To stop the rampaging 126KG frame of Billy Vunipola requires a big hit and Patrick Tuipulotu dully obliged during New Zealand’s victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday.

The twenty one year old Blues lock hit Vunipola with such ferocity that the number eight was substituted soon after.

Youtube Credit: NZAUTV Rugby Internationals

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Thirty six years on, Munster’s 12-0 victory over New Zealand is still a source of massive pride for not only Munster fans, but also Irish Rugby fans in general.

Styled as a David versus Goliath clash, Munster upset all the odds and toppled the All Blacks in front of a vociferous Thomond Park crowd.

To commemorate that day, Guinness have released an awesome video celebrating one of the most famous days in the storied history in Munster Rugby.

Youtube Credit: GuinnessEurope

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Judging from this video of New Zealand School’s and Australia School’s clash, the All Black conveyor belt of talent shows no signs of abating.

The Kiwi’s roared into a three try 24-3 lead before Australia, to their immense credit, almost staged the most epic of comebacks; taking the score to 27-24 until New Zealand scored a late try to kill off the game.

Particularly impressive for New Zealand was scrum half Sam Knock, who appears to have a big future in the game.

Youtube Credit: NZAUTV Rugby Internationals

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With two rounds of action remaining Steve Hansen’s All Blacks boast a six-point cushion over Australia and South Africa in second and third respectively.

Such a margin means a bonus-point win over the Pumas will see New Zealand extend their Rugby Championship hegemony, having won both titles since the inaugural competition began with the introduction of Argentina in 2012.

Skipper Richie McCaw will equal a 43-year record Saturday, matching legendary lock Colin Meads who made 133 appearances for the All Blacks — 55 Tests and 78 other matches — before his 1971 retirement.

Flanker McCaw has worn the famous black jersey 132 times to date with all but one match against the Barbarians being Tests.

In a 15-year international career, the sheep farmer became an iconic figure, adored by his rugby-loving countrymen and respected by all opponents.

McCaw has developed into a modern rugby colossus, who led hosts New Zealand to the 2011 World Cup title.

While the All Blacks have dominated the Rugby Championship with 15 wins and a draw, Argentina have found life among the elite extremely difficult with one draw and 15 losses.

But New Zealand coach Hansen was quick to praise Argentina, who have lost three of four Championship games this season by seven or fewer points to earn a losing bonus point.

Physicality

A 28-9 defeat in soggy New Zealand was the only Test in which the Agustin Creevy-skippered South Americans failed to collect a losing bonus point.

“To beat the Pumas we must deliver a quality performance, full of excitement, energy, physicality and accuracy,” stressed the coach.

“The Pumas have been playing very well and are a much improved side since last season. Expectations of a home win among supporters will be high.”

Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade hopes a team lacking injured back-row star Juan Manuel Leguizamon can recover from a “shameful” 32-25 loss in Australia.

“It was our worst performance of the season as we spent most of the time defending,” he said. “The only consolation was that we still came close to a draw.”

Injuries and ill-discipline forced Hansen to change five of the team that started against the Springboks in a 14-10 Wellington win a fortnight ago.

In come centre Malakai Fekitoa, fly-half Beauden Barrett, hooker Keven Mealamu, lock Sam Whitelock while flanker Jerome Kaino, with the injured Ma’a Nonu, suspended Aaron Cruden, father-to-be Dane Cole as well as the dropped Jeremy Thrush and Steven Luatua making way.

Meanwhile, Pumas coach Hourcade has made three changes to his side following their 32-25 reverse against the Wallabies; Tomas Cubelli coming in at scrum-half, Thomas Lavanini returning at lock and Benjamin Macome replacing the injured Juan Manuel Leguizamon.

Keys

The weather will be crucial. It’s been a wet week in the Bay and more rain is predicted on Saturday night. It could denude the All Blacks of some of their attacking weapons and kicking will be crucial. Have they learned from their mistakes in Sydney? The Pumas’ scrum is a beast and the All Blacks’ pack need to stick to their task or they could be backpedalling at a rate of knots.

