All Blacks

New-look Wallabies on the Bledisloe radar

There are four uncapped players in the current squad - Reece Hodge, Lopeti Timani, Allan Alaalatoa and Tom Robertson - and Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he wouldn’t be counting them out of the Bledisloe.

“There might be a chance there somewhere in the 23, like a genuine chance,” he said.

“It really comes down to what we think is the best combination for the starting team and what'll happen, then that'll decide how the finishers look.

“There's a genuine possibility that someone could, it just depends on the mix that we go with in the starting team.”

Savea in last chance saloon?

The down on confidence and out of from wing has been benched for the Hurricanes last two playoff wins though he has retained his place in the All Blacks' squad.

Nehe Milner-Skudder is a shoe-in for selection when he returns from injury, while Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo and Israel Dagg are the current first choice back three.

Hart said the Rugby Championship will be Julian Savea's last chance to prove he belongs in the team.

Sonny Bill set for All Blacks return

Williams is set to return from the Rio Games the week of the All Blacks second test against the Wallabies in Wellington on the 27th August.

Williams is joined in the midfield by Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa and George Moala, while Seta Taminivalu, who made his debut against Wales, misses out.

Hansen will stay on for 2019 World Cup

 

Hansen was contracted through until the end of next year's British and Irish Lions tour.

Following the world cup win over Australia in November, Hansen indicated he was unlikely to continue through to 2019 but has had a change of heart.

Savea to stay in black

RNZ reports the 22 year old, who made his All Blacks Test debut against Wales last month, said it had been an easy decision to re-commit until the end of 2018.

"I'm loving my rugby right now at all levels of the game and I'm excited about the future with both the Hurricanes and, if I'm good enough to be selected again, the All Blacks.

All Blacks skipper promises more clinical approach

RNZI reports the hosts are seeking to wrap up the three-Test series with a game to spare, a win in Wellington tonight would achieve just that.

Read conceded the All Blacks were rusty in last week's win at Eden Park but he said tonight's effort should be a significant improvement.

Sidelined Savea told to mentally refresh

RNZI reports Savea has been dropped for Saturday night's second test against Wales in Wellington, with Israel Dagg at fullback, Ben Smith on the right wing and Waisake Naholo the left.

Coach Steve Hansen said Savea was in top physical condition, but the selectors believed the blockbusting wing needed time to get his head right.

Welsh fans banking on passion

RNZI reports in 31 matches and 111 years the Welsh rugby team have won only three times - most recently in 1953.

They gave it a good effort in the first half last week at Eden Park, but still ended up getting thrashed 39-21.

Savea dropped while Dagg is back

RNZI reports Savea had an indifferent game in the first Test at Eden Park and was replaced just after half time.

Waisake Naholo moves from the right wing to the left wing, Ben Smith moves from fullback to the right wing and Israel Dagg gets his first Test since the Rugby Championship last year, starting at fullback.

Sam Whitelock returns from injury to start at lock with Luke Romano dropping out of the match day squad.

Hansen names experienced All Blacks lineup

RNZI reports the All Blacks matchday 23 features an experienced core of senior players and new talent, with 720 caps in the squad and an average of 31 caps per player.

One other key feature of the squad is the naming of two new players, loose forward Ardie Savea and midfielder Seta Tamanivalu, who could make their All Blacks Test debuts off the bench.

Hansen said: "Whilst the opposition might believe that we're vulnerable because it's our first Test and we have lost some experienced players, we don't have that mindset."