Tag

“No one could be more deserving”.

Hooper played a full 80 minutes in the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship opener – scoring a try in their 24-20 victory over the Springboks – while Pocock completed an entire shift in Australia’s 34-9 win over Argentina.

A hurting All Blacks side believe it’s a case of doing the little things better rather than drastic changes as they battle to keep hold of the Bledisloe Cup.

“The history of the games I’ve been involved in hasn’t been too good, ” Folau said.

Carter signed off with 14 points from two penalties and four conversions while McCaw scored the opening try, driving around the front of a five-metre lineout with the power of Kieran Read in behind.

The 33-year-old, however, was omitted from the 31-man squad that will depart for Johannesburg on Saturday and Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga are set to battle it out to wear the number 10 shirt against the Springboks next week.

Argentina are building towards the World Cup and will play the All Blacks in their pool.

Wellington. The All Blacks pack has another chance to shake out the cobwebs while a potentially game-breaking combination will be blooded in midfield when New Zealand begins their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina on Friday.

Argentina have named three players new to the Rugby Championship for their tournament opener against the All Blacks in Christchurch.