New Zealand 49 - Australia 28

All Blacks perform the haka before the start of the 2010 Tri-Nations Bledisloe Cup match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks on July 31, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia.

(July 30, 2010 - Photos by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Seven up for rampant All Blacks

New Zealand put one hand on both the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe silverware on Saturday as they crushed Australia 49-28 in a classic at Etihad Stadium.

It was simply an outstanding contest between two attack-minded sides. Five tries in the first-half and not a single scrum reset until the 75th minute as rugby was played how it always should be.

The fine result now puts the All Blacks on fifteen tournament points in 2010, with nearest rivals Australia and the pointless Springboks swiftly looking a distant second and third in the south.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6287560,00.html

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Brad Thorne of the All Blacks is tackled by Nathan Sharpe

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Shock and awe from All Blacks

By Gregor Paul

Wallaby legend John Eales reckons the All Blacks are on the verge of a great era. He needs to revise that view - the All Blacks are not on the verge, they are in the midst.

This was their 12th consecutive win and just about the most convincing of the run; they took just 44 minutes to score 39 points. They took just 35 minutes to secure the bonus point and leave the Wallabies seriously contemplating not coming out for the second half.

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The composure and patience was critical. So too was the speed at which the ball was moved away from the breakdown and the skill with which it was slipped out of the contact.

It can't be ignored that the scrum was rock steady, or that Tom Donnelly sucked in just about every kickoff or that the lineout, the odd wobble here and there, was reliable. Gone are the bad old days of last year where those basic skills couldn't be taken for granted.

But the key to their performance was continuity - perpetual motion, awareness and understanding.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10662777

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Jerome Kaino of the All Blacks is tackled by David Pocock

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Accurate, smart and using their brains

By Sean Fitzpatrick

This was another very good All Blacks performance. What was especially pleasing was that it was a continuation of what they did in the first two tests against the Springboks.

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People have been saying New Zealand are peaking too early again and we are going down the same road we do every time before a World Cup. But I don't buy into that at all. At the moment they are playing smarter, better rugby than anyone else.

This coaching team clearly identified problem areas after last season - the scrum, lineout, restarts, the aerial game that we were pretty average at - and they have worked hard on these areas.

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The team look fit and hungry, they are maintaining possession well and probably the key thing last night, especially in the first half, was that when the All Blacks got an opportunity they took it, which is something Australia didn't do.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/all-blacks/news/article.cfm?c_id=116&objectid=10662788

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Mils Muliaina of the All Blacks is tackled by Anthony Faingaa

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next test:

New Zealand v Australia

August 7

AMI Stadium, Christchurch

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number seven

Role of a number seven key, and McCaw is the king

Getty Images

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By James Mortimer

The new law interpretations were in some respects meant to hamstring the effectiveness of a genuine fetcher by protecting attacking teams, but the 2010 Investec Tri-Nations so far has proven that the way the game is being governed has only increased the importance of the openside flanker.

In this, if one had to identify perhaps the one aspect where the Springboks were flawed in their horror Australasian road trip, it would be again in the ignorance of the necissity of a ball winner in the loose.

South African rugby maxim for many years has switched in between the need to play a specialist open side flanker versus playing three massive ball carrying and lineout capable forwards in the back row.

http://www.allblacks.com/news/13715/Role-of-a-number-seven-key-and-McCaw-is-the-king

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Australia 30 - S.Africa 13

View from the grand stand during the 2010 Tri-Nations match between the Australian Wallabies and the South African Springboks at Suncorp Stadium on July 24, 2010 in Brisbane, Australia.

(July 23, 2010 - Photos by Matt Roberts/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Wallabies beat South Africa 30-13 in Tri Nations match at Suncorp Stadium

By Jim Morton

With skipper Rocky Elsom and fellow flanker David Pocock leading the way, Australia ran the ball at will to dominate the opening hour before fading late as the Springboks crossed for two tries.