Prediction

While the Puma’s have performed stronger than anyone predicted in this year’s quad-country competition, beating the All Blacks at home or away, is a tough ask for anyone, let alone a team – somewhat unjustly, ranked outside the top 10.

For the Puma’s to have any chance, they’ll need to force the All Blacks into many, many scrums. But even then, the All Blacks looks too strong across the field.  Even with the off-field distraction of Aaron Cruden, the Kiwi’s should walk it in. I’m tipping New Zealand by 18.

Teams

All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett

Bench: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Joe Moody, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Colin Slade, Malakai Fekitoa

Argentina: Joaquin Tuculet, Horacio Agulla, Marcelo Bosch, Juan Martin Hernandez, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, Nicolas Sanchez, Martin Landajo, Leonardo Senatore, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Tomas Lavanini, Mariano Galarza, Ramiro Herrera, Agustin Creevy (capt), Marcos Ayerza

Bench: Matas Cortese, Lucas Noguera Paz, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Matas Alemanno, Rodrigo Baez, Tomas Cubelli, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Juan Imhoff

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Last weekend, the Invictus Games took place in London. In it’s maiden year, the games are used as a mechanism to unite wounded service men and women in “an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women. Teams will come from the armed forces of nations that have served alongside each other. The Games will use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.”

In the wheelchair Rugby event, the New Zealand team performanced a lusty rendition of the Haka ahead of their clash with Great Britain, who went on to win the event, beating the USA in the final.

Youtube Credit: ShazzyMazzy1

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More often than not when these two teams meet, it’s a match-up of the top two nations in world rugby, and there is no difference today. The Boks have looked a little shaky as of late, narrowly scraping past Argentina twice and losing narrowly to the Wallabies last weekend.

The tourists must settle on their game plan, too often this year it almost looks as if they’re not too sure what to do, kick-chase or play expansive. The All Blacks are missing some key players for this game, but on paper, would still appear to have more cohesion and flair.

While most nations can only dream of beating the All Blacks, South Africa’s Springboks have won against them 34 times. New Zealand has dominated in recent decades and still has the edge in the head-to-heads, with 50 victories, but the win percentage of 57% is its lowest against anyone.

New Zealand has won their last 35 matches at home, easily a record – 13 more than the next nearest nation has managed. The All Blacks last loss in New Zealand can exactly five years ago. And the opponents on that day was South Africa who departed Waikato Stadium with a 32-29 victory. The Springboks have now lost to New Zealand in their last five meetings.

Steve Hanson’s job has been made a little more difficult with injuries to Sam Whitelock and Liam Messam. Aaron Cruden moves into the starting line-up and Beauden Barrett shifting to the bench.

The Springboks have shown they are set on attack, naming 20-year olf Handre Pollard at fly half. “The forwards are settled, but we’re struggling to get continuity in the back-line.” Meyer said.

Referees have come under the spotlight in the Rugby Championship and adapting to Frenchman Jerome Garces could be crucial. Avoiding yellow cards and getting on the right side of scrum and technical ruck rulings are vital in tight Tests. Both teams have won five-from-five under Garces.

Key Match-Ups

Brodie Retallick v Eben Etzebeth

Two of the best young locks in world rugby will face off when Brodie Retallick and Eben Etzebeth do battle in Wellington on Saturday night.

The 23-year-old Retallick burst onto the scene with the Chiefs a couple of years ago and is now regarded as one of the most mobile locks on the planet. Busy in defence and a wonderful support player, Retallick has virtually become the prototype for the modern-day tall timber.

22-year-old Etzebeth probably doesn’t work as hard as his All Blacks rival but what he lacks in runs and tackles, he more than makes up for in raw aggression.

The Stormers giant is an excellent lineout option and although discipline can sometimes be a worry, he is capable of producing the kind of bone-jarring tackles that can turn a game.

Ma’a Nonu v Jean De Villiers

Springboks captain Jean De Villiers wouldn’t have it any other way, yet another showdown with great rival Ma’a Nonu is surely the skipper’s dream result in what is his 100th Test.

De Villiers was quoted earlier this week saying that he thought he’d never play another Test such was the horror show that was his debut way back in 2002, yet the blond bomber will go down as one of the great Bok backs when he eventually wraps up his stellar career.

