tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58371898584612926812024-03-06T07:22:53.198+13:00New Zealand All BlacksMy views and thoughts on the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team.Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-35778377005194737122012-07-25T09:10:00.001+12:002012-07-25T09:11:50.438+12:00Carter's class paves the way, says Crotty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<p>For Ryan Crotty, the man who kept him out of the game for several weeks is now making him look good.</p>
<p>Crusaders second-five Crotty endured a frustrating start to the season when a hamstring injury sidelined him and then usual playmaker Dan Carter convalesced from his groin problem in the No 12 jersey for five games.</p>
<p>But Crotty, who made an eye-catching return to second-five in the big victory over the Blues in Christchurch and has continued his good form, said the Crusaders had Carter's class to thank for their charge to a semifinal date against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday night.</p>
<p>With Sonny Bill Williams heading to Japan to play club rugby and then the NRL, every bit of exposure is good news for Crotty, who said the way Carter was taking the ball so flat against the defensive line was a huge boost to him and centre Robbie Fruean.</p>
<p>"It just makes my job and Robbie's so much easier," he said. "When he's taking it so flat the defence is always on the back foot. It makes it easier to get over the gain line and get strong carries in. He has been turning it on, but it was only a matter of time. He's world class, isn't he?"</p>
<p>Carter was up against fellow international Morne Steyn in the qualifier against the Bulls in Christchurch last weekend but the Springbok was made to look like a nervous schoolboy in comparison. Steyn, who receives the ball much deeper than Carter, was unable to dictate play with his kicking as he likes.</p>
<p>As Crotty said, "If you sit back in the pocket it gives the D [defence] time to come up" and that's exactly what happened - the Bulls' backs (and forwards for that matter) were easy targets in the Crusaders' 28-13 win.</p>
<p>Crotty has a feeling the Chiefs will attempt to revert to what has made them successful this season.</p>
<p>"We've heard them speak in the media this week about wanting to play Chiefs rugby so that might suggest they will kick a little bit less and run the ball at us a little more, which is something we'll plan for."</p>
<p>There is also likely to be a personnel change in the midfield. Andrew Horrell, a first-five or fullback, played centre in the match-up on July 6, which was won by the Crusaders, a surprise choice given Jackson Willison's expertise. But it's likely Willison will get the nod to partner Williams this time.</p>
<p>For the Crusaders there is a belief that this could be their year, he added.</p>
<p>"The boys are conscious that if we can win this week, it's right there for us."</p>
<p>Crotty said skipper Richie McCaw was the man driving the new attitude.</p>
<p>"Some of the things he says to the boys are really good as well. There's real belief among the boys that we can do it and he said in the changing room [after the Bulls match last weekend] that it's right there for us. We just have to go out there and do the simple things well."</p>
<p>- APNZ</p>Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-56849669265147531462011-07-23T20:51:00.003+12:002012-07-25T09:12:35.047+12:00Hoeata happy with debut outingA knee strain which forced Jarrad Hoeata from the field in his debut test could not wipe the smile from the Taranaki lock's face after helping the All Blacks to a 60-14 defeat of Fiji in Dunedin last night.<br /><br />The 27-year-old left the field 15 minutes after the halftime break after tweaking his knee after landing awkwardly in a tackle early in the first half, but the disappointment of being forced from the field was softened by a performance in his first test that he could be proud of.<br /><br />The 1.95 metre-tall Hoeata was prominent in the match until he was withdrawn and enjoyed a better game than his second row partner Ali Williams who was guilty of trying too much in his return to test rugby after more than two years in the wilderness.<br /><br />Hoeata said he had a few butterflies before taking to the field as All Black number 1109.<br /><br />"It was a very proud moment for myself and the family but it was a bit nerve-wracking going into it but once we got the haka and the anthems out of the way then it was all time to go.<br /><br />"Just feeling all those emotions all kind of hit you at once - it was very special."<br /><br />The abrasive New Zealand Maori representative said he had noticed a lift in intensity compared to Super rugby but the game itself failed to live up to any great heights.<br /><br />"The rugby probably wasn't at a great level tonight, it felt a bit like a pre-season game almost, trying to cram all that content into five days and then put it on the pitch, there's always going to be mistakes and things like that but we got through it and got a good win."<br /><br />He had benefited, he said, from playing with the Maori side in their centenary series in wins over Ireland and England last year which made the step up to test match rugby easier to make.<br /><br />"The All Blacks are another step up again but playing games like that definitely gives you confidence and knowledge that you can match international teams," he said.<br /><br />Hoeata who said he was happy with his first performance in the black jersey said team doctor Deb Robinson had looked at his knee and he was hopeful that it would not keep him on the sidelines.<br /><br />- NZPAPete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-7385619818563432122011-07-22T21:19:00.001+12:002011-07-22T21:20:24.125+12:00First up win for All BlacksThe All Blacks have won their first test of the season, beating Fiji 60 points to 14 at Carisbrook, Dunedin.Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-90118247951094015662011-07-21T16:31:00.001+12:002011-07-21T16:33:01.957+12:00Williams ready for comeback<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6z8Ca2j39k/Tier9msMCYI/AAAAAAAAAGc/9283SWMifcU/s1600/aliwilliams_460x230.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W6z8Ca2j39k/Tier9msMCYI/AAAAAAAAAGc/9283SWMifcU/s320/aliwilliams_460x230.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631658933896350082" /></a><br />Ali Williams may be about to play his first test rugby match since 2008 but the All Blacks lock is not getting ahead of himself when he takes the field against Fiji in Dunedin on Friday.