Rugby News

We’re still a couple of weeks away from the return of competitive rugby in these parts, but the competition formerly known as the Tri-Nations got underway today.

Thanks to the introduction of Argentina to the tournament, the Tri-Nations now comes with the completely uninspiring Rugby Championship moniker, but the name change obviously had no effect on the All Blacks’ desire to reclaim the title from their neighbours.

The world champions took on Australia in Sydney earlier today and ran out eight point winners (27-19) thanks to 17 points from the always excellent Dan Carter and tries from Israel Dagg and Cory Jane.

A Nathan Sharpe try and some accurate kicking from Berrick Barnes kept the hosts in touch, but Steve Hansen’s men were always on top and the victory never looked in doubt.

Judging by the highlights, they played some pretty decent rugby too. The tries from Dagg and Jane were both excellently executed and they would have had another one if it wasn’t for those pesky kids a brilliant tackle by Adam Ashley-Cooper and Digby Ioane on Hosea Gear in the second half.

Check out the best bits from the game for yourself in the video above.