All Blacks

All Blacks run rampant to thrash Namibia

The bonus point was secured before halftime and although there might be concern at yellow cards shown to Nepo Laulala and Ofa Tuungafasi for high tackles, the All Blacks look in ominous form heading into their last pool match against Italy.

Outstanding centre Anton Lienert-Brown, flying winger Sevu Reece and fullback Ben Smith all scored two tries and utility Jordie Barrett, starting at five eighth in a Test for the first time, also crossed and kicked eight conversions.

Namibia fans relish brief lead over All Blacks

For the briefest of moments Namibia could enjoy the feeling of being ahead of New Zealand at 3-0, and the score remained close throughout the first half.

It was this half of the match that Namibia fans chose to dwell on, including the captain, Johan Deysel's family, who were among the crowd.

"We've got a fantastic first half, we are quite proud about our first half and our boys put their bodies on the line", said Johan senior. "We are not a professional team, they've got a lot of amateurs and we knew that the second half they [NZ] were going to be tough."

New Zealand 63-0 Canada

Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett and Scott Barrett became the first siblings to play in the same All Blacks side in a World Cup and they all made their mark in a nine-try drubbing.

All three brothers touched down along with Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Shannon Frizell and Brad Weber (two) after New Zealand were awarded an early penalty try.

Canada rugby fans welcome All Blacks challenge

The last time the two teams met at the Rugby World Cup was in 2011 and Canada were on the wrong side of a thrashing from the hosts and eventual winners, with New Zealand winning 79-15 at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.

Canada captain Tyler Ardron is relishing the opportunity to measure themselves against the best tonight, despite many expecting the All Blacks to flog them, including their own fans.

"We're at the World Cup to play against the best there is. And we get that today."

All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea to wear protective goggles against Canada

The move comes after Savea discovered that the vision had deteriorated in his left eye and he realised he had to protect his eyesight.

"A couple of years ago I realised I had bad vision in my left eye. Everything's kind of blurry," Savea said. 

"I told All Blacks doctor Tony Page that it was getting worse and now we're doing something about it. Doc notified me that World Rugby had some goggles that were approved and everyone has been really supportive. In terms of vision and seeing, it's pretty sweet, and it's now just a matter of getting used to them."

Sonny Bill Williams seeks forgiveness over Instagram copyright 'misunderstanding'

Williams had asked the social media company yesterday why they removed a photo of him and teammate Ofa Tu'ungafasi from the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup Test against the Springboks before it was revealed the photographer's byline had been cropped out.

In the picture, Williams and Tu'ungafasi are making dua - a Muslim prayer of faith.

After discovering the copyright issue and finding the picture's original photographer, Malaysia Rugby's Faiz Azizan, Williams asked for forgiveness in a re-uploaded version of the picture that included accreditation.

Hansen welcomes rule modification after Cane confusion

Cane went for an HIA at halftime in Yokohama, and passed it, but he did not return to the field with his teammates for the second half.

Match officials determined Cane had spent too much time off the field and so could not return, despite passing the concussion test.

According to World Rugby regulations, if a player is unable to return from an HIA after 10 minutes, or directly following the 15 minute halftime break, then he must be replaced.

Springboks unchanged for All Blacks

Coach Rassie Erasmus will stick with the same XV and eight replacements that saw off hosts Japan 41-7 in a warm-up game two weeks ago.

It represents the first time the Springboks have stuck with the same side since the 2015 World Cup semi-final, which New Zealand edged 20-18 at Twickenham, while number eight Duane Vermeulen will win his 50th Test cap.

The only alteration from the team that played out a 16-16 Rugby Championship draw against the All Blacks in Wellington in July is fit-again captain Siya Kolisi starting at openside flanker in place of Kwagga Smith.

All Blacks shut down Sonny Bill Williams rumours

On Sunday, midfielder Williams was rumoured to be heading home from Japan with a calf injury, but those rumours were quickly shut down by the All Blacks. 

Former rugby reporter Hamish McKay told Radio Sport Williams would be replaced by Manawatu Turbos midfielder Ngani Laumape. 

But sources told Newshub that Laumape had not received a call from All Blacks management to join the squad.

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster said Williams was carrying an injury, but the team was doing a good job managing it. 

"Is he going home?" said Foster. "No.

Too early for Squire

Squire's Tasman teammate, Shannon Frizell has headed for Japan after young flanker Luke Jacobson was ruled out of the tournament with delayed concussion symptoms.

Squire earlier cited mental health for his unavailability for the initial World Cup squad but said he would be available if someone got injured.

He is playing well provincially.

With Jacobson forced to withdraw, the 23-test loose forward would have appeared the obvious replacement.

Hansen, though, said nothing had changed since the World Cup squad announcement in relation to Squire.