 

Tries: Rob Valetini, Andrew Kellaway, Pete Samu, Conversions: Bernard Foley 4, Penalties: Foley 2, Nic White

All Blacks Beat Argentina By 50 Points

The All Blacks have bounced back from the previous loss to Argentina with a 53-3 win in Hamilton on Saturday night. Despite the wet conditions, the All Blacks scored seven tries while hammering the Pumas in tackles and forcing them back with kick and chase options. The All Blacks have surprisingly jumped to the top of the Rugby Championship table with the bonus point win, and now travel to Australia for the next match in Melbourne on Thursday 15 September.

New Zealand All Blacks: 53 

Tries: Ethan de Groot, Caleb Clarke, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Ardie Savea, Brodie Retallick, Beauden Barrett, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 4, Jordie Barrett 2, Penalties: Mo'unga 2

Argentina: 3 

Penalty: Emiliano Boffelli

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

Ireland Win Series Over All Blacks

Ireland have beaten the All Blacks 32-22 in Wellington on Saturday night to win the Steinlager Series, and hand the home side it's first series defeat since the French in 1994. 

The All Blacks conceded a 22-3 lead to the Irish at halftime after another error riddled opening 40 minutes, with first half tries to flanker Josh Van der Flier, fullback Hugo Keenan and centre Robbie Henshaw. The All Blacks struck back early in the second half with a try to Ardie Savea, and had a second to Akira Ioane after the Irish were reduced to 14 men seeing the score tightened to 17-22. The Irish hit back with a penalty to Sexton, before the All Blacks again scored through wing Will Jordan. The Irish then finished out he match with a try to Rob Herring.

In another example of inconsistent refereeing, Irish prop Andrew Holden was yellow carded for a head clash with Brodie Retallick which saw him leave the field with a broken cheek bone. Last week in similar circumstances replacement prop Angus Ta'avao was red carded leaving the All Blacks to play with 14 men for the remainder of the match after also having several players yellow carded. Irish midfielder Bundee Aki was also lucky to escape punishment with referee Wayne Barnes missing a head clash in a ruck cleanout seeing prop Ofa Tuungafasi’s leave the field for a HIA and not return. All Black coach Ian Foster admitted in a post match press conference it was another "card lottery" with the potential match outcome defined by players leaving or staying on the field. 

The All Blacks attention now turns to the Rugby Championship with it's first match in South Africa on 7th August.

Ireland: 32 

Tries: Josh van der Flier, Hugo Keenan, Robbie Henshaw, Rob Herring, Conversions: Johnny Sexton 3, Penalties: Sexton 2

New Zealand: 22 

Tries: Ardie Savea, Akira Ioane, Will Jordan, Conversions: Jordie Barrett 2, Penalty: Jordie Barrett