The centurion has faced off with Nonu in many a Test, and the hard-running, hard-hitting duo know exactly what to expect from each other. The All Blacks No.12 has the advantage of having the experienced Aaron Cruden back at No.10 and that could be crucial early on.

Rising star Handre Pollard will face the All Blacks for the first time and the young flyhalf is bound to feel a few nerves in the opening stages. De Villiers will need to be a calming influence.

Israel Dagg v Willie Le Roux

They may not possess the raw power and athleticism of Israel Folau but rival fullbacks Willie Le Roux and Israel Dagg boast other strengths in creativity and wonderful individual skill.

Dagg was left out of the Bledisloe clashes against Australia due to a lack of form but quickly rediscovered the magic in an ITM Cup stint with Hawkes Bay. His inclusion again keeps the classy Ben Smith on the wing and alongside Julian Savea, the trio make up the most fearsome back three in the game.

Le Roux has been one of the standout attack threats in Super Rugby over the last few seasons and is now matching those efforts on the Test arena. Coach Heyneke Meyer wants his side to play more attacking rugby and Le Roux would benefit from a greater licence to roam.

Both men have the ability to make the match-winning play.

Our Prediction

All Blacks v Springboks is the most anticipated match of the year, and this one promises to be a ripper. How the All Blacks copes with the power of the South African pack. As well as how the Springboks manage to shut-down the All Blacks out wide and take away the space the Kiwi’s thrive on, will be key for both teams, and who ever adapts their respective challenges, best and quickest will have gone a long way to winning this match.

However, the All Blacks are on a 35 game winning steak at home, and we can’t see that trend changing today. We tip the All Blacks to win by 8.

Teams

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 1 Wyatt Crockett,  2 Dane Coles, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Brodie Retallick,  5 Jeremy Thrush,  6 Steven Luatua, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 8 Kieran Read.
Bench: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Cory Jane.

South Africa: 15 Wille le Roux, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jan Serfontein, 12 Jean de Villiers (c), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 1 Tendai Mtawarira, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Victor Matfield, 6 Francois Louw, 7 Marcell Coetzee, 8 Duane Vermeulen.
Bench: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Marcel van der Merwe, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Warren Whiteley, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Pat Lambie, 23 Damian de Allende.

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Ansett was still in the skies, George W Bush was only in his second year as US president, Brasil was the football world champions, the second movie in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy had just hit the screens, Eminem and Shakira were topping the charts, Alan Langer was still playing for the Broncos, it was the year the Steve Bradbury won THAT Olympic gold medal, the average price of petrol was 81c per litre and you could by a house in Sydney and get change from $500 000.

All Blacks historians may have a blank page open and pen in hand in anticipation that the worlds No. ranked team will provide an 18th consecutive Test win for them to document, and no doubt, if the All Blacks pull it off, it will be a feat worthy of congratulation.

Yet, the Wallabies have not given it a second thought as they strive to win back the long elusive Bledisloe.

With all the talk of the All Blacks record breaking run, everyone seems to have forgotten that the Wallabies are on a streak of their own, seven in a row. Something the Wallabies haven’t achieved since they last won the World Cup in 1999.

Wallabies coach, Ewen McKenzie has made six changes to his line-up, with the selection of Kurtley Beale at fly-half being the biggest shock of all. That forces Bernard Foley to the bench alongside outside centre Tevita Kuridrani, with Adam Ashley-Cooper shifting from wing to his preferred number 13 jumper. Pat McCabe and Rob Horne are the new wingers for Ashley-Cooper and Nick ‘The Honey Badger’ Cummins (Japanese rugby).

Up front hooker Nathan Charles makes his first Test start for Tatafu Polota-Nau (knee) and lock Sam Carter starts ahead of benched Waratahs giant Will Skelton. Hooker Stephen Moore and flanker David Pocock are out for the season with knee injuries. Young gun Tolu Latu (broken arm) and prop Laurie Weeks (hamstring) both suffered injuries last week and weren’t considered for selection.