<br /><br />The 61-test veteran has his eyes set firmly on making the squad for the World Cup and sees the Carisbrook test as a stepping stone to achieving that goal, something that looked a distant dream last year.<br /><br />A second serious Achilles injury in the space of a year had some questioning whether the 30-year-old could ever play at the top level again, but after coming through the Super 15 season with the Blues his comeback has been capped with a start at international level again.<br /><br />"It's a reward for a lot of hard work but that's sort of half way up the mountain now. I've still got a lot of work to do so I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to do that.<br /><br />"Once that jersey goes on the shoulders it'll be like it has never some off, but it means that I've got to do things that I haven't done in the past, which is exactly what I want," he said.<br /><br />Williams, who will become the third most-capped New Zealand lock, will partner debutant Jarrad Hoeata in the second row and said the pair were in a similar position in the squad despite the gulf in experience between them.<br /><br />"He's keen to pick everything up and the two of us have been running around asking the other boys questions because we haven't been in the environment. Between the two of us we'll just keep it simple and get out there and play."<br /><br />Williams was itching to get back on the field after two weeks on the sidelines following the Blues' exit in the Super 15 semifinals .<br /><br />"I just want to do my job, do the basics right, fit back in and add something to them. This is definitely a different game compared to Super 15," Williams said.<br /><br />- NZPAPete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-60379145439687184262011-07-10T14:11:00.001+12:002011-07-10T14:12:22.417+12:00Blackadder for coach?What do you reckon? Will Todd Blackadder be the next All Blacks coach after Graham Henry decides to hang up the coaching whistle? Or should NZ try to get Robbie Deans back?<br /><br />http://www.nzherald.co.nz/all-blacks/news/article.cfm?c_id=116&objectid=10737536&ref=rssPete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-41956199905073112702011-07-04T14:02:00.002+12:002011-07-04T14:08:25.726+12:00Not many tickets left for RWC 2011 - yeah right!Well it seems that as of today (Monday 4 July) there are still around 450,000 tickets left for the Rugby World Cup 2011 here in New Zealand.<br /><br />This does not surprise me really. The tickets are over priced and a complicated ballot system doesn't help matters. It also doesn't help that the RWC organisers are coming down hard on even primary schools trying to make a little cash out of the RWC.<br /><br />I know from my experiences, that the RWC people are very pedantic on what you show on your own website. I tried to promote official RWC rugby gear through an affiliate scheme, but in the end I canned the idea as they wanted far too much control on how I displayed their products - go figure.<br /><br />I hope the RWC is a success - don't get me wrong. But they seem to be going about it all wrong.Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-44317104002642699852011-06-30T07:38:00.002+12:002011-06-30T07:42:38.174+12:00RWC year and injuriesWell, it's Rugby World Cup year (if you didn't know already!) and once again I am feeling a bit worried about the lead up test to the Tri Nations against Fiji.<br /><br />The only thing I am worried about is the possibility of injury to our top players. Fiji will have nothing to lose when it meets the All Blacks. They will come out firing, especially due to the fact that the NZ Government will not allow any Fiji players into the country who are some how linked to the Fiji millitary coup.<br /><br />Let's hope we get through this game unscathed.Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-58235189209100546332011-06-27T07:36:00.001+12:002011-06-27T07:37:30.827+12:00Junior All Blacks win World Champs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmLdxtTvIlg/TgeKb84DpDI/AAAAAAAAAC0/_iHLbRI6NnY/s1600/babyblacks_460x230.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmLdxtTvIlg/TgeKb84DpDI/AAAAAAAAAC0/_iHLbRI6NnY/s320/babyblacks_460x230.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622614872597701682" /></a><br />The New Zealand under-20 rugby team withstood a stirring challenge from an enterprising England to land their fourth successive junior world championship title with a 33-22 victory in the final in Padova, Italy this morning (NZT).<br /><br />It took a try to fullback Beauden Barrett six minutes from time to secure the win for the Baby Blacks who were pushed hard by an England side willing to spread the ball and determined to end their unbeaten run in the competition's four-year history.<br /><br />But Barrett's try and two others to winger Charles Piutau and prop Ben Tameifuna and 18 points from the boot of first five-eighths Gareth Anscombe were enough to earn them the title.<br /><br />Both sides scored three tries each, but the unerring boot of man of the match Anscombe, who was successful with all seven shots at goal, proved the difference.<br /><br />England started the better of the two sides, pinning the defending champions deep in their own territory for the opening quarter and were ahead after electric winger Christian Wade avoided halfback TJ Perenara to cross for the opening try in the seventh minute.<br /><br />It was a struggle for New Zealand to make any headway as England first five-eighths George Ford, at 18 the youngest player at the tournament, kept driving the ball in behind them, using the breeze at their backs to good effect.<br /><br />But when New Zealand did break out they looked threatening and winger Mitchell Scott was denied a try in the corner before Anscombe got them on the board via a penalty midway through the half.<br /><br />A break down the sideline from hooker Cody Taylor was finished off by winger Piutau to give the Baby Blacks before Anscombe and Ford traded penalties.<br /><br />Hawke's Bay prop Tameifuna was driven over by teammates a minute before the break to give New Zealand a 20-10 lead at the interval.<br /><br />Another Anscombe penalty extended their advantage after the resumption before prop Henry Thomas rumbled down the touchline to score in the corner to give England hope.<br /><br />Perenara pulled off a try-saving tackle to slip his arms under the flanker Matt Kvesic as he stretched out for the line and then a strong New Zealand drive eased the pressure from the resulting scrum.