Narrow Loss For All Blacks In Rugby World Cup Final

The All Blacks have suffered a narrow 12-11 loss to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final. The biggest talking point from the match was the yellow card which was upgraded to red for captain Sam Cane after a 29th minute tackle resulted in a head clash, meaning he became the first person sent off in a Rugby World Cup final match. 

The third match official has been criticized for being inconsistent after South African captain Siya Kolisi was also yellow carded in the 46th minute for a similar tackle but it was not upgraded to red by the TMO. The All Blacks also lost flanker Shannon Frizell to a yellow card in only the third minute of the match after falling on the leg of a South African player in a tackle was deemed illegal.  

The All Blacks had several chances in the second half, with the TMO involved again by ruling out a Aaron Smith try after an earlier knock on, after referee Wayne Barnes had said play on. A missed conversion from the Beauden Barrett try and a late penalty shot were both wide which could have sealed a win.

The All Blacks will have new coach Scott Robertson replacing Ian Foster from this week, while they are also losing Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga and Shannon Frizell to overseas club's, while Dane Coles is retiring.

New Zealand All Blacks: 11 

Try: Beauden Barrett, Penalties: Richie Mo'unga 2 

South Africa: 12 

Penalties: Handre Pollard 4

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 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 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 Named For Rugby World Cup Opener

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his side to face France in the Rugby World Cup opening match against host France on Saturday 9th September, 7.15am NZT.

There are four changes to the starting side that lost the final warm up match to South Africa at Twickenham. Jordie Barrett has been unable to train this week with a knee injury, and has been replaced at second five by Anton Lienert-Brown, Tyrel Lomax who cut his knee in the South African match requiring multiple stitches has been replaced by Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, replaces Dane Coles at hooker and Dalton Papalii replaces Luke Jacobson at blindside flanker.

New Zealand All Blacks: 

Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Dalton Papalii, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. 

Reserves: 

Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ofa Tuungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku.

France:

Réda Wardi, Julien Marchand, Uini Atonio, Cameron Woki, Thibaud Flament, François Cros, Charles Ollivon, Grégory Alldritt, Antoine Dupont (c), Matthieu Jalibert, Gabin Villière, Yoram Moefana, Gaël Fickou, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos

Reserves:

Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Boudehent, Maxime Lucu, Arthur Vincent, Melvyn Jaminet.

All Blacks Named To Face South Africa At Twickenham

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named a strong side to face South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday morning in their final match before the Rugby World Cup. Foster has named Luke Jacobson at blindside with Shannon Frizell out injured, and also halfback Cam Roigard on the reserves bench.

All Blacks: 

Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (ct), Luke Jacobson, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Ethan de Groot. 

Reserves: 

Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Dalton Papalii, Cam Roidard, Anton Lienert-Brown

Super Rugby Round Seven Results

Crusaders: 38

Tries: Codie Taylor 2, Dom Gardiner, Dallas McLeod, Willi Heinz, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 5, Penalty: Mo'unga

Moana Pasifika: 21

Tries: Levi Aumua 2, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Conversions: Lincoln McClutchie 3

Reds: 24

Tries: Matt Faessler, Tate McDermott, Conversions: Fraser McReight, Isaac Henry 2, Lawson Creighton, Penalty: Isaac Henry

Brumbies: 52

Tries: Tom Wright, Ben O'Donnell, Lachlan Lonergan, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Rob Valetini, Nick Frost, Conversions: Noah Lolesio 6, Ryan Lonergan, Penalty: Lolesio

Highlanders: 14

Tries: Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon, Conversions: Sam Gilbert 2

Hurricanes: 29

Tries: Salesi Rayasi 2, James Blackwell, Camerson Roigard Conversions: Jordie Barrett 3, Penalty: Barrett

Blues: 54

Tries: Sam Darry, Ricky Riccitelli, Finlay Christie 2, Mark Telea 2, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Zarn Sullivan, Dalton Papalii Conversions: Beauden Barrett 3, Penalty: Barrett

Rebels: 17

Tries: Andrew Kellaway, Brad Wilkin Conversions: Reece Hodge 2, Penalty: Hodge

Super Rugby Round Six Results

Moana Pasifika: 17

Tries: Solomone Funaki, Levi Aumua, Conversions: Lincoln McClutchie 2, Penalty: McClutchie

Highlanders: 45

Tries: Pari Pari Parkinson, Sam Gilbert, Hugh Renton, Feluli Paea, Mosese Dawai, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Conversions: Gilbert 5

Reds: 12

Tries: Tate McDermott, Jordan Petaia, Conversion: Isaac Henry

Crusaders: 25

Tries: Leicester Fainga'anuku, Dominic Gardiner, Willi Heinz, Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 2, Penalties: Mo'unga 2

