All Blacks

Springbok test no guide to World Cup

The Rugby Championship Test in Wellington on Saturday is the only meeting of the old rivals ahead of their clash in Yokohama on September 21st, a match that should set the World Cup alight on day two of the tournament.

Hansen says both teams are in a building process and plenty can happen in two months, stripping this week's match of a bragging rights element.

"I guess it will give whoever wins it a little confidence going in to the World Cup, but it won't mean whoever wins this one will automatically win the one in the World Cup," he said.

More than 700 tickets to All Blacks Test cancelled

Ticket seller Ticketek told New Zealand Rugby to void the tickets to the 27 July match at Westpac Stadium.

NZ Rugby chief commercial officer Richard Thomas said cancelling the tickets was a matter of taking a stand against fraud.

"Unfortunately, it is highly likely that some of these tickets will have already been on-sold to unknowing fans on the secondary market and those fans may only discover their tickets are invalid when they present them at the gate at Westpac Stadium.

Five All Black debutants to play Argentina on Sunday

Crusaders winger Sevu Reece has been named on the right wing, while Chiefs prop Atu Moli, Chiefs loose forward Luke Jacobson, Highlanders first five Josh Ioane and Crusaders back Braydon Ennor are all in the reserves.

Ngani Laumape and Anton Leinert-Brown form the midfield with Jordie Barrett on the left wing.

With most of the Crusaders missing the trip to Argentina, the front row is made up of Ofa Tuungafasi, Dane Coles and Angus Ta'avao.

Flanker Sam Cane will captain the side for the third time.

 

Jaguares dominate Pumas team to face All Blacks

Thirteen members of the starting XV for the Test in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning started for the Jaguares in the final of the Super Rugby two weeks earlier. The reserves bench is comprised entirely of Jaguares.

Ledesma is banking on the same chemistry at international level after the Jaguares exceeded all expectations by making a maiden final appearance, losing to the Crusaders in Christchurch.

The only changes to a team captained by world-class flanker Pablo Matera are the introduction of two experienced European-based stars.

A lack of Crusaders gives others a chance to shine for All Blacks

The Crusaders beat Argentine side Jaguares to claim a 10th Super Rugby title earlier this month and the national players in their squad were allowed to miss the long trip to Buenos Aires because they already face a punishing season that includes the World Cup in September.

"Those guys had a busy schedule and I think the rest will be good for them but we have got absolute confidence that the guys who are here can step up and do a job," Coles said ahead of Saturday's game.

New All Black thought he'd missed selection

The Chiefs flanker is one of four uncapped players in the 39-strong group for the first two matches against Argentina and South Africa.

"I didn't really see this coming at all," Jacobson said.

"I thought I'd missed out on the selection because someone told me that you're meant to get a call before.

"I was like 'oh well, sweet as I'm a bit gutted but I'm still young so I've still got plenty of time' sort of thing, so getting named was pretty cool."

Nonu's World Cup dream appears to be over

Coach Steve Hansen has unveiled 41 players to attend a "foundation day" in Wellington next week in the first significant step towards winning the Webb Ellis Cup for a third-straight time.

There are few notable omissions aside from Nonu, whose last Test was the triumphant 2015 World Cup final.

The 36-year-old played for French club Toulon before returning to Super Rugby with the Blues, where his performances had been solid until last week's virtuoso performance against the NSW Waratahs.

Smith recommits to NZ Rugby beyond RWC

The 30-year-old has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal.

Smith has been a mainstay in the national side since making his All Blacks debut in 2012, playing 82 tests - making him New Zealand's most capped number nine.

He's excited to confirm that his future would be in New Zealand.

"From my earliest playing days, my focus has always been about being passionate about the teams I play for and I've always enjoyed giving 100 percent to the teams I represent," Smith said.

Owen Franks joins All Blacks exodus

The 31-year-old was a member of both the 2011 and 2015 World Cup-winning teams - and has 106 test caps to his name.

Franks will join older brother Ben and former All Black prop Ben at Northampton - and says the move presents a great opportunity to test himself in a new rugby environment, and reconnect with family there.

Franks has been named to start for the Crusaders in their Super Rugby opener tomorrow night against Blues in Auckland.

Dane Coles recommits to NZ Rugby

His recommitment means New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes can continue to rely on his outstanding leadership, skill and experience for the next three years.

The 2015 Rugby World Cup winner, who led the Hurricanes to the club's first Investec Super Rugby title a year later, said he was committed to continuing his career in New Zealand.

"I still feel like there are things that I want to achieve in New Zealand with teams that mean a lot to me," Coles said.