<br /><br />Wade's second try after a kick and chase narrowed the gap to a point, and, with England's set-piece dominating, New Zealand's hold on the trophy looked shaky at best.<br /><br />But another Anscombe penalty extended the lead to four points before Barrett kicked through a pass from Piutau to finally end England's hopes and Anscombe, fittingly, added the conversion.<br /><br />Coach Mark Anscombe acknowledged his team had beaten a "very good England team" were superior in many areas of the game.<br /><br />"We showed a lot of will power and heart to keep them out."<br /><br />- NZPAPete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-4186784512471235832011-06-22T13:59:00.001+12:002011-06-22T14:01:07.388+12:00Better players than Donald - Henry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8S53YXHuNCM/TgFM3OFHNrI/AAAAAAAAACs/ylkuSZqDRds/s1600/donald_460x230.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8S53YXHuNCM/TgFM3OFHNrI/AAAAAAAAACs/ylkuSZqDRds/s320/donald_460x230.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620858321491146418" /></a><br />All Blacks coach Graham Henry has all but ended Chiefs first five-eighth Stephen Donald's hopes of playing at the Rugby World Cup.<br /><br />The All Black selectors today have given a glimpse of their preferences for this year by naming a group of players for the first of two training camps ahead of the Tri-Nations.<br /><br />Twenty-five players have been named for a two-day camp in Wellington next week.<br /><br />Donald, who has played 22 tests for the All Blacks, isn't among the players in the list which includes fellow no.10s Colin Slade and Aaron Cruden.<br /><br />Henry told media today that he broke the news to Donald yesterday and said form was a factor.<br /><br />"Difficult obviously because he's been a very positive member of that group for some time. He's a great guy to have in the team. Hugely well organised at training. We just think there are other people playing better right now.<br /><br />Article continues below<br /><br />"Unless we have injuries he's unlikely to be involved."<br /><br />Those named are from Super 15 teams who did not qualify for the finals playoffs, meaning Crusaders and Blues personnel are missing.<br /><br />Other former All Blacks who are not in the squad are Highlanders prop Jamie Mackintosh and Chiefs trio Tanerau Latimer, Mike Delany and Lelia Masaga.<br /><br />Mackintosh played one test for the All Blacks on the 2008 Grand Slam tour. Delany has also played one test, against Italy in 2009, while Latimer made five test appearances in 2009.<br /><br />Masaga played his one test against Italy in 2009.<br /><br />The second camp is to be held in Wellington on July 5-6.<br /><br />The first All Blacks squad for the season are to be named on July 10.<br /><br />Henry said the camps gave the selectors the chance to assess where candidates were at following their respective teams' participation in the Super 15.<br /><br />"... these players are in contention for selection so we were keen to monitor their progress as well as further develop their skills," he said.<br /><br />New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tietjens, who recently led his side to their ninth world series title, is to conduct a training run on the second day of next week's camp.<br /><br />Injured trio Israel Dagg, Tony Woodcock and Isaia Toeava have been named to attend that camp, with Henry explaining that gave All Blacks medical staff the chance to assess those with injuries.<br /><br />The players invited to the first camp next week are as follows:<br /><br />Chiefs: Ben Afeaki, Hikawera Elliot, Richard Kahui, Brendon Leonard, Liam Messam, Mils Muliaina and Sitiveni Sivivatu.<br /><br />Hurricanes: Aaron Cruden, Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Neemia Tialata, Victor Vito and Piri Weepu.<br /><br />Highlanders: Jimmy Cowan, Tom Donnelly, Jarrad Hoeata, Colin Slade, Ben Smith and Adam Thomson.<br /><br />Injured players: Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava and Tony Woodcock.<br /><br />- NZPA/HERALD ONLINEPete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-73458978965050964202011-06-22T08:39:00.001+12:002011-06-22T08:41:23.003+12:00Australian hurdle for Under-20s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DsYDBprkp4/TgEB6m_NALI/AAAAAAAAACk/a0CV_37dwcQ/s1600/under20s.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 171px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DsYDBprkp4/TgEB6m_NALI/AAAAAAAAACk/a0CV_37dwcQ/s320/under20s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620775916344770738" /></a><br />New Zealand's hopes of defending their IRB Junior World Championship title in Treviso depend on getting past last year's finalists Australia in the semi-final on Wednesday.<br /><br />Having cruised through their three preliminary matches by beating Italy 64-7, Wales 92-0 and Argentina 48-15, the New Zealanders, known as the Baby Blacks, face an Australian side who beat Tonga 54-7, Fiji 50-25 and who lost to France 25-31. France and England will meet in the other semi-final.<br /><br />New Zealand coach Mark Anscombe said he has been working hard to keep his side's feet on the ground.<br /><br />"We know it's going to be a tough game and we have to play well if we are going to get the right result," he said.<br /><br />The side had the weight of public pressure on it as a result of previous side's being unbeaten but Anscombe was insistent the side had to make their own statement and not live off the reputation of earlier sides.<br /><br />"The challenge in New Zealand is having had three teams win it, no-one wants to be in the team that doesn't win it, so they are quite a competitive group.<br /><br />"There is a lot of talent as we know but that isn't always enough and it is about the right attitude, preparation and looking after yourself and getting up for the game," he said.<br /><br />Australia would be motivated to put last year's loss behind there and with six or seven players in their side from that final, compared to two from New Zealand, there was plenty of motivation to do well.<br /><br />"I think both teams have different strengths and weaknesses so last year's result means nothing," he said.<br /><br />First five-eighths Gareth Anscombe said: "They [Australia] might be hungry for revenge, but we are hungry too. It is never an easy challenge against them, but this is a semi-final and there is no second chance so we are hoping we can make the final."<br /><br />Australian captain Colby Faingaa played in last year's final and has not forgotten the loss.