Ireland takes down S.Africa in Dublin

 Jean De Villiers of South Africa is tackled by Ian Madigan of Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland..

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)

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Ireland upset wasteful Springboks

Ireland upset the odds to claim a deserved 29-15 victory over South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

Match Report / Planet Rugby

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 Jan Serfontein of South Africa is tackled by Richardt Strauss and Jared Payne of Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)

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Written off before kick-off, Ireland led from start to finish, as the teams scored two tries apiece.

But it was the Irish defence that was ultimately at the origin of their first win over the Boks since 2009.

Dominated at the set piece, and on the wrong end of the possession and territory stats, the Irish defence was as committed as the Springbok attack was predictable.

Massive credit must also go to the Irish coaching staff for their tactics and to their half-backs for their decision making and execution. In stark contrast to the Springboks, every chance was taken, every plan was pulled off, mistakes were minimal.

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 Tommy Bowe celebrates scoring a try for Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)

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South Africa will regret the decisions to turn down points on a few occasions in the first half as they were left to chase the game and didn't have the attacking game to unlock the Irish wall.

Man of the match: Every member of the Irish pack deserves a pat on the back for their tireless tackling but Jonathan Sexton's faultless kicking and decision making display once again showed why he is the best fly-half in Europe.

Moment of the match: It always seemed like the Boks would launch a comeback butTommy Bowe's try took the wind out of their sails and sealed a memorable win. It was a master stroke of tactical execution.

Villain of the match: No real nasty stuff.

Planet Rugby / Match Report:

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Adriaan Strauss of South Africa is tackled by Mike Ross of Ireland during the 2014 Guinness series International match between Ireland and South Africa at Aviva Stadium on November 8, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland..

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Patrick Bolger/Getty Images Europe)

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next test:

England v S. Africa

Nov 15

Twickenham / London

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Ireland v Georgia

Nov 16

Aviva Stadium / Dublin

All Blacks shine at Twickenham / Hillary Shield

Jonny May of England goes over to score the opening try during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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England 21 New Zealand 24: Stuart Lancaster's side undone by All Blacks' formidable second-half showing

England vs New Zealand, QBE series match report – Second-half tries by Richie McCaw and Charlie Faumuina and a penalty by Beauden Barrett secure fifth successive victory over England

by Steve James / The Telegraph

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 Chris Robshaw of England leads his team into the ground as they arrive for the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Teams line up for the National Anthems ahead of the QBE International betwen England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Israel Dagg of New Zealand is tackled by Semesa Rokoduguni of England with Kieran Read in support during the QBE International betwen England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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Same old, same old, sadly. England put in a brave performance against the world champions, just as they have done on four other occasions in the past year, but yet again they came up short.

They came up well short actually, because a late penalty try from a scrummage, with the conversion coming from a dropped goal by replacement George Ford, gave a rather flattering slant to the scoreline.

England had been excellent in parts in the first half, but for most of the second half, glaringly so in the third quarter, they were simply dreadful.

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 Ben Smith of New Zealand evades a tackle from Jonny May of England and Brad Barritt of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand is tackled by Joe Marler of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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New Zealand took complete control and England’s kicking game disintegrated to the extent that they could scarcely make their way out of their own half.

Danny Care in particular had a half that he will want to forget and Owen Farrell was handicapped by the lack of a kicker outside him at centre. Neither Kyle Eastmond or Brad Barritt can kick at this level, and while Mike Brown can, he never seemed to be in a position to do so. It was desperate stuff as New Zealand’s hold tightened.

Read the whole Match Report here:

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 Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand is tackled by Mike Brown of England during the QBE International betwen England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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 Billy Vunipola of England is tackled by Charlie Faumuina of New Zealand and Richie McCaw (L) of New Zealand during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 6, 2014 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

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NZ master conditions to beat England

Winning by three tries to two, New Zealand controlled the appalling conditions in the second half to defeat England 21-24 at Twickenham.

Match Report from Planet Rugby:

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 Mike Brown of England is held up by the New Zealand defence during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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 Tom Wood of England wins lineout ball during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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Nowhere near their best but so effective in the way they handled the weather, the All Blacks put away a spirited England side to make it six wins out of the last seven In London.

A penalty try for the home side came too little too late as England paid for losing their way in the second half, when New Zealand rose to the fore in a chaotic second period where multiple refereeing decisions were questionable.

