Clinical Italy cruise past 14-man Romania to seal their first win of the year

Italy trounced 14-man Romania – who lost lock Adrian Motoc early on – running in a whopping nine tries to one en route to a 57-7 triumph in San Benedetto del Tronto on Saturday.

It was a clinical performance from the home side, who dominated for long periods, but their task was made much easier after referee Luke Pearce issued a red card to Motoc in the 10th minute, after he led with his head while clearing out Italy captain Michele Lamaro at a ruck.

In the end, the Azzurri had too much class for the Oaks with Ange Capuozzo leading the way with a brace of tries while Paolo Odogwu, Monty Ioane, Alessandro Garbisi, Giacomo Nicotera, Juan Ignacio Brex, Dino Lamb and Toa Halafihi also crossed the whitewash.

Paolo Garbisi also succeeded with six conversions while Romania’s only points came via a penalty try as Italy clinched their first victory of the year.

The Azzurri were in control of proceedings from the outset and opened the scoring as early as the sixth minute when Odogwu did well to escape the attentions of two defenders ― after Paolo Garbisi found him with a well-timed skip pass ― before crossing in the right-hand corner.

The latter failed with the conversion attempt but Italy continued to hold the upper and things went from bad to worse for the visitors when Motoc received his marching orders soon after.

With a one-man advantage, the home side upped the ante on attack and soon after Motoc’s departure fly-half Paolo Garbisi offloaded to Ioane, who had an easy run-in over the try-line.

Italy continued to dominate as the half progressed and were rewarded with their third try in the 16th minute when scrum-half Alessandro Garbisi outpaced the cover defence before dotting down.

The older Garbisi added the extras which meant the Azzurri were holding a 19-0 lead before Capuozzo got his name onto the scoresheet with a breakaway try from just inside his half midway through the opening period.

The hosts continued to attack and in the 28th minute Nicotera ran onto a pass from Lamaro before burrowing his way over the try-line from close quarters.

10 minutes later, the Oaks made a rare attack inside Italy’s half and they were soon camped inside the hosts’ 22.  They put plenty of pressure on the Azzurri before being rewarded a penalty try after a cynical defensive foul from Lamaro close to his try-line.

🇮🇹🇷🇴 Italy make light work of Romania in San Benedetto del Tronto to seal their first win of the year! #ITAvROM #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/wtuDUkgI0C

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 19, 2023

That meant the teams changed sides with Italy holding a 31-7 lead but despite having their captain in the sin bin, the Azzurri were fastest out of the blocks after the restart when Brex rounded off a flowing move which Paolo Garbisi started inside his own half.

Soon after that, Romania were reduced to 13 men when Cristian Chirica was yellow carded after a clash of heads while tackling Ioane.  That happened in the 46th minute and eight minutes later the home side were rewarded when Capuozzo crossed for his second try in spectacular fashion out wide.

In the 66th minute, relentless pressure from the Azzurri resulted in a converted try from Lamb which brought up a half century of points before Halafihi crossed for their final try in the 72nd minute ― which Garbisi also converted ― to seal an emphatic win.

Most experienced England team defeat Wales despite Owen Farrell red

England have defeated Wales 19-17 in their second Rugby World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham despite a red card for captain Owen Farrell.

Steve Borthwick named the most experienced England team ever, with 1067 Test caps worth of experience for the fixture.

However, his team’s performance was filled with ill-discipline, with three yellow cards adding to Farrell’s red.

Farrell kicked two penalties to give England a 6-0 lead at half-time, and he added another in the second before his sending-off.  Maro Itoje scored England’s only try, with George Ford adding the conversion and another penalty to seal the result.

Wales were awarded a penalty try in the second half, with Tomos Williams crossing the whitewash and Dan Biggar adding the extras.  Owen Williams slotted one penalty for his side.

At one point during the final quarter, Borthwick’s men were reduced to 12 men when Farrell – whose yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Taine Basham was upgraded to a red by the bunker – followed the sin-binned Freddie Steward and Ellis Genge into the stands.

England’s brainless final quarter saw a 9-3 lead overtaken by a penalty try and swashbuckling Tomos Williams touch-down as an otherwise lifeless encounter exploded into life the moment Steward took Josh Adams out in the air in the 60th minute.

