All Blacks

Another All Black off to Japan

The Hurricanes No 9 confirmed on Monday he had signed with the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes club for the 2021 season.

Perenara would reportedly travel with the All Blacks to Australia on Sunday and then depart for Japan at the completion of the abbreviated Rugby Championship.

The 28-year-old, who had recently welcomed his first child alongside wife Greer, said the contract didn't necessarily mean the end of his playing days in New Zealand.

Clarke stars as storming second half earns All Blacks win

The New Zealanders opened out an early 10-0 lead, a Richie Mo'ounga penalty boosted by halfback Aason Smith's converted try after 22 minutes.

But the Australians hit back through winger Marika Koroibete as the half-hour mark approached, and the All Blacks could only take a narrow 10-7 lead into the break.

It took only two minutes after the restart for fullback Jordie Barrett to add to the New Zealand tally, after the All Blacks showed patience and timing before finding space to score out wide.

All Blacks bring in Barretts, Ioane dropped for second Bledisloe

Five changes have been made to New Zealand's starting side for Sunday's clash at Eden Park.

Beauden Barrett has recovered from his achilles injury to start at fullback, with brother Jordie staying on the right wing and Richie Mo'unga retained at first-five.

The two other changes in the backs have centre Rieko Ioane drop to the bench, with Anton Lienert-Brown promoted the 13 jersey, while George Bridge's pectoral injury has opened the way for a starting debut for young Caleb Clarke.

All Blacks v Australia: George Bridge ruled out of rugby for six months

The All Blacks camp tweeted on Thursday night that the injury had happened during “field training” on Wednesday, though details were scant.

“George Bridge will be out of rugby for up to six months after suffering a chest injury in field training yesterday. He’ll be assessed over the next 48 hours to determine the next course of action,” the tweet said.

It is understood Bridge injured a pectoral muscle.

Bridge played for all of the first test in Wellington on Sunday, the left wing playing a pivotal role in halfback Aaron Smith’s try.

All Blacks slam refereeing while injury could force Barrett out

Forwards coach John Plumtree was unhappy with the officiating, particularly around the ruck, during the 16-all stalemate in Wellington and he wants it fixed for this weekend's second match at Eden Park.

The Wallabies dominated possession despite giving away more penalties and won the physical battle with the New Zealand forward pack.

Plumtree believes a lot of the Wallabies off the ball play was illegal and he's disappointed the infringements weren't picked up, however he concedes the All Blacks needed to adjust to the way the game was being called.

The Wallabies star set to be targeted by All Blacks in second Bledisloe Cup test

White was a stand-out for the for the Wallabies in their 16-16 draw last weekend, repeatedly troubling New Zealand’s defence with his sniping runs from the ruck.

His clever box kicking in the swirling Wellington wind also tested the home side.

But the 30-year-old doesn’t expect to be given an inch to move at in Auckland’s Eden Park, where the Australians will attempt to snap a losing streak that dates back to 1986.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster refuses to blame 'sloppy' Rieko Ioane for Wallabies draw

Dave Rennie’s Wallabies came within a coat of paint of stealing the first test of the year as Reece Hodge hit the woodwork from 53 metes out. The visitors tested the All Blacks throughout, controlling much of the ball and territory, while forcing Foster’s men to make 100 more tackles.

The All Blacks took an 8-3 lead into halftime but it should have been at least five more after Ioane dropped the ball over the line while attempting to place it with one hand.

Foster, in his first test match in charge, was philosophical about the blunder.

Wallabies impress, All Blacks have work to do

The Wallabies, under new coach New Zealander Dave Rennie, were rank outsiders to upset the hosts but that's almost what they did, as new All Black coach Ian Foster's reign began with a fizzle rather than a roar.

A thrilling game of to and fro ending in a 16-all draw after nearly nine minutes of injury time, in which neither side could break the stalemate.

However, it could have been very different for the All Blacks, had centre Rieko Ioane not blown a certain try.

Wallabies, All Blacks draw first Bledisloe Cup Test

Reece Hodge had the chance to snatch a win with a 55-metre penalty goal attempt after the full-time siren, but his shot hit the right-hand upright.

Play continued but neither side was able to find the winning points, with James O'Connor finally electing to boot the ball into touch and settle for the draw almost nine minutes after the siren had sounded.

O'Connor kicked a penalty in the 63rd minute to split a 13-13 deadlock and it looked like it could be enough for the Wallabies to break through for their first win over the All Blacks in New Zealand since 2001.

Barrett scratched but captain Cane raring to go

Barrett has been ruled out of Sunday afternoon's clash in Wellington with an Achilles injury that flared up at training.

He's been replaced by Damian McKenzie, who comes into fullback from outside the initial match day 23.

Cane, who will lead the team for the first time since becoming the All Blacks new skipper, can't wait for kickoff on Sunday afternoon in Wellington.