News

Fresh from leading his Crusaders to a seventh DHL Super Rugby triumph, lock Scott Barrett is preparing for an assured physical confrontation in Sunday's Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Mendoza.

Australia's desire to play at speed with quick ball from the breakdown will occupy All Blacks' minds in the build-up to Thursday's Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup Test in Melbourne.

All Blacks selectors Ian Foster, Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan have announced the match-day 23 for the second Test against Argentina at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.

Continuity in selection, and the chance it allowed to extend the development of combinations will be a driver for the All Blacks in their Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Christchurch on Saturday.

Turning South Africa's strong points, their kicking, their lineout maul, and their breakdown play into Achilles heels, the All Blacks produced a triumphant performance to claim an outstanding 35-23 win in their Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Wins at the start of any annual Test campaign are appreciated by the All Blacks, and to beat Ireland 42-19 in the first Steinlager Series Test is a bonus.

All Black Scott Barrett has been given the task of generating drive from blindside flanker in Saturday's first Steinlager Series Test against Ireland at Eden Park.

The All Blacks open their 2022 Test campaign with a clash against an Irish team who have developed into one of the fiercest rivals of the men in black over the past decade.