Tag Archives: All Blacks

The World Rugby rankings could be set for a major shakeup this weekend as three different teams could overtake the All Blacks as the world’s number one side just a few weeks out from the 2019 Rugby World Cup.  Wales, who had a huge opportunity last weekend to become the number one ranked side if they had beaten England, will …

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has made a number of changes to the team for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup decider against Australia.  In total, Hansen has made five changes which sees some highly experienced players cut from the starting XV. Upfront, the 108 times capped Owen Franks loses his place at tighthead to Nepo Laulala while Patrick Tuipulotu comes in …

All Blacks lock Scott Barrett has been banned for three weeks after receiving a red card in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup tie with the Wallabies. Barrett was sent off after appearing to lead with his shoulder in the tackle at the breakdown and made contact with the Australian captain Michael Hooper’s head. The tackle was adjudged to have been dangerous by …

The Wallabies put on a scintillating display to emerge 47-26 winners over the All Blacks in the opening match of the 2019 Bledisloe Cup.  Michael Cheika’s side showed their intent early on when they made a number of linebreaks in the opening minutes but they couldn’t convert that pressure into points on the scoreboard until the excellent Christian Lealiifano slotted …

Australia and New Zealand are set to lock horns this weekend and write yet another chapter in the history of the Bledisloe Cup. The competition consists of an annual three-match series involving the two rugby heavyweights with two of their Rugby Championship clashes counting towards the final result. The pair go head to head in Perth this weekend and the …

James O’Connor was the shock inclusion in Michael Cheika’s Wallabies team selection for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with the All Blacks.  O’Connor made his first appearance for Australia since 2013 two weeks ago in the win over Argentina when he was sprung from the bench. However, Cheika has now entrusted him to start at outside centre for the Wallabies as …

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has named a side which looks close to his strongest XV for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with Australia in Perth.  In total, Hansen has made six changes to the side which drew 16-16 with the Springboks in Wellington two weeks ago. Up front, Dane Coles replaces Codie Taylor at hooker and Scott Barrett comes …

Wales are going into the 2019 Rugby World Cup in pretty good nick.  Warren Gatland’s side is currently on a 14-match winning streak which coincided with a Grand Slam victory in the Six Nations earlier this year. It all began with a win over Italy in last year’s Six Nations and continued throughout their summer tour, the Autumn internationals and …

Steve Hansen has trimmed his All Blacks squad from 39 to 34 ahead of his side’s opening Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia in Perth.  The All Blacks will take on the Wallabies at Optus Stadium on Saturday week but the build-up has coincided with the first of two squad culls. The second, of course, will see three further players dropped …

The dislocated shoulder suffered by Brodie Retallick in the All Blacks’ dramatic 16-16 draw with South Africa in the Rugby Championship at the weekend may not be as bad as originally feared, according to head coach Steve Hansen.  The sight of Retallick leaving the pitch with his arm supported by a makeshift sling left All Blacks supporters worried that the …

The All Blacks have named Crusaders’ out-half, Richie Mo’unga, to start against the Springboks for Saturday’s Rugby Championship encounter.  The decision means that two-time World Player of the Year, Beauden Barrett, will make the switch to full-back for this weekend’s South Africa test. New Zealand scraped over the line in last week’s opening round match with Argentina on a scoreline …

The 2019 Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina battle it out over the next few weeks. This year’s edition is shortened to just three rounds due to the Rugby World Cup beginning in September but it will provide ideal preparation for the competing nations ahead of Japan. This weekend’s action takes place …

Steve Hansen has announced a 39-man squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship competition which pits the All Blacks against Australia, South Africa and Argentina.  The competition will provide some ideal preparation for the World Cup which begins in September and because of the Japan tournament, the Rugby Championship will be shortened to just three rounds, although the All Blacks will …

New Zealand had too much for Ireland as Anthony Eddy’s side fell to a 34-7 defeat at Twickenham.  Ireland opened their London 7s campaign with a superb 21-17 victory over England but New Zealand showed their ruthlessness by capitalising on mistakes time and time again. Ireland began the game by winning their own kick-off but they lost possession in midfield …

Chiefs and All Blacks flanker Sam Cane has been named on the bench for the Super Rugby side as he prepares to return from a horrific neck injury sustained against South Africa in October 2018. Cane has been out of action for the last eight months after he fractured a vertebra in a collision with South African Francois Louw during …

All Black winger, Waisake Naholo, has signed for London Irish where he will link up with both Sean O’Brien and Paddy Jackson.  Naholo is the latest in a string of big-name signings made by the recently promoted side as they look to make their mark in the English Premiership next season. Director of rugby Declan Kidney and head-coach Less Kiss …

Former All Black, Israel Dagg has opened up the mental health struggles that almost forced him out of the game. The 30-year-old former Crusaders player who retired from rugby last week due to a chronic knee injury claims to have entered into a severe mental health battle after missing out on selection for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Speaking to …

The New Zealand All Blacks have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Damian McKenzie has ruptured his ACL and is ruled out of the upcoming Rugby World Cup. The Chiefs player suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while on club duty at the weekend against the Blues with All Blacks head coach, Steven …