<br /><br />"They are the best side at this level and have demonstrated it. It is going to be a hard game, but if you want to be the best in the world you have to play the best and over the last four years at Under-20 level that has been them," he said.<br /><br />"If we want to call ourselves the best then we have to beat them."<br /><br />Australia would be looking to make a better start than in their last game, against France, when they poured on early points.<br /><br />"We have worked hard on trying to start a lot better and against New Zealand everyone knows what kind of game and style they play and we are focused on how we are going to play," he said.<br /><br />"New Zealand play a lot like [France do]. They like to run the ball and both like to try and get that little off-load through a hole and just chase people through. The game they play is quite similar.<br /><br />"That is ideally the game that we want to play. We are going to try and play free for as long as possible, that is how the game will unfold and New Zealand will come out with the same mentality and it should be a good battle," he said.Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-30075615456249567402011-06-22T08:37:00.000+12:002011-06-22T08:38:05.196+12:00Sivivatu gets injury boostChiefs winger Sitiveni Sivivatu's hopes of making the All Blacks' rugby World Cup squad have received a boost after tests showed his shoulder injury is not as bad as first feared.<br /><br />The 43-test All Black partially dislocated his left shoulder in the Chiefs' 19-11 defeat by the Reds in Hamilton on Saturday night, but an assessment by Chiefs medical staff yesterday allayed fears it was a season-ending injury.<br /><br />"It is not as bad as we first thought. He subluxed his left shoulder on Saturday night so it was not fully dislocated.<br /><br />"He has full range of movement and good strength in the affected shoulder and he is going to see an orthopaedic surgeon because it is the shoulder that was operated on last year. He's very unlikely to be out for any more than a couple of weeks," said Chiefs physiotherapist Paul Cameron.<br /><br />- NZPAPete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-72350021613665958142011-06-22T08:36:00.000+12:002011-06-22T08:37:37.083+12:00Kids fear ABs will choke in finalThousands of New Zealand children believe the All Blacks will make the Rugby World Cup final - but more than half expect them to blow it once again when they get there.<br /><br />An online educational survey, CensusAtSchool, predicted the All Blacks will be waiting yet another four years to get their hands on what has been their most elusive prize.<br /><br />Eighty-three per cent of the young respondents expected the All Blacks to make the final on October 23, but only 41 per cent thought they would win it.<br /><br />This is in contrast to their parents, who are optimistic the All Blacks will secure the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time since 1987.<br /><br />World Cup - the percentages<br /><br />**83pc think the All Blacks will make the RWC final<br />**41pc think the All Blacks will win<br />**35pc think South Africa will play the All Blacks in the final<br /><br />A Herald/DigiPoll survey in January found that 70 per cent of adults thought the All Blacks would triumph.<br /><br />A UMR poll in April found even more confidence, with 77 per cent of adults sure of a NZ victory.<br /><br />Article continues below<br /><br />CensusAtSchool co-director Rachel Cunliffe, a University of Auckland-trained statistician, said the children's results were "a bit of a surprise".<br /><br />"We had expected that as children and young people are often such ardent rugby fans, they would be talking the All Blacks right up."<br /><br />Ms Cunliffe said the students' verdict was also remarkably consistent across geographical areas, age and sex.<br /><br />Of the 83 per cent who thought the All Blacks would make the final, 35 per cent picked South Africa to be their opponents, ahead of the 30 per cent who chose Australia.<br /><br /><br />Of those predicting an All Black win in the final, 25 per cent picked a margin of fewer than five points.<br /><br />Former All Black great Stu Wilson said the results were a surprise and also a bit disappointing.<br /><br />"I saw over 100 kids of all ages running around in the mud on the North Shore on Saturday night and if you asked any one of them who will win the World Cup they would all say the All Blacks - that's a rugby environment," said Wilson.<br /><br />"It's still in our DNA. I don't care what the league and netball or cricket people say, rugby is still our our number one sport ... It [the survey] surprises me and disappoints me, to be completely honest."<br /><br />Wilson said the All Blacks had dominated the world rankings for the past decade, something the children surveyed might have missed.<br /><br />"If their memory goes that far back and it reflects on their decision about whether the All Blacks can win or not, that's sad - they don't understand the world rankings and how good we are."<br /><br />Veteran rugby commentator Keith Quinn said the results were intriguing and showed children's awareness of NZ's rugby history and the tag the All Blacks had possibly earned as chokers.<br /><br />"They know their subject obviously and are aware that winning the Rugby World Cup is not ever a foregone conclusion," he said.<br /><br />"I feel that the adult populace of New Zealand back in 1987 believed that the win over France in the first RWC was just affirmation of what we had felt for decades about how great New Zealand rugby consistently was ... and that we would go on to probably win it every four years."<br /><br />Quinn thought South Africa should be favoured if they reach the final.<br /><br />"The World Cup final has always been a grim, tough game, won by serious 'let's not lose' rugby," he said.<br /><br />"South Africa with its big pack and tactically aware halfback and first-five are best at that sort of game, with excellent goalkicking and dropkicking experts too. They have won their only two finals by not scoring a try."<br /><br />"Maybe the kids know that too?"<br /><br />The survey ran in schools from Kaitaia to Invercargill in May and June and involved 24,000 students aged 8 to 17.