A bonus-point win appeared at the Wallabies mercy when they led 23-3 early in the second half and held a one-man advantage but the sin-binning of home-town hero Quade Cooper was a momentum stopper.

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Unbeaten against the Springboks in Brisbane since the State of Emergency Test of 1971, the Wallabies have now won their past seven matches against South Africa at Suncorp.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27453875-5016959,00.html

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Matt Giteau of the Wallabies attempts to break free from the Springboks defence

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Wallabies rampant in Brisbane

The Tri-Nations trophy is set to change hands in 2010 after the Springboks conceded their third straight defeat, going down 30-13 to Australia at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

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As the scoreline suggests, the Wallabies were in charge from the start and two yellow cards didn't help the South African cause. Once again there will be cries from the Republic in protest to some inconsistent refereeing but few will dispute that Australia were the superior team on the day.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6277082,00.html

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John Smit of the Springboks in attack

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Pace, power and passion leave Boks licking their wounds after hell road trip

by GREG GROWDEN

Even more of a pantomime has been how the Springboks have lost their way on the field and how difficult it has been for them to adapt to a pretty simple opposition game plan, based around pace, power and passion.

For three Tests in a row, the All Blacks and Wallabies have deliberately kept the ball in hand, avoided the sidelines, restricted midfield kicking, probed the outer reaches and have exposed the Springboks.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/pace-power-and-passion-leave-boks-licking-their-wounds-after-hell-road-trip-20100725-10qmj.html

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next test:

Australia v New Zealand

July 31

Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

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A tale of the halfbacks

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Tri-Nations' results rely on halfbacks' form

By Wynne Gray

The compelling Tri-Nations series has become a tale of the halfbacks.

The All Blacks have seen a resurgent Piri Weepu, the Springboks have felt the pain without the injured Fourie du Preez, and the Wallabies are trusting in the repair work on Will Genia's knee and hand.

After some heavy analysis of the Super 14, All Black coach Graham Henry nominated the men in the No 9 jersey as those who would drive the team plan more than in previous seasons. They retained Jimmy Cowan and Weepu, who made their All Black debuts within a week of each other in 2004, and tweaked their job descriptions.

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Meanwhile, du Preez and Genia were wounded. The Springboks lost du Preez for the Tri-Nations, while Genia will return for the Wallabies' start to that campaign against the Boks in Brisbane on Saturday.

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The Wallabies have lost only three of their 17 tests at Suncorp Stadium in the professional era and have beaten the Boks all five times they have met at that venue.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10660136

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Andy Capp Sunday

Andy Capp 1961

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New Zealand 31 - S.Africa 17

General view of the Westpac Stadium during the Tri-Nations match between the New Zealand All Blacks and South African Springboks at the Westpac Stadium on July 17, 2010 in Wellington, New Zealand.

(July 16, 2010 -All Photos by Marty Melville/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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Flawless All Blacks do it again

New Zealand repeated their heroics of last week's Tri-Nations opener with another polished performance to beat South Africa 31-17 at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.

South Africa now limp across the Tasman to Australia pointless and seemingly bereft of ideas after another mauling by a highly-motivated All Blacks side whose superior inventiveness, precision and individual class was a joy to watch.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3821_6267124,00.html

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Kevin Mealamu of the All Blacks is tackled by BJ Botha

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All Blacks take charge as Boks lack spark

By Richard Loe

The All Blacks went very, very well. They did well enough at the set pieces without dominating but their speed around the field, their work at the breakdown, their go-forward and their quick ball meant the Boks were out-manoeuvred and outpaced.

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For the All Blacks, I thought Richie McCaw and Kieran Read were immense. They are hunting as a pair and are a real force now, along with Jerome Kaino. That's as good a loose forward trio, working as a team, as you could find.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/all-blacks/news/article.cfm?c_id=116&objectid=10659605

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Richie McCaw of the All Blacks tramples over Ryan Kankowski

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All Blacks: Excellent defence the turning point

By Gregor Paul

Five minutes of brutal defence midway through the second half won last night's test for the All Blacks.

