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** New Zealand opened their Rugby Championship account with a 27-19 win over Australia at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday. |
Digby Ioane of the Wallabies makes a break during The Rugby Championship Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand at ANZ Stadium on August 18, 2012 in Sydney, Australia.
(August 17, 2012 - Source: Matt King/Getty Images AsiaPac)
**
Man of the match: All Blacks flanker Liam Messam repaid his coaches' faith by carrying his impressive Super Rugby form to the Test arena, while halfback pair Aaron Smith and Dan Carter proved once again to be a lethal combination. But the player who stood head and shoulders above the rest was Israel Dagg. The star full-back caused havoc whenever he touched the ball, bagged a try for his efforts and set up another.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_8000136,00.html
**
Man of the match: All Blacks flanker Liam Messam repaid his coaches' faith by carrying his impressive Super Rugby form to the Test arena, while halfback pair Aaron Smith and Dan Carter proved once again to be a lethal combination. But the player who stood head and shoulders above the rest was Israel Dagg. The star full-back caused havoc whenever he touched the ball, bagged a try for his efforts and set up another.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_8000136,00.html
*
Will Genia of the Wallabies passes during The Rugby Championship Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand at ANZ Stadium on August 18, 2012 in Sydney, Australia.
(August 17, 2012 - Source: Matt King/Getty Images AsiaPac)
***
Argentina were welcomed into the Rugby Championship with a 27-6 hiding at the hands of the Springboks at Newlands on Saturday.
Lucas Amorosino of Argentina and Bryan Habana of South Africa in action during The Castle Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina at DHL Newlands Stadium on August 18:2012 in Cape Town, South Africa.
(August 17, 2012 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)
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Man of the Match: Schalk who? South Africa has a new star openside and his name isMarcell Coetzee. Another fantastic display from the Sharks youngster bodes well for the future. A try was just reward.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_8000802,00.html
**
Man of the Match: Schalk who? South Africa has a new star openside and his name isMarcell Coetzee. Another fantastic display from the Sharks youngster bodes well for the future. A try was just reward.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_8000802,00.html
**