A fourth successive defeat and slump to ninth in the world rankings beckoned, but they rallied bravely and even with three players off the pitch, they claimed a maul try scored by Itoje before Ford landed the winning penalty with three minutes left.

🟥Owen Farrell was red-carded for the first time in a Test match today. #ENGvWAL pic.twitter.com/XWJPYrWsuU

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 12, 2023

Farrell now faces a ban that could see him miss the World Cup opener against Argentina on September 9, with his recent three-match suspension for the same offence in January sure to count against him.

Jack van Poortvliet sustained an ankle injury to leave England sweating on his fitness, while Dewi Lake, Taine Plumtree and Basham emerged concerns for Wales, who ultimately ran out of steam.

There was little to signpost the action to come in a dull first half that saw Farrell reward England’s solid start with a penalty.

The one-way traffic was eventually broken up by a 50-22 that gave the visitors a short-range line-out, but England defended the ensuing maul well, and a rare chance was gone.

Two returning stars making their first appearances under Borthwick made pleasing starts, with Billy Vunipola barrelling into Wales up-front and Elliot Daly showing his athleticism in attack.

Errors cost Wales

Slowly, Wales were clawing their way into the game, but unforced errors hampered them time and again as the match meandered along a stop-start path, unable to shake off its training ground feel.

Lake hobbled off to add to Warren Gatland’s injury concerns at hooker, but England were reeling soon after Van Poortvliet departed following an accidental collision, and Henry Arundell was sent to the sin-bin for not retreating 10 yards.

The half finished with a red rose assault on the whitewash, but in all-too-familiar scenes, they were unable to break through and had to settle for a second Farrell penalty.

Tommy Reffell was sin-binned for not releasing an opponent and over went another Farrell penalty, but Wales were finally off the mark when Owen Williams landed three points.

Plumtree was the next to exit, nursing an injury as play continued to be marred by error after error, another promising spell of England pressure petering out.

Genge came on to win his 50th cap and was then shown a yellow card for collapsing a scrum, but worse was to come when Steward followed him into the sin-bin for taking Adams out in the air.

Adams was close to the line, and Steward’s subsequent tackle on Liam Williams prevented a certain score, so a penalty try was awarded.

Somehow England were the the next to cross through a maul, and when Ford landed a late penalty, their against-the-odds escape act was complete.

Plucky France edge valiant Scotland in see-saw World Cup warm-up

France managed to sneak a 30-27 win against Scotland thanks to a late Thomas Ramos penalty in the Rugby World Cup warm-up match on Saturday.

A brace from Scotland winger Kyle Steyn almost secured the visitors the win, but in the end, Ramos’ boot had the final say at the end of the game.

The two quick-fire tries from Damian Penaud and Charles Ollivon after the half-time break also proved crucial for the hosts.

Scotland made six changes to the side that started last weekend’s 25-21 win over France at Murrayfield, two of which were enforced with the suspended Zander Fagerson and the injured Ben White dropping out.  Captain Jamie Ritchie returned after being troubled by a minor calf issue in recent weeks.

After fielding a shadow side in Edinburgh last weekend, Les Bleus made 13 changes, restoring big-hitters like captain Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, Gael Fickou and Jonathan Danty.

In addition to facing the side ranked second in the world, the Scots also had to contend with 26-degree heat as they emerged from the tunnel to a buoyant home support, clearly revelling in the prospect of hosting the World Cup, which gets underway in less than four weeks.

The Scots – who were 19-0 down after 20 minutes on their last trip to France in February – could easily have wilted in the cauldron, but they set about taking the sting out of the atmosphere by getting themselves into French territory from kick-off.

Following a sustained period of pressure, the visitors took the lead after four minutes when the ball was worked from left to right, and Steyn ran on to a perfectly-weighted pass from Blair Kinghorn before evading a challenge from Gabin Villiere and touching down.  Finn Russell executed the conversion impressively from wide on the right.

France got themselves off the mark in the eighth minute with a penalty from Ramos, but Russell restored the Scots’ seven-point lead with a penalty of his own three minutes later.  Ramos reduced the hosts’ deficit once more with another penalty in the 22nd minute.

The French momentarily thought they had gone ahead in the 29th minute when Dupont raced clear to touch down behind the posts, but the celebrations were cut short as play was pulled back with Ali Price having failed to retreat the necessary 10 yards when Les Bleus took a quick penalty.  There was some consolation for the frustrated home support, however, as the Scotland scrum-half was sin-binned for his infringement.