<br /><br />Source: NZ HeraldPete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-90943857005226807222011-06-14T21:13:00.001+12:002011-06-14T21:13:27.743+12:00Henry unveils some World Cup plansGraham Henry has revealed some of his strategy for winning the Rugby World Cup. <br /><br />Henry says the All Blacks will spend more time looking back at the history of the World Cup, something they didn't do in 2007. <br /><br />He says they need to improve 15 per cent on where they were at last year. <br /><br />Henry says there will be no wholesale resting during the Tri-Nations, but the back-ups to Dan Carter and Richie McCaw will be given opportunities to start. <br /><br />He says players like McCaw, Colin Slade, Isaia Toeava, Israel Dagg, Daniel Braid and Tony Woodcock will have to play some ITM Cup. <br /><br />- NEWSTALK ZBPete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-43603404386448634172011-06-14T21:10:00.000+12:002011-06-14T21:11:37.034+12:00New Zealand Under 20 team to play WalesNew Zealand Under 20 Coach Mark Anscombe has named his team to play their second pool match of the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship against Wales early tomorrow (NZT) morning.<br /> <br />Anscombe has made several changes to his starting line-up, to share the workload over New Zealand’s pool matches. New Zealand won their opening match against hosts Italy 64-7. The team named to play Wales is:<br /><br />1 Solomona Sakalia Wellington<br />2 Codie Taylor Canterbury<br />3 Ben Tameifuna Hawke’s Bay<br />4 Steven Luatua Auckland<br />5 Brodie Retallick Hawke’s Bay<br />6 Brad Shields Wellington<br />7 Sam Cane Bay of Plenty<br />8 Luke Whitelock, captain Canterbury<br />9 TJ Perenara Wellington<br />10 Gareth Anscombe Auckland<br />11 Charles Piutau Auckland<br />12 Lima Sopoaga Wellington<br />13 Rhys Llewellyn Canterbury<br />14 Waisake Naholo Taranaki<br />15 Beauden Barrett Taranaki<br /><br />Reserves<br /><br />16 Sefo Setefano Waikato<br />17 Michael Kainga Wellington<br />18 Dominic Bird Canterbury<br />19 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis Taranaki<br />20 Brad Weber Otago<br />21 Francis Saili Auckland<br />22 Glen Robertson Waikato<br /><br />Anscombe said: “We are mindful that Wales are a very formidable side with strike power in the backs and a physical forward pack. Our boys have bounced back well from the Italy game and the team is looking forward to this week’s match.”<br /><br />New Zealand is seeking its fourth IRB Junior World Championship title. <br /><br />New Zealand’s three pool matches are as follows:<br /><br />Date Fixture Venue Local time NZ Time<br />10 June NZ 64 v Italy 7 Treviso 8.10pm 6.10am<br />14 June v Wales Rovigo 6.10pm 4.10am<br />18 June v Argentina Padova 6.10pm 4.10am<br /><br />The semifinals will be played on 22 June at Padova, and the Final will be played on 26 June, at Padova.<br /><br />New Zealand’s pool matches, the semifinals and Final will be broadcast live on SKY Sport’s Rugby Channel.Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-57255675330013199862011-06-02T08:37:00.001+12:002011-06-02T08:37:54.767+12:00Muliaina signs with Japanese clubVeteran All Black Mils Muliaina has signed with a Japanese club, leaving New Zealand at the end of the season.<br /><br />The 30-year-old and 94-test All Black has signed a two-year contract with NTT Docomo from next year.<br /><br />"I consider myself to have been incredibly lucky with my career in New Zealand. Rugby has offered me so many wonderful opportunities and experiences that will stay with me forever. It's hard to single any one moment out but obviously winning Commonwealth Gold and the opportunity to captain my country were things I thought were only dreams when I was growing up," Muliaina said.<br /><br />"But, once this season is over it will be time for something different. Japan itself offers a completely different culture and way of life that my entire family is looking forward to experiencing."<br /><br />Muliaina made his provincial debut for Auckland in 1999, his Super 15 debut for the Blues in 2001 and his All Blacks debut against England in 2003 and has been the first-choice fullback since.<br /><br />In 2004 he was the only player selected for every test and captained the All Blacks in three Tests in 2009.<br /><br />He jointly holds the All Blacks test record of 94 with Richie McCaw and has scored 32 tries for 160 points, putting him eighth on the Test try-scoring list and 14th on the all-time Test points-scoring list.<br /><br />All Blacks Coach Graham Henry has known Muliaina since he moved from Southland to Auckland as a schoolboy.<br /><br />"Mils goes to Japan next year with the best wishes of everyone involved in the All Blacks. He is a special All Black; along with Richie McCaw our most capped Test player; an outstanding footballer who is the best in the world in his position," Henry said.<br /><br />"Mils is a natural leader, he has tremendous respect of his peers and has helped considerably in the development of younger players. He has been a key member of the leadership group and has also captained the team when Richie has been injured. We will get the chance to thanks Mils personally for his contribution and commitment to the All Blacks later this year but for now, we congratulate him and wife Hayley on the next exciting adventure."<br /><br />Muliaina played 49 games for the Blues before transferring to Waikato and the Chiefs in 2006 and played his 100th Super Rugby and 50th Chiefs match last month.<br /><br />Muliaina also played for the New Zealand Sevens team from 1999 to 2002, winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal at the 2002 Manchester Games.<br /><br />- HERALD ONLINEPete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-21829362276362704622011-05-30T07:43:00.005+12:002011-05-30T07:45:49.711+12:00New All Blacks GearThe new range of 2011 All Blacks rugby gear has just been released.<br /><br />Featuring outstanding quality and attention to detail, this new 2011 All Blacks rugby gear will prove popular once again.<br /><br />Be quick to grab your All Blacks rugby gear now at <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">NZ All Blacks.net</a>Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-39410822508179898832011-05-30T07:40:00.001+12:002011-05-30T07:40:58.906+12:00McCaw facing his destinyThe All Blacks have undergone a subtle but hugely significant change of mindset in their approach to this year's World Cup. Inspired by the normally phlegmatic Richie McCaw, the senior players have agreed that 2011 is their chance to make history - to write one of the greatest chapters in an already compelling story of success.