England though will learn a lot from this, despite the loss. They kept New Zealand honest, proving they can compete. Inexperience in the end cost them as the penalties crept up and their composure was washed away with the flood from above, not to mention a weak kicking performance.

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 Mike Brown of England is tackled by Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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 Kieran Read of New Zealand jumps for a lineout ball with Tom Wood of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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Man of the Match: An early departure but the impact of Jerome Kaino was enormous, starting the build-up for Cruden's score.

Moment of the Match: Three minutes in and Jonny May's screaming run showed that England meant business.

Villain of the Match: The age it took for a decision to be made was unnecessary but a yellow card was the right call for Dane Coles. Even with your shirt pulled, you can't do that.

Whole Match Report Here / Planet Rugby

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 Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand is tackled by Mike Brown of England during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

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 Dave Atwood of England wins a lineout from Kieran Read of New Zealand during the QBE International betwen England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

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A general view as Ben Youngs of England kicks down field during the QBE International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 8, 2014 in London, England.

(November 7, 2014 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

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next test:

Scotland v New Zealand

Nov 15

Murrayfield / Edinburgh

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England v S. Africa
Nov 15
Twickenham / London
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How to do the Haka:

How to do the Haka: Master the fearsome Maori dance in 11 Steps (with pictures)

By Telegraph Sport

The original - and best known - Haka that the New Zealand team perform before matches is called Ka Mate Ka Mate and is illustrated above.

There is also a controversial new Haka called the Kapa O Pango, which has an even more fearsome throat-slitting gesture at the end - but this tends to be reserved for special occasions.

The haka that the Kiwis perform is only decided by the leadership group the night before the game.

How to do the Haka / Telegraph Sport

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Headlines from Planet Rugby / Weekend Previews

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New Scotland head coach Vern Cotter will get his first taste of action at Murrayfield when Argentina visit on Saturday.
Scotland RFU
Argentina RFU

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Saturday's big showdown in Dublin sees the Six Nations champions host a Springbok side high on confidence and looking to lay down a marker.
S.Africa RFU
Ireland RFU

Eben Etzebeth with Victor Matfield in a line out during the South African National rugby team training session at Blackrock College RFC on November 05, 2014 in Dublin, Ireland.

(November 4, 2014 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

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Another end-of-year Test series is upon us and still the same question remains; can Wales end their drought against the heavyweight southern trio.
Wales RFU
Australia RFU

Wales players Rhys Priestland (back left) Justin Tipuric (back right) Cory Allen (2nd bottom) and Jamie Roberts in action during Wales training at the Millennium stadium on November 3, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 2, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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Australia Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika (3rd right) shares a joke with his players during a Wallabies training session at Treforest on November 6, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales.

(November 5, 2014 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

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New Zealand will look to make a dent in England's World Cup aspirations when the two sides face off at Twickenham on Saturday.
England RFU
New Zealand RFU

The New Zealand All Blacks arrive for a training session at Latymers on November 6, 2014 in London, England.

(November 5, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)

England practice their scrummaging during the England training session held at Pennyhill Park on November 6, 2014 in Bagshot, England.

(November 5, 2014 - Source: David Rogers/Getty Images Europe)

http://www.planetrugby.com/

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Soldier Field / Chicago

 Fans gather for an International Test Match between the United States of America Eagles and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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New Zealand Rugby President Ian MacRae speaks in front of the Soldier Field Memorial before the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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 Conrad Smith of the All Blacks (C) lays a wreath in front of the Soldier Field Memorial before the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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New Zealand and USA rugby representatives pose after laying a wreath in front of the Soldier Field Memorial before the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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 A general view of Soldier Field as the United States of America Eagles take on the New Zealand All Blacks during an International Test Match on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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Members of the New Zealand All Blacks perform a traditional haka before taking on the United States of America Eagles during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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The All Blacks perform the haka before the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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All Blacks put 70 points on USA

Inevitably the event mattered more than the scoreline as New Zealand dispatched the USA with a 74-6 win in Chicago at Soldier Field.

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 Ryan Crotty of the All Blacks is tackled during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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 Hayden Smith #5 (L) and Samu Manoa #4 tackle Jeremy Thrush #4 of the United States of America Eagles of the New Zealand All Blacks during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The All Blacks defeated the Eagles 74-6.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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Taking the sport to the United States is a necessity for the future of rugby and there's no doubt with national TV coverage, strides will have been made with regards towards the development of the game in a country that truly loves its sport. Denying that is foolish.