Fijian Drua: 38

Tries: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vilive Miramira, Iosefo Masi, Kitione Salawa, Te Ahiwaru Canakaivata, Conversions: Teti Tela 4 

Melbourne Rebels: 28

Tries: Alex Mafi, Andrew Kellaway, Carter Gordon, Pone Fa'amausili, Conversions, Reece Hodge 4

Chiefs: 20 

Tries: Emoni Narawa 2, Conversions: Damian McKenzie 2, Penalties: McKenzie 2 

Blues: 13

Tries: Ricky Riccitelli, Caleb Clarke, Penalty: Beauden Barrett

Brumbies: 40

Tries: Len Ikitau, Corey Toole, Pete Samu, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper 2, Conversions: Noah Lolesio 3, Ryan Lonergan 2

Waratahs: 36

Tries: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Pietsch, Jed Holloway, Dave Porecki, Conversions: Ben Donaldson 4, Penalty: Donaldson

Hurricanes: 45

Tries: Du Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose 2, Dane Coles, Bailyn Sullivan, Kini Naholo, Hame Faiva, Conversions: Jordie Barrett 5

Force: 42

Tries: Jeremy Williams, Gareth Simpson, Zach Kibirige 2, Siosifa Amone, Jake Strachan, Conversions: Gareth Simpson 3, Jake Strachan 3

Dane Coles To Retire, Other All Blacks Move On.

At the age of 36, All Black hooker Dane Coles has today announced he will retire at the end of the current year. In the Rugby World Cup year, he is one of a number of All Blacks who are moving on following the tournament. Brodie Retallick also announced he is returning to the Kobelco Kobe Steelers following the Rugby World Cup after playing for them on his 2020 sabbatical, while both Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett will play for Toyota, and Richie Mo'unga for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo.

Rugby Championship:

July 8: All Blacks v Argentina, Mendoza

July 15: All Blacks v South Africa, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 7.05pm

July 29: All Blacks v Australia, Melbourne

August 5: All Blacks v Australia, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 2.35pm

Test match:

August 25: All Blacks v South Africa, Twickenham, London, 7.30pm

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.

New Zealand Franchises Name Their Super Rugby Squads For 2020

For his 2020 Super Rugby squad Blues coach Leon MacDonald has lost Sonny Bill Williams to the Toronto Super League side, and also Ma'a Nonu and Melani Nanai to overseas sides. He has gained locks James Tucker  from Waikato and Baden Wardlaw from Bay of Plenty, and also retained 26 of his players from last year.

Forwards: Kurt Eklund, Ray Niuia, James Parsons, Alex Hodgman, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Sione Mafileo, Marcel Renata, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Josh Goodhue, Jacob Pierce, Patrick Tuipulotu, Baden Wardlaw, Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane, Tony Lamborn, Dalton Papalii, Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa, Tom Robinson, Hoskins Sotutu, James Tucker.

Backs: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Jonathan Ruru, Beauden Barrett, Otere Black, Jack Heighton, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Joe Marchant, Tanielu Tele'a, Caleb Clarke, Matt Duffie, Jordan Hyland, Emoni Narawa, Jared Page, Mark Telea.


New Chiefs and former Wales coach Warren Gatland has lost All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick to the Kobelco Steelers in Japan for the year, but has former Chief and All Black Aaron Cruden returning from France. Gatland has nine new faces, including Kini Naholo from Taranaki, Quinn Tupaea from Waikato, Wellington lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Otago No 8 Dylan Nel, Taranaki halfback Lisati Milo-Harris and Bay of Plenty first-five Kaleb Trask.

Forwards: Nathan Harris, Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ryan Coxon, Nepo Laulala, Atunaisa Moli, Reuben O'Neill, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta'avao, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tyler Ardron, Michael Allardice, Laghlan McWhannell, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Karpik, Dylan Nel.

Backs: Lisati Milo-Harris, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Brad Weber, Aaron Cruden, Tiaan Falcon, Damian McKenzie, Kaleb Trask, Orbyn Leger, Anton Lienert-Brown, Tumua Manu, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, Solomon Alaimalo, Sam McNicol, Kini Naholo, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Quinn Tupaea, Sean Wainui.


Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree has lost first five Beauden Barrett to the Blues, and lock Sam Lousi to the Scarlets and prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen to Wasps. They have signed South African midfield/wing Kobus Van Wyk who has previously played for both the Sharks and Stormers, as well as adding Scott Scrafton from the Blues and Tyrel Lomax from the Highlanders. Wellington Lions coach Chris Gibbes has also been added as an assistant coach to work with the forwards.