<br /><br />They will be driven by that goal, encouraged to embrace it, talk about it and own the dream. This is a World Cup to be embraced says McCaw; a World Cup to be enjoyed. A once in a lifetime opportunity for the All<br />Blacks win in their own backyard; to celebrate in front of their people and a global audience entranced by the warmth, energy and natural charms of New Zealand.<br /><br />http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10728852Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-78354370681029875702011-05-29T09:58:00.001+12:002011-05-29T10:01:39.874+12:00Spin doctors for HansenSteve Hansen has confirmed he wants to be the next All Blacks coach and that, for the past 18 months, he has been taking advice on how to improve his public image.<br /><br />In an exclusive interview with New Zealand Rugby World to be published tomorrow, the current assistant reveals how he believes he is ready to succeed Graham Henry after the World Cup - and that he now has a small advisory group who have helped him improve his relationships with the media.<br /><br />http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10728725Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-78338844560539312272010-11-30T03:10:00.000+13:002010-11-30T03:10:00.519+13:00Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Rugby (Ultimate Guide to Weight Training...)<img src="/512or9hnw2BL.jpg" alt="Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Rugby (Ultimate Guide to Weight Training...)"width="300" align="left" style="margin-right: 7px;" />The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Rugby is the most comprehensive and up-to-date rugby-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round rugby-specific weight-training programs <b>guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.</b><P>No other rugby book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. <b>This book will increase the players power and quickness resulting in more effectiveness in rucks and mauls.</b> By using this program, you will make considerable gains in your strength, agility, and stamina which will result in more success in scrums and have you competing strong until the final whistle.<P>Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!<P>As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20.<p><b>Price: </b>$16.95</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1932549536/ref=nosim/petezedswebpaget" title="Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Rugby (Ultimate Guide to Weight Training...)" target="_blank"><b>Click here to buy from Amazon</b></a></p>Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-55426065004303735102010-11-29T18:41:00.001+13:002010-11-29T18:41:00.697+13:00The unbeaten<P>After dispatching Scotland and Ireland and defending a long unbeaten run against Wales this morning, the <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">All Blacks</a> are maintaining some of the longest unbeaten streaks in sport - 105 years unbeaten against the former two countries and 57 years against the latter. We look at 10 other remarkable sporting streaks.</P><P><B>1 Edwin Moses</B> </P><P>The American remained invincible in the 400m hurdles for 122 consecutive races, including 107 finals, from September 2, 1977 in Dusseldorf until June 4, 1987 in Madrid when he lost to compatriot Danny Harris. His stretch between losses was exactly nine years, nine months and nine days... a curious quirk for the statistically-minded. </P><P>Moses cut an impressive figure bounding over the 10 three-foot high obstacles, especially in his early days, when donning a pair of chic tinted spectacles. He won two Olympic gold medals (1976 and 1984 while missing 1980 due to boycott) and set four world records. </P><P><B>2 Jahangir Khan</B> </P><P>Khan won 555 straight squash matches between 1981 and 1986, thanks to a punishing training regime and uncompromising stamina which saw him wear out opponents in rallies of attrition.</P><P>The Pakistani was just 17 when the streak began. He was finally dispatched over four games by Kiwi Ross Norman in the final of the World Open in 1986 - the only time a Kiwi male has won that tournament. </P><P>Khan didn't follow a specific diet formulated to the last kilojoule but did have one stipulation... never missing two glasses of milk a day. </P><P><B>3 Cal Ripken Jnr</B> </P><P>Ripken must hold the world record for the longest time spent going to work without requiring a sick note. The former shortstop and third baseman played 2,632 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles spanning 17 seasons from May 30, 1982 to September 20, 1998. </P><P>He took the record from the previous holder, New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig, who played 2130 in a row. He did it in style too, hitting a home run in the fourth inning. When the game was deemed official at the end of the top of the fifth inning, Ripken received a standing ovation from the crowd, estimated to have lasted 22 minutes. </P><P>Ripken also proved to be quite a wit. He was often paralleled with the Energiser bunny during his career. He quipped to an audience the pair had fallen out after the bunny was quoted as calling him a "quitter'' in a newspaper cartoon the day after Ripken voluntarily stood down a game to end the streak at the end of the 1998 season. The pair get on fine again now. </P><P><B>4 Ross Taylor</B> </P><P>The Black Caps batsman is building one of the more peculiar test cricket records. At the end of the third test against India, Taylor had gone 51 innings in 28 tests without making a duck. South African AB de Villiers holds the record for a debutant - going 78 innings from his debut in December 2004 until he was stumped against Bangladesh in November 2008. </P><P>England's David Gower has the longest overall test run without a duck - 119 innings - from August 1982-December 1990. Glenn Turner had a run of 72 innings, which ended with his retirement. His only duck came in his debut knock against the West Indies at Eden Park in 1969. </P><P><B>5 Auckland rugby team</B> </P><P>Auckland's 1985-93 Ranfurly Shield reign set the standard for professional rugby before its time. Auckland inspired awe and fury by the ease in which they cantered to victory. Evidence allegedly included John Kirwan having the wit and skill to tell a mulleted marker in one challenge to "get a haircut'' while fending him off on the way to the tryline. </P><P>Auckland defended the Log o' Wood 61 times before Waikato prised it away in September 1993. All Black greats like Kirwan, Grant Fox, Gary and Alan Whetton, Michael Jones, Joe Stanley, Sean Fitzpatrick and Zinzan Brooke made up the core of the team which kept the tenure alive. </P><P>Former midfielder Bernie McCahill provided perhaps