Steve Hanson also sprung a surprise of his own, but of lesser proportions, leaving Israel Dagg out of his match day 23 in favour of in form Highlanders flyer, Ben Smith. Conrad Smith will also miss the opening test after flying home yesterday to be with his expectant wife. In his place comes Malaki Fekitoa. Fekitoa had a blinder of a season with the Highlanders and was a major reason for their success this year.

The loss of Conrad Smith is no small thing for the All Blacks. The 32 year old veteran is a defensive monster. With his loss, the Wallabies would be looking at opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be there.

While Ma’a Nonu is solid on head to head defence, he can occasionally be found out in defence when lateral movement is required. Fekitoa may be a match winner with ball in hand, but you have to bear in mind, his defensive errors were a major factor when the Waratahs thrashed the Highlanders in Sydney 44-16. And Fekitoa will be matched up against the same centre that gave him those nightmares that day, Adam Ashley-Cooper.

With all the line-up changes, the big question still remains, can the Wallabies forwards match it with the Kiwi’s and give Beale the best chance to perform at his best at 10?

Key Match-Ups

Kurtley Beale v Aaron Cruden

It’s the biggest call since Coach Bombay swapped Goldberg for Julie the Cat in the penalty shoot-out during Mighty Ducks 2.

Not a fan of Disney’s famous ice-hockey trilogy? Well let’s put it this way – Kurtley Beale’s inclusion instead of Bernard Foley is a massive call, considering the superb play of the Waratahs No.10 this season.

But it looks to be the right one; McKenzie is throwing all his cards on the table in Sydney, as he knows the likelihood of a win in Auckland a week later isn’t all that great.

Beale’s speed and excellent passing game has been preferred to Foley’s direct approach in a move that is sure to see the Wallabies play with an enormous amount of width. The big question is whether the Wallabies forwards can get enough momentum up front to free up the space out wide.

That selection won’t have worried Aaron Cruden with the relaxed All Blacks No.10 back to his best after some indifferent early season form. He has the familiar midfield pairing outside him while his once frail defence is now more assured than ever.

His job is also made a lot easier by the wonderful flat service of halfback Aaron Smith.

Israel Folau v Ben Smith

This time last year both Israel Folau and Ben Smith found themselves playing on the wing – it’s now inconceivable that they play anywhere else but fullback.

Folau made the moved to fullback midway through last year’s Rugby Championship and hasn’t looked back with his aerial ability, counter-attack and footwork making him one of the toughest players to defend in the game.

He is coming off a superb Super Rugby season with the Waratahs and will need to continue that this weekend when he finds himself the leader of a new-look Wallabies back three.

Smith meanwhile has finally been given the chance to nail down the No.15 jersey at the All Blacks after he was preferred to Israel Dagg by coach Steve Hansen.

Smith had a sensational June series against England, his combination with powerhouse winger Julian Savea creating all kinds of headaches for the English defence.

The Highlanders custodian is also supremely confident under the high ball and has a powerful running game that belies his relatively slight frame.

Nathan Charles v Dane Coles

Saturday night’s clash has thrown up an intriguing match-up at hooker with Nathan Charles making his run-on debut against the robust Hurricanes rake Dane Coles.

Coles has already run up 18 caps in what has been a reasonably quick introduction to Test rugby following the retirement of Andrew Hore a couple of seasons ago.

The 27-year-old plays a little wider than most hookers and has an impressive turn of pace that allows him to not only bust the line, but also make metres once on the other side. His set-piece work is solid without being brilliant but in-form locks Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock should make easy targets at lineout time.

Charles’s story has been well-documented but it’s one worth repeating such is the devastating impact of cystic fibrosis. Charles has inspired people the world over yet his place in the side is no charity case – the boy can plan.

A workmanlike hooker in a similar mould to Coles, Charles’s main challenge will seemingly be at scrum time with the Wallabies front row set to be under all sorts of pressure from their All Black counterparts.

Prediction

Every year we hear the Australian fans and media beat up the Wallabies chances, only to see the Wallabies flop against the All Blacks. It’s one of the main reasons why the “fair weather fans” have turned away from Australian Rugby Union over the last 10 years.