With the greatest respect to the USA though, the outcome of this one was already known before kickoff. In the end the All Blacks finished with 12 tries.

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Daniel Carter #22 of the New Zealand All Blacks passes as he is hit by Louis Stanfill #20 of the United States of America Eagles during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The All Blacks defeated the Eagles 74-6.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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 Daniel Carter #22 of the New Zealand All Blacks passes as he is hit by Louis Stanfill #20 of the United States of America Eagles during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The All Blacks defeated the Eagles 74-6.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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 Charlie Faumuina of the All Blacks is tackled during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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Man of the Match: Showing touches of class throughout, Kieran Read was exceptional in the absence of Richie McCaw.

Moment of the Match: Rather than any of the action, the pre-match build-up was truly special as both teams were given a rousing reception.

Match Report / Planet Rugby

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Folau Niua #22 of the United States of America Eagles is grabbed by Jeremy Thrush #4 of the New Zealand All Blacks as Scott Lavalla #7 grabs Thrush during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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 Scott Lavalla #7 of the United States of America Eagles is tackled by Aaron Cruden #10 of the New Zealand All Blacks during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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All Blacks: How the US media reacted

The US media's reaction to the All Blacks' 74-6 win over the USA Eagles in Chicago this morning has been muted. In fact, it was hard to find much comment on the game at all. Here's what we managed to unearth a couple of hours after the final whistle.

All Blacks enlighten US Rugby

Rugby posts on Soldier Field was a strange sight. Whenever a sport is showcased in a foreign environment, grounding with the familiar is sought. The All Blacks were compared to the dominant US basketball team in the run up to Saturday's match in Chicago. Two months ago New Zealand met the USA in Bilbao in the Basketball World Cup. The Kiwis mustered 71 points; the All Blacks went three better than their basketball counterparts on Saturday as they hit 74 against the Eagles in front of a soldout 61,500 crowd.

ESPN Scrum.com

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 Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks is tackled during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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All Blacks 74, USA 6

New Zealand's All Blacks made their USA rivals mostly blue on Saturday, turning what was billed as a rugby exhibition into a clinic on their way to a 74-6 win ... Playing with only a handful of regulars in the starting lineup, the defending World Cup champions went ahead three minutes in on a try up the left sideline by Nathan Harris.

The Golden Eagles countered with their best sustained ball possession of the entire match, repeatedly testing the center of the All-Blacks' defense before settling for a penalty goal from Adam Siddall to close to 5-3. That was the last moment the match was competitive.

Arizona Daily Star

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 Jeremy Thrush #4 of the New Zealand All Blacks advances the ball out of a scrum against the United States of America Eagles during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The All Blacks defeated the Eagles 74-6.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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All Blacks rout US rugby team at sold-out Soldier Field 

The New Zealand All Blacks showed why they're the world's most famous rugby team. In front of a capacity crowd at Soldier Field, the All Blacks beat the USA Eagles 74-6. Even without many of their best players, the All Blacks dominated the Eagles from the start of the match ... The All Blacks were playing in the United States for the first time in 34 years and they lived up to their reputation. They led 43-6 at halftime and possessed the ball for most of the game.

Brian Sandalow, Chicago Sun Times

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 Liam Messam of the All Blacks is tackled during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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Rugby fans cheer on US team in game against New Zealand

As thousands cheered at Soldier Field, and a variety of revelers roamed downtown in their Halloween costumes Saturday, a small group of loyal rugby fans gathered at a River North bar to watch the U.S. play New Zealand's top ranked team ... "It's a great game. And I think it's a little more exciting than football," said Chris Curran, 52, of Lincoln Park ... "New Zealand is the No. 1 team. This is the Super Bowl champions going overseas," Chris Curran said. "It's very big."

Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times

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 Sonny Bill Williams of the All Blacks is tackled during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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 Dan Carter of the All Blacks on the attack during the International Test Match between the United States of America and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images North America)

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Louis Stanfill #20 of the United States of America Eagles (L) collides with Keven Mealamu #16 of the New Zealand All Blacks during an International Test Match at Soldier Field on November 1, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The All Blacks defeated the Eagles 74-6.

(October 31, 2014 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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next test match:

Nov 8

England v New Zealand

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