the best example of Auckland's invincibility. He played 91 times for the union within the period - never in a losing team. </P><P><B>6 Sir Steven Redgrave</B> </P><P>Redgrave's streak, winning a rowing gold medal in five consecutive Olympics, takes some beating for sheer longevity - and in such a gruelling sport. Over a period of 16 years from 1984-2000, in three different boat classes, Redgrave always crossed the line first when it came to Olympic finals. </P><P>At 38 he was perhaps best tested in the Sydney 2000 coxless four final after being diagnosed with diabetes and taking insulin since 1997. The result came after the crew had placed fourth at the Lucerne world cup just three months out from the Games. They had been unbeaten for three years previously. </P><P><B>7 Lance Armstrong</B> </P><P>He might suffer from a case of "I'm a great cyclist, why don't you love me?'' but Lance Armstrong's Tour de France achievements cannot be questioned. </P><P>Anyone who can come back from an orchiectomy, the operation to remove a cancer-riddled testicle, deserves respect - especially when the cancer had spread to his brain and lungs. What's more, Armstrong recovered to win the 3500km ride around France seven consecutive times from 1999-2005. He proved he was still a top rider when he finished third in 2009 after retiring four years earlier (he could have won if eventual winner Alberto Contador wasn't also in his team). </P><P>He now spends his time twittering, fundraising for cancer research and fighting off perpetual allegations of doping. </P><P><B>8 Tiger Woods</B></P><P>This time last year the-artist-formerly-known-as-Eldrick had some trouble manoeuvring around in his SUV in the early morning and his wife tried to "help'' him. Woods' wholesome image might have been forever tainted but his records haven't. Jack Nicklaus is probably still the best golfer of all time but Woods' pedigree stands up to scrutiny. </P><P>In what was referred to as the "Tiger-slam'' he is still the only golfer to hold all four major titles in a row after winning the 2001 Masters. Until Y.E.Yang held on to beat him at the PGA Championship last year, he held a 14-0 record of winning when going into the final round of a major with the outright lead, or at least a share of it. </P><P><B>9 Brazilian football team</B> </P><P>No international team can match the skill of Brazil when it comes to World Cup glory - or consistency. Brazil have won the tournament five times and appeared in all 19 episodes since their debut in Uruguay in 1930. They have had their lean spells, like not appearing in a final between the wins of 1970 and 1994. They also didn't win the tournament until 28 years after its inception. </P><P>The win in 1958 established them as a world power. Contrary to the perception as visionary, independent fun-loving types, that team was all about discipline. The players, including 17-year-old Pele at his first World Cup, were given a list of 40 things they couldn't do like smoking in official uniform and talking to the press outside allocated times. </P><P>The team even took their own psychologist to Sweden to help some team members get over being runners-up to neighbours Uruguay when Brazil hosted the tournament in 1950. They also took a dentist because a number of the team who came from humble origins suffered gum disease. </P><P><B>10 Rocky Marciano</B> </P><P>He won't be remembered as the greatest boxer ever but Marciano's record of 49 straight professional wins remains, as does the moniker "the only undefeated heavyweight champion''. </P><P>Born Rocco Marchegiano, he changed his name early in his career because ring announcers struggled to get it out. Marciano didn't have any such struggles with his punches. He finished his career with 43 knock outs, thanks in part to his thunderous right, the Suzy Q. He used that punch to knock Jersey Joe Walcott unconscious in the 13th round when challenging for the heavyweight belt. He needed it - Walcott had knocked him down in the first round. </P><P>Marciano went on to defend his title six times over three-and-a-half years before retiring aged 32. He was renowned for displaying an enormous heart and a concrete chin. ESPN described him as "a ceaseless aggressor, a human tank who would gladly absorb two or three punches just for the opportunity of landing one''. </P><P>Marciano died in a plane crash in 1969, a day before his 46th birthday.</P>By Andrew Alderson | Email Andrew <br /><p><a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/all-blacks/news/article.cfm?c_id=116&objectid=10690659&ref=rss" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-6632150091056671972010-11-29T14:30:00.000+13:002010-11-29T14:41:36.238+13:00A Game for Hooligans: The History of Rugby Union<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411tAj41nUL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="A Game for Hooligans: The History of Rugby Union"width="300" align="left" style="margin-right: 7px;" /><DIV><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The rugby union has undergone immense change in the past two decades—introducing a World Cup, accepting professionalism, and creating a global market in players. This resource covers all of the great matches, teams, and players while also placing them in the context of the social, political, and economic changes which have affected the course of rugby's development. International in scope, this history includes not only Britain and France but also the great rugby powers of the southern hemisphere and other successful rugby nations, such as Argentina, Fiji, and Japan. Rich in anecdotes—including the story of why 1895 is the most important date in both the rugby union and rugby league history, allegations of devil worship at a Welsh rugby club, the game's contribution to the Cuban Revolution, and why the most fearsome of all New Zealand forwards was also a proficient knitter—this reference is a must-read for any fan of the oval ball.</P></DIV><p><b>Price: </b>$18.95</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1845962559/ref=nosim/petezedswebpaget" title="A Game for Hooligans: The History of Rugby Union" target="_blank"><b>Click here to buy from Amazon</b></a></p>Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-77803832763396620912010-11-29T14:16:00.003+13:002010-11-29T14:32:05.398+13:00Wynne Gray: Fatigue footy might not work in World Cup<P>The <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">All Blacks'</a> battleplan is all about fatigue footy. They want to run their rivals into the ground and then administer the death sabre cuts.