Forwards: Pouri Rakete-Stones, Fraser Armstrong, Alex Fidow, Tyrel Lomax, Ben May, Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Ricky Riccitelli, James Blackwell, Kane Le'aupepe, Liam Mitchell, Scott Scrafton, Isaia Walker-Leawere Vaea Fifita, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea, Murphy Taramai, Devan Flanders, Gareth Evans.

Backs: TJ Perenara, Jamie Booth, Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fletcher Smith, Ngani Laumape, Vince Aso, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Danny Toala, Kobus van Wyk, Wes Goosen, Ben Lam, Jonah Lowe, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, James Marshall, Chase Tiatia.


Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has named All Blacks lock Scott Barrett as captain of the 2020 side, following the departure of Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Ryan Crotty, Tim Bateman, Matt Todd and Jordan Taufua. Lock Sam Whitelock has also taken a sabbatical to Japan for the Super Rugby season, but the Crusaders have gained Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Tom Christie, George Bower, Cullen Grace, Sione Havili, Brodie McAlister, Ethan Roots, Isi Tuungafasi, Fergus Burke, Inga Finau, and Fetuli Paea.

Forwards: Michael Alaalatoa, Harry Allan, Scott Barrett (c), Ethan Blackadder, George Bower, Tom Christie, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Mitchell Dunshea, Cullen Grace, Billy Harmon, Sione Havili, Oliver Jager, Andrew Makalio, Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody, Luke Romano, Ethan Roots, Tom Sanders, Quinten Strange, Codie Taylor, Isi Tuungafasi.

Backs: George Bridge, Fergus Burke, Brett Cameron, Mitchell Drummond, Ere Enari, Braydon Ennor, Leicester Faingaanuku, Inga Finau, Jack Goodhue, Bryn Hall, David Havili, Will Jordan, Manasa Mataele, Dallas McLeod, Richie Mo'unga, Fetuli Paea, Sevu Reece. 

Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has added 15 new faces to his side after the overseas departure of  Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Marty Banks, Liam Squire, Luke Whitelock, Elliot Dixon and Jackson Hemopo. Players added are Otago hooker Ricky Jackson, Bay of Plenty prop Jeff Thwaites, Southland prop Ethan de Groot, former Queensland Reds wing Chris Kuridrani and Southland lock Manaaki Selby-Rickit.

Forwards:

Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Ricky Jackson, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Jeff Thwaites, Ethan De Groot, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Jack Whetton, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, James Lentjes, Dillon Hunt, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Shannon Frizell, Sione Misiloi, Zane Kapeli, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Jesse Parete

Backs:
Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Folau Fakatava, Bryn Gatland, Josh Ioane, Mitch Hunt, Rob Thompson, Patelesio Tomkinson, Teihorangi Walden, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Scott Gregory, Ngane Punivai, Jona Nareki, Tevita Nabura, Josh McKay, Michael Collins, Chris Kuridrani, Connor Garden-Bachop

South Africa Win Rugby World Cup, New Zealand Third.

South Africa have won the 2019 Rugby World Cup after beating England 32-12 in the final, while New Zealand have finished third after beating Wales 40-17.

In the third/fourth play-off the All Blacks scored the opening try to prop Joe Moody to have give them an early lead in the fourth minute. A further try to fullback Beauden Barrett followed in the 12th minute before Wales scored there own to fullback Hallam Amos.
Winger Ben Smith then scored in the 32nd minute, and again on the halftime siren to put them up 28-10 at the break.
The second half started with centre Ryan Crotty scoring the All Blacks fourth try, before the hat-trick for Ben Smith was ruled out for a forward pass. Winger Josh Adams scored next for Wales in the 58th minute, but it was the All Blacks with the last try to first five Richie Moúnga in the final minutes of the half.

New Zealand All Blacks: 40 

Tries: Joe Moody, Beauden Barrett, Ben Smith 2, Ryan Crotty, Richie Mo'unga
Conversions: Mo'unga 5.