How ever, this year, there is actual, genuine reason to get excited about this Wallabies team, it’s the first time in years they’re not coming into an international period without a massive list of injuries to vital players and with the Waratahs winning the Super Rugby title, there’s belief amongst the players as well.

The All Blacks are a team that can never be taken lightly, while Australia may be chasing their eighth consecutive win and sixth straight at home, the All Blacks have won the last four times the two teams have met in Sydney.

There is no question that the Wallabies are a much improved team from the one that went down 41-33 in Bledisloe III last year, however, whether or not they’ve improved enough to on top of the All Blacks is a different proposition.

Either way, this should be one entertaining match. Ewen McKenzie has never been one to sacrifice attack in place of defence and the All Blacks have plenty of attacking weapons of their own.

We predict a highly entertaining, high scoring match. And who will win? I’m going to sit on the fence for that. Too Close To Call.

Teams

Australia: 15 Folau, 14 McCabe, 13 Ashley-Cooper, 12 Toomua, 11 Horne, 10 Beale, 9 White, 1 Slipper, 2 Charles, 3 Kepu, 4 Carter, 5 Simmons, 6 Fardy, 7 Hooper (c), 8 Palu.
Bench: 16 James Hanson, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 Will Skelton, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Bernard Foley, 23 Tevita Kuridrani.

New Zealand: 15 B Smith, 14 Jane, 13 Fekitoa, 12 Nonu, 11 Savea, 10 Cruden, 9 A Smith, 1 Crockett, 2 Coles, 3 O Franks, 4 Retallick, 5 S Whitelock, 6 Kaino, 7 McCaw (c), 8 Read.
Bench: 16 Mealamu, 17 B Franks, 18 Moody, 19 Luatua, 20 Cane, 21 Perenara, 22 Barrett, 23 Crotty.

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John Kirwan scores one of the most famous WC tries.

John Kirwan, a veritable All Blacks legend, scored one of the World Cup’s great virtuoso tries in the 1987 World Cup as he waltzed through the Italian defence like the proverbial knife through butter.

We’re not going to be the guys who dissect the move from a defensive perspective and highlight the almost whimsical Italian attempts at felling Kirwan; instead, we’ll laud a mercurial and magical piece of Rugby that won’t soon be forgotten.

Youtube Credit: RugbyWorldCup

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In a recent interview Taniela Tupou, expressed his displeasure at the NZRU selection policy, being unable to represent New Zealand Schools because he doesn’t hold a Kiwi passport, despite living in Auckland for, four years.

“They said that ‘if you’re not on a New Zealand passport and you’ve been here for four years, you can play for the team’. But I’ve been here for four years and they said I can’t play for the New Zealand A team. It’s not fair.”

Although he said would take the chance to play for New Zealand in a heart beat, he said, he was starting to look at options in Australia, where he has received offers.

“But that’s one of my goals this year – to play for the New Zealand A team. If I can play with them, then maybe I’ll change my mind from going to Australia.

“If I have the chance to play for the All Blacks, I’ll take it. If I can’t make the All Blacks and I can’t make the Wallabies, then maybe I’ll play for the other one – [Tongan national rugby team] Ikale Tahi.”

He has also had offers from Europe and from local clubs, but has yet to be contacted by the New Zealand Rugby Union to talk about his eligibility. “Maybe I’m not good enough to stay here,” he joked.

It’s not the first time New Zealand has lost young talent because politics has gotten in the way of common sense.

In 1988, Willie Ofahengaue was refused re-entry into New Zealand on his Tongan passport after touring Australia with the New Zealand schools team. And we all know the rest of that story.

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Tries, tries and more tries…

Last Friday, England u20s retained their JWC title with a narrow 21-20 win over an impressive Baby Boks side.

The competition was fiercely contested throughout with a serious showcase of the up and coming talent of for international rugby.

The IRB youtube account has compiled their best 5 tries from the tournament. Who gets your vote for no.1? It has to be South Africa’s try vs. Scotland or Tevita Li’s try vs. South Africa. Two moments of brilliance really.

Here are the 5 tries, enjoy.

 

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