</P><P>It took until the last 10 minutes for that strategy to kick in yesterday in Cardiff as the tourists sealed their latest Grand Slam deal against Wales. Three Slams in three attempts for Graham Henry's men, can't do any better than that.</P><P>Sides north of the equator cannot cope with the relentless inquisition of ball movement, power and skills the <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">All Blacks</a> bring. A group of 13 have been on all three Slam trips, it is a rugged skilful core of talent.</P><P>The hosts in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales have made progress, their styles have altered and it will be intriguing to see whether they continue to transfer those patterns to the Six Nations series.</P><P>It will also be fascinating to see whether the <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">All Blacks</a> persevere with their high-energy, multi-phase endurance template next season as the passport to World Cup redemption.</P><P>Or will they create a hybrid-style more suited to the demands of sudden-death World Cup matches and mid-evening weather patterns next October? Will their nerves hold in next year's big tournament as they did yesterday morning in Cardiff?</P><P>They are issues for a contented squad, one with a renewed belief in their ability after a season with one slip-up against the Convicts in Hong Kong. Annoying yes; that defeat was an irritating burr in their search for a world record run of test successes. But one less issue they have to worry about next year.</P><P>Most of the worries remain with their rivals, while the <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">All Blacks</a> have a growing player depth and range of styles they can ponder.</P><P>A World Cup boil needs to be lanced, but that tournament can be a lottery. Teams can get up for outrageous victories as France did against the <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">All Blacks</a> in 1999 or the Springboks completed in a Durban downpour four years earlier.</P><P>It is a tough gig but a much better task to contemplate than the many generations of Welsh who have not seen their side beat the <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">All Blacks</a>. They have seen footage, but nothing live and real since 1953.</P><P>The <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">All Blacks</a> will be on the frontline of favouritism for the World Cup, there is no avoiding that assessment. They might win, they might not. But they will give it a hell of a shake if they continue this year's form.</P><P>They will need to find the right balance in their work, standards which do not find them scoring tries as they did yesterday on that plasticine pitch in Cardiff, yet only just in the lead in the last 10 minutes after conceding six Stephen Jones' penalty successes.</P><P>The <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">All Blacks</a> are finding new cattle and class. Some will need to be culled in decisions which will tug hardest at the emotions of the selection group. Those in danger will be men such as Joe Rokocoko, Tom Donnelly and Stephen Donald - blokes who have given good (sometimes great) service but are being overtaken by time or the new breed in black.</P><P>Of that new breed, Hosea Gear, who was damaged almost before the anthems melted into the Cardiff stratosphere but recovered to claim two tries, put another huge tick in the selectors' notebooks. A few years ago his play was brittle. His attack was great, his defence and positional work much lower on the stats sheet.</P><P>This tour, his standards have been on the rise. So too Sam Whitelock, the shaggy-haired lock and third rugby talent from the same family. It is not quite father and son stuff, but Brad Thorn and Whitelock present a fascinating combination of experience and zest.</P><P>Whitelock is surging and even if Ali Williams makes a decent job of his return to rugby, he has work ahead of him to catch and claim the hirsute Cantab. Settling on deputies for Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter remains an open debate, just the sort to give extra bite to the new Super series.</P><P>For now though, the season is done; the <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">All Blacks'</a> results and performances from this year have erased much of the apprehension from the 2009 season.</P>By Wynne Gray | Email Wynne Great summary. Have they not found the new captain in Read?ReplyLike You like this Report<br /><p><a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/all-blacks/news/article.cfm?c_id=116&objectid=10690715&ref=rss" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-33527816142596411842010-11-16T15:23:00.003+13:002010-11-16T15:27:20.746+13:00All Blacks vs IrelandThe All Blacks play Ireland on Saturday. Can the Irish put up a better performance than what the Scots did?<br /><br />Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks in their 23 test match history. Only coming close in 1973 with a 10-all draw.<br /><br />History shows that the All Blacks will be too strong. The Irish are playing up their chances - well so did Scotland.<br /><br />Good luck to them (but not too much Irish luck!).<br /><br />Go the All Blacks.<br /><br />Live game statistics and coverage available at <a href="http://nzallblacks.net">http://nzallblacks.net</a>Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-42340275963873584292010-09-09T08:29:00.002+12:002010-09-09T08:30:13.823+12:00Five changes to the All Blacks team to face AustraliaThe team for the 11 September test match against Australia has been named.<br /><br />15. Mils Muliaina, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Israel Dagg, 10. Aaron Cruden, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Richie McCaw (capt) , 6. Victor Vito, 5. Tom Donnelly, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Owen Franks, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Rene Ranger.<br /><br />More details and news at <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net">http://www.nzallblacks.net</a>Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5837189858461292681.post-45717347214057278922010-08-22T04:50:00.002+12:002010-08-22T04:51:57.937+12:00All Blacks win!The All Blacks win the Tri Nations with a last minute try against South Africa. Final score - 29 points to 22.<br /><br />Full match statistics available at <a href="http://www.nzallblacks.net/">http://www.nzallblacks.net</a>Pete Zedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07857636257551167196noreply@blogger.com0