Wales: 7 

Tries: Hallam Amos, Josh Adams
Conversion: Rhys Patchell, Dan Biggar
Penalty: Rhys Patchell

All Blacks And Wales Teams Named For Bronze Playoff

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named his side for his final match as coach, with seven changes from the start side that lost to England in their semi-final match.
Forwards Dane Coles, Shannon Frizell, and Sam Cane, and backs Rieko Ioane, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty and Ben Smith will all start while Scott Barrett will move from Blindside flanker to lock.
It will be the final All Blacks match for captain Kieran Read, Ben Smith, Ryan Crotty and Matt Todd, who are all retiring from international rugby at the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand All Blacks:

1. Joe Moody 2. Dane Coles 3. Nepo Laulala 4. Brodie Retallick 5. Scott Barrett 6. Shannon Frizell 7. Sam Cane 8. Kieran Read - captain 9. Aaron Smith 10. Richie Mo’unga 11. Rieko Ioane 12. Sonny Bill Williams 13. Ryan Crotty 14. Ben Smith 15. Beauden Barrett

Reserves:

16. Liam Coltman 17. Atu Moli 18. Angus Ta'avao 19. Patrick Tuipulotu 20. Matt Todd 21. Brad Weber 22. Anton Lienert-Brown 23. Jordie Barrett

Wales:

1. Nicky Smith 2. Ken Owens 3. Dillon Lewis 4. Adam Beard 5. Alun Wyn Jones - captain 6. Justin Tipuric 7. James Davies 8. Ross Moriarty 9. Tomos Williams 10. Rhys Patchell 11. Josh Adams 12. Owen Watkin 13. Jonathan Davies 14. Owen Lane 15. Hallam Amos

Reserves: 

16. Elliot Dee 17. Rhys Carre 18. Wyn Jones 19. Jake Ball 20. Aaron Shingler 21. Gareth Davies 22. Dan Biggar 23. Hadleigh Parkes

South Africa And Wales Sides Named For Rugby World Cup Semi-Final

Wales coach Warren Gatland has named his side to face South Africa in their 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Gatland has named Leigh Halfpenny to start at fullback after Liam Williams was injured at training on Thursday, while centre Jonathan Davies returns to the side after withdrawing late before the France match with a knee injury.

Wales: 

15. Leigh Halfpenny, 14. George North, 13. Jonathan Davies, 12. Hadleigh Parkes, 11. Josh Adams, 10. Dan Biggar, 9. Gareth Davies, 8. Ross Moriarty, 7. Justin Tipuric, 6. Aaron Wainwright, 5. Alun Wyn Jones, 4. Jake Ball, 3. Tomas Francis, 2. Ken Owens, 1. Wyn Jones

Replacements: 

Elliot Dee, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis, Adam Beard, Aaron Shingler, Tomos Williams, Rhys Patchell,  Owen Watkin


South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has made one change to the side which beat Japan, with winger S'Busiso Nkosi replacing Cheslin Kolbe who is injured.

South Africa: 

15 Willie Le Roux, 14 S'Busiso Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 1 Tendai Mtawarira, 2 Mbongeni Mbonambi, 3 Frans Malherbe, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Lood de Jager, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Pieter-Steph Du Toit, 8 Duane Vermeulen.

Reserves: 

Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Francois Louw, Herschel Jantjies, Frans Steyn. 

All Blacks Named To Face England In Rugby World Cup Semi-Final

New Zealand All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named the side to play England in their Rugby World Cup semi-final at Yokohama on Saturday.

The side features one change from the side who beat Ireland last week, with Scott Barrett starting at blindside flanker in place of Sam Cane who drops to the reserves, while Ardie Savea shifts to the openside flanker position.
In the reserves Patrick Tuipulotu takes the place of Matt Todd who injured his shoulder against Ireland.

All Blacks: 

Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.

Reserves: 

Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett.

All Blacks Beat Ireland To Advance To Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals.

The New Zealand All Blacks have beaten Ireland 46-14 to advance to the semi-finals of the 2109 Rugby World Cup where they will play England at Yokohama on Saturday 26th October at 9pm.

New Zealand led 22-0 at halftime after two tries to halfback Aaron Smith and one to Beauden Barrett.
They extended the lead out to 34-0 in the second half after tries to hooker Codie Taylor in the 48th minute and Matt Todd in the 62nd minute, and it wasn't until the 69th minute that Ireland got on the scoreboard with a try to Robbie Henshaw.
New Zealand replied with a try to winger George Bridge in the 73rd minute to make it 41-7, and Ireland then received a penalty try after flanker Matt Todd was adjudged offside under the posts when Ireland were driving for the line in the 77th minute.
Todd was given a yellow card for offense, but the 14 man All Black side was able to have the final say with replacement Jordie Barrett scoring in the final minute of the match.

All Blacks: 46

Tries: Aaron Smith 2, Beauden Barrett, Codie Taylor, George Bridge, Matt Todd, Jordie Barrett.
Conversions: Richie Mo'unga 4
Penalty: Mo'unga

Ireland: 14

Tries: Robbie Henshaw, penalty try
Conversions

New Zealand All Blacks Named To Face Ireland In Rugby World Cup Quarter Final

The New Zealand All Blacks team has been named to face Ireland in their 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter final to take place at 11.15pm in Tokyo on Saturday 19th October.