That, and their ability to play rugby from deep inside their own half. It was a fascinating game employed by the All Blacks that they took kickoffs and hit them up through the forwards again, then again, before looking to move wider on the third recycle.

They found space as a result and the Springboks couldn't put them under any pressure inside their own half. The Boks found themselves back in their own half in a flash, breathing hard and wondering how they would get the ball again.

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In his usual cryptic, difficult to decipher way, South African coach Peter de Villiers seemed to suggest he needed to encourage his players to cheat in future if they are to close the gap.

That seemed to be his interpretation of the critical difference of the two teams - as if he was oblivious to the yawning skills gap.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/all-blacks/news/article.cfm?c_id=116&objectid=10659597

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Bok coach lashes out at refs

But De Villiers was clearly not happy with the way his side had been hammered in the two Tests which were controlled by northern hemisphere referees.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3821_6267606,00.html

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Kieran Read of the All Blacks comes up against Gurthro Steenkamp

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Fielding the best team each week paying off

By Sean Fitzpatrick

I know Graham Henry didn't think this All Black performance was as good as last week - but I did.

The Springboks put the All Blacks under more pressure this week - at lineout and at scrum - and they still delivered.

The Boks were surprised in the first test. They knew what was coming this time. They still couldn't handle it.

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That's where the All Blacks were superior. They were better and smarter at getting the ball over the advantage line - whereas the Boks just kept banging it up the old No 1 channel; and got crushed.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/all-blacks/news/article.cfm?c_id=116&objectid=10659603

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Francois Louw of the Springboks is hit hard by Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith

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Tackles and turnovers the key

All Black captain Richie McCaw said he was "proud" of his team for backing up two weeks in a row, after they handed the Springboks another bonus-point hiding on Saturday.

"It is always easy to put one performance out there," he said of last week's 32-12 victory in Auckland, adding: "But to back it up is great."

http://rugbyrugby.com/tournaments/tri_nations/story_17710134501.php

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next test:

Australia v S.Africa

July 24

Brisbane

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Preview: New Zealand v South Africa

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It can't get any worse for the Springboks can it? That question will be answered when South Africa attempt to pick themselves up for Saturday's return Tri-Nations bout with New Zealand in Wellington.

Last week's morale-sapping 32-12 defeat at the hands of the All Blacks - which came via four unanswered tries - was unexpected and caught everyone (Graham Henry included) by surprise. After waiting 12 months for revenge, the result went a long way in helping erase the pain the country felt from losing all three Tests to South Africa last year.
It now means the world champions have had a week to reflect, digest and - more importantly - find ways of improving significantly before Round Two kicks off at Westpac Stadium. Anything close to a repeat performance between two of the most battle-scarred combatants in the 89-year-old rivalry, will result in another one-sided spectacle.
                http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6262115,00.html

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The All Blacks made two changes for Saturday's Tri-Nations re-match against the Springboks, but it is the surprise selection of Piri Weepu that signals their intent for the Wellington showdown.

http://www.rugbyrugby.com/news/story_15710093002.php

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Tri-Nations: New Zealand 32 - S.Africa 12

All Blacks power deals to Springboks

This was an All Black team determined to maintain its winning record at its rugby citadel, and to reverse the hat-trick of losses to South Africa last season.

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None of the tactics the South Africans tried appeared to work. Its kicks behind the All Blacks were never a threat and often returned with interest as Muliaina especially charged into the defence with relish. And the competitiveness New Zealand showed at the lineout showed just how far the side has advanced in that area, to the point where it was taking ball from the South Africans

http://www.allblacks.com/news/13572/All-Blacks-power-deals-to-Springboks

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The All Blacks perform the Haka before the Tri-Nations match between the New Zealand All Blacks and South Africa Springboks at Eden Park on July 10, 2010 in Auckland, New Zealand.

