test match

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that promoter Paul Langi Kinikini wants to cough up the cash to bring the two mega stars to Utah.

The city has a large Tonga population and if it gets approved by international chiefs would be played in Salt Lake City.

League authorities would be wise to examine the fallout from the Kiwis vs England Test in Denver in 2018, which saw both the New Zealand and English federations out of pocket following Jason Moore’s failed event.

But Kinikini told The Sydney Morning Herald he didn’t have an issue with paying the cash up front.

Pakistan were bowled out for 335 in their second innings as Australia wrapped up victory inside four days in Brisbane.

Despite Babar Azam's brilliant century and a 95-run knock from Mohammad Rizwan, Australia were not to be denied – paceman Josh Hazlewood leading the way with figures of 4-63.

Pakistan resumed on 64-3 and faced a heavy defeat after man of the match Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner put Australia in a dominant position at 580, in reply to Pakistan's first-innings 240.

That'll do it!

Taumalolo says it is always overwhelming to see such support and they are looking forward to seeing the same turn out as the last one.

“It’s obviously hard to put in words. I guess the feeling does not become overwhelming until you take the field. So to be there alongside a crowd wearing red all around and singing the national anthem that’s when it really hits,” he said in an interview with NRL.com

Taumalolo said whenever fans sing a hymn or cheer that gives the boys a lift.

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew revealed details of the additional Test match fixture on the All Blacks' 2019 calendar. The match will be played at FMG Stadium, Waikato, on Saturday 7 September. It will be a hit-out for the Rugby World Cup 2019 squad, and it will be the first All Blacks Test match in Hamilton since 2016.

All Blacks five-eighth Barrett helped engineer the comeback from 15-0 down against England at Twickenham, withstanding wet conditions and a smothering rush defence from the hosts.

The effervescent playmaker landed a dropped goal and all his shots at goal during the tense 16-15 arm-wrestle win.

It's the sort of contest that could be mirrored in Saturday's clash with world No.2 Ireland in Dublin.

It will require another change of mindset at the tail end of an All Blacks season in which their 11 Tests before arriving at Twickenham averaged nine tries per match.

The world champions are six points clear of second-placed South Africa and a win and a bonus point in Buenos Aires on Saturday would guarantee them the trophy.

But after losing at home to the Springboks in their last game they would have their work cut out against an Argentina side who have recorded two wins in the competition for the first time since they joined in 2012, half-back Perenara said.

"We played them in Nelson and we won but it was a tough game," Perenara said.

The All Blacks had taken control in Auckland last week after Paul Gabrillagues was contentiously sin-binned, but there could have been few complaints about Benjamin Fall's 12th-minute red card for a challenge on Beauden Barrett in this one.

Barrett was unable to continue, yet New Zealand were able to kick on and seal a second comfortable victory without really impressing.

Fonua-Blake, who played for Tonga in last year’s corresponding Test against Fiji, has decided to again align himself to the Mate Ma’a after representing the Kiwis at the World Cup.

The Manly prop will join a powerful Tongan pack led by Taumalolo and Fifita, which is set to also include the likes of Tevita Pangai jnr, Joe Ofahengaue, Siosiua Taukieaho, Peni Terepo and Manu Ma’u.

Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, David Fusitu’a Solomone Kata, Mahe Fonua, Daniel Tupou and the Jennings brothers, Michael, Robert and George are in contention for places in the outside backs.

The Reds pair have been named at hooker and No. 8, respectively, with Pete Samu also set to make his debut from the bench.

Timu's inclusion pushes David Pocock to blindside flanker, with captain Michael Hooper to start at openside.

Izack Rodda will pack down alongside Adam Coleman in the second row, with Sekope Kepu earning the nod over Taniela Tupou at tighthead prop.

Having dismissed India for 209 in the first innings, South Africa resumed on 65-2 with no play possible on day three, but quickly slumped to 130 all out, Mohammed Shami (3-28) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-39) the pick of their bowlers as India had the scent of victory in their nostrils.

The tourists' target of 208 soon seemed out of reach, however, as the Proteas blitzed through India's batting line-up, even without Steyn - whose comeback was curtailed by a heel injury.