Notable inclusions are the pairing of Anton Lienert-Brown and Jack Goodhue in midfield, with Sonny Bill-Williams on the bench. Also making the reserves bench is Jordie Barrett, with Ben Smith missing out on the match day 23.

1: Joe Moody
2: Codie Taylor
3: Nepo Laulala
4: Brodie Retallick
5: Samuel Whitelock
6: Ardie Savea
7: Sam Cane
8: Kieran Read - captain
9: Aaron Smith
10: Richie Mo’unga
11: George Bridge
12: Anton Lienert-Brown
13: Jack Goodhue
14: Sevu Reece
15: Beauden Barrett

16:Dane Coles
17: Ofa Tuungafasi
18: Angus Ta'avao
19: Scott Barrett
20: Matt Todd
21: T J Perenara
22: Sonny Bill Williams
23: Jordie Barrett 

2019 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final Schedule.

Over the weekend, the New Zealand v Italy, England v France, and Namibia v Canada matches were cancelled due to typhoon Hagibis.

Of the matches that were played, Australia beat Georgia 27-8, Ireland beat Samoa 47-5, Tonga beat USA 31-19, Wales beat Uruguay 35-13, and Japan beat Scotland 28-21.

The quarter finals will now take place this weekend, with Saturday 19th October matches being England playing Australia at Oita Stadium at 8.15pm NZT, and New Zealand playing Ireland at Tokyo Stadium, 11.15pm NZT.

On Sunday 20th October, Wales will play France at Oita Stadium at 8.15pm NZT, and Japan plays South Africa at Tokyo Stadium at 23.15 NZT.

The semi-final matches will both be at Yokohama International Stadium on Saturday 26th October at 9pm, and Sunday 27th October at 10pm NZT.

All Blacks v Italy Game Cancelled At Rugby World Cup

The New Zealand All Blacks game against Italy in Toyota City on Saturday has been cancelled by World Rugby due to Super Typhoon Hagibis, which is set to hit Yokohama and nearby Tokyo with 270kmh winds.

Typhoon Hagibis is expected to make landfall on the main islands of Kyushi, Shikoku and Honshu in Japan over the weekend.

Due to the cancellation, both New Zealand and Italy will be awarded two competition points each for the match, and the All Blacks will now finish at the top of their pool on 15 points, one ahead of South Africa, who they beat 23-13 on the first weekend of the Rugby World Cup.

The second game to be cancelled is the England versus France match, and that leaves England on top of pool C, with France in second position. 

​Finishing on top of pool B means the All Blacks will face the pool A runner-up, with Ireland, Scotland and Japan all in contention.

At this stage the match between Scotland and Japan in Yokohama is expected to go ahead on Sunday, and if Japan are abale to win they will lead pool A with Ireland in second place.

All Blacks Defeat Namibia

The New Zealand All Blacks have beaten Namibia 71-9 at Tokyo Stadium today.
Namibia had opened the scoring with a penalty in the 3rd minute, and held the All Blacks to a 10-9 lead after the first half hour, but two late tries in the half stretched the lead to 24-9 at half time.
The All Blacks had scored tries to Sevu Reece in the 7th minute and Anton Lienert-Brown in the 21st minute, but a competitive Namibia had unsettled them around the ruck.
Prop Nepo Laulala was sin-binned in the 30th minute for a swinging arm that made contact with the head, but quick tries from replacement prop Angus Ta'avao in the 36th minute, and full back Ben Smith four minutes into extra time put Namibia on the back foot.

The second half opened with a try to prop Joe Moody in the 42nd minute, and was followed by another from Anton Lienert-Brown in the 46th minute.
Namibia was starting to look tired, and there were further tries to Sevu Reece in the 52nd minute, Sam Whitelock in 56th minute, and Ben Smith in the 67th minute.
The All Blacks had their second yellow card of the match in the 73rd minute when prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi was sin-binned for making contact with the head in the tackle, but with 14 men they managed to score two more tries to Jordie Barrett in the 76th minute, and replacement TJ Perenara in the 79th minute.

The All Blacks remaining pool match is against Italy next Saturday at 5.45pm NZT.

New Zealand: 71 

Tries: Sevu Reece 2, Anton Lienert-Brown 2, Ben Smith 2, Angus Ta'avao, Joe Moody, Sam Whitelock , Jordie Barrett, TJ Perenara.
Conversions: Barrett 8

Namibia: 9 

Conversions: Damian Stephens 3