(July 9, 2010 -All Photos by Phil Walter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

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All Blacks dominate Tri-Nations opener

New Zealand retained their world number one ranking thanks to a commanding 32-12 win over South Africa at Eden Park on Saturday.

It doesn't get better than this. The world's two best rugby teams didn't disappoint as they delivered the top-class encounter we had all expected.

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Many had predicted that the Springboks would rule the set piece but the All Blacks scrum will feel they won the day and their jumpers competed efficiently at the line-outs.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6254464,00.html

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Mils Muliaina of the All Blacks makes a break

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Boks fold under NZ onslaught

By Gregor Paul

The horrors of 2009 were laid to rest. The 2010 All Blacks have grown from the seeds of disaster into a multi-dimensional, irresistible force that has the game to sweep all before them. South Africa were popped into the back of the truck, crushed and dumped on the side of the road.

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Supposedly with no obvious soft underbelly, the Boks were unsure what had hit them. It was relentless, aggressive, disciplined rugby from the All Blacks, played at a frightening pace and intensity, and the Boks couldn't handle it.

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Every time a green jersey moved, a black missile would hit him.

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Any doubts about the All Blacks' all-round ability; their desire; their hardness; their passion and their leadership - were set free. All Black rugby stormed back last night.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10658038

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Brad Thorn of the All Blacks takes the ball forward

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All Blacks: Revenge sweet so bring on next test

By Michael Brown

They might have won nine from nine tests since losing all three to the Springboks last year but it didn't atone for what happened. It didn't come close. They wanted revenge. They got it last night.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10658041

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Schalk Burger of the Springboks tackles Ma'a Nonu

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Payback time for All Blacks

By GREG FORD

If you are looking for a blueprint on how to beat the Springboks in next year's World Cup, the All Blacks presented one to the rugby world tonight during their emphatic win over the world champion South Africans.

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For all the heroics on attack, the deciding factor for the All Blacks on the night was their defence.

It could be summed up in one word: angry.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/payback-time-for-all-blacks-20100710-104sh.html

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Keven Mealamu of the All Blacks breaks the tackle of Wynand Olivier

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All Blacks send ominous Tri Nations warning with big win over Springboks

They outran the Springboks in the backs and dominated them up front, including the rare sight of the South Africa pack backpedalling at a scrum and being driven back 25-metres at a lineout late in the match.

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Head coach Graham Henry had special praise for his forwards and the overall defensive effort which kept their line intact.

"The defence was superb. The forwards dominated the Springbok eight and that's what set the standard.''

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27389327-5016959,00.html

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Richard Kahui of the All Blacks makes a break

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All Blacks give Springboks a lesson in rugby

The result means that New Zealand extended a 16-year winning streak at Eden Park, the venue for the final of next year's rugby World Cup.

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The All Blacks have now not lost a test in Auckland since 1994 and South Africa's Springboks have not won at the ground since 1937.

http://www.trinationsweb.com/news/viewarticle.asp?id=26426

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next test:

NZ v SA

17 July

Wellington

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New Zealand V South Africa Eden Park

New Zealand v South Africa Odds - Game One Tri Nations 2010

http://www.trinationsrugby.net/new-zealand-v-south-africa-eden-park.html

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Programme from Carisbrook 1994

Dunedin NZ

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Preview: New Zealand v South Africa

Eden Park in Auckland is the first stop as South Africa embark on their Tri-Nations title defence against New Zealand on Saturday.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3821_6252469,00.html

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Springboks, All Blacks playing for world ranking

The Springboks currently trail New Zealand by 2.22 rating points ahead of the first Tri Nations encounter of 2010, but a victory - regardless of the margin - at Eden Park will see them return to the summit for the first time since November, when they relinquished it after losing to France.

http://www.trinationsweb.com/news/viewarticle.asp?id=26420

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Boet Erasmus Stadium

• 1960: The All Blacks on tour. South Africa won 8-3 at the Boet Erasmus Stadium, Port Elizabeth