France, who had been building up a head of steam, soon capitalised on their extra-man advantage as Ntamack cut through the Scottish defence to plant the ball down left of the posts, and Ramos was once again on point with his kick to edge them three ahead.

The visitors desperately needed a strong start to the second half, but their hopes were dented when they conceded two tries – scored by Penaud and Ollivon – within four minutes of the restart.  The unflappable Ramos converted both times.

However, the Scots managed to reduce their arrears in the 62nd minute when Duhan van der Merwe bounded over on the left after a breakthrough attempt from Huw Jones was thwarted just before the line.  Russell was off-target with his kick.

The visitors – having appeared well-beaten – suddenly had some impetus, and they closed to within five points in the 68th minute when Rory Darge forced his way over from close range after a slick build-up, with Russell adding the extras.

Remarkably, Scotland drew level four minutes later when Steyn ran onto a kick-through from George Horne to touch down on the right.  Russell – with the chance to edge his team in front – was just wide with his conversion attempt.

Ramos made no mistake when presented with the opportunity to win a pulsating match for the French in the 78th minute.

Tonga return to winning ways against hapless Canada in Nuku’alofa

Tonga overcame a second-half red card for George Moala to clinch a 28-3 victory against Canada in the first of two Rugby World Cup warm-up matches for the Pacific Islanders in Nuku’alofa on Thursday.

It was a much improved performance from the home side ― who finished winless and at the bottom of the table during the recent Pacific Nations Cup ― as they dominated for long periods and eventually outscored their opponents by four tries to none.

Hard running number eight Sione Vailanu led the way with a brace of five-pointers for the Ikale Tahi while Sam Moli (hooker) and Sonatane Takulua (captain and scrum-half) also crossed the whitewash.

Takulua also succeeded with four conversions which meant he finished with a 13-point haul.

It was a tough day at the office for the North Americans, who will not be participating at the global showpiece for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1987, and their only points came via the boot of Peter Nelson.

Fine start from Tonga

Moli gave the hosts an early lead when he scored his try after breaking off the back of a lineout drive deep inside Canadian territory, before Nelson responded with his three-pointer off the kicking tee.

After that, the hosts had the bulk of the territory and possession and midway through the opening half they were rewarded with a sensational try from Takulua, after Afusipa Taumoepeau and Fine Inisi combined brilliantly in the build-up.

On the stroke of half-time, Vailanu powered over the try-line off the back of a lineout deep inside Canada’s 22 and Takulua added the extras to give Tonga a 21-3 lead at the interval.

The second half was a tighter affair, especially after former All Blacks centre Moala received his marching orders for a dangerous hit on Canada counterpart Ben LeSage in the 45th minute.

Despite their one-man advantage, Canada could not breach the defence of the Ikale Tahi who sealed their victory when Vailanu crossed for his second try in the 51st minute.

Wales keep England try-less in dour Rugby World Cup warm-up victory

Wales kicked off their Rugby World Cup warm-up schedule with an impressive 20-9 win over a disappointing England in Cardiff on Saturday.

Second-half tries from Gareth Davies and George North saw Wales to a confidence-boosting success after what’s been an unsteady period for the squad.

Recent retirements of Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb rocked Welsh rugby, but Warren Gatland’s men tasted victory in their absence.

For England, it was a dismal match at the Principality Stadium, with only three Marcus Smith penalty goals to show for their efforts in a poor showing.

Few players left lasting impressions, although there were some impressive moments from fly-half Smith and number-eight Alex Dombrandt, with Wales responding superbly to a three-point interval deficit.

England were abysmal with their ball-retention, conceding a colossal 22 turnovers, and Wales did not require a second invitation to capitalise.

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny marked his 100th cap by converting both tries and kicking two penalties, with Smith kicking England’s points through three first-half penalties.

England’s opening World Cup game against Argentina is just five weeks away, yet Steve Borthwick will not be reaching for any panic button with three warm-up fixtures still to come on the August schedule.

For Wales, it was a significant confidence-booster following a fifth-placed finish in last season’s Six Nations as they recorded just a third win from the last 11 Tests.

Halfpenny led out the Wales players, who wore black armbands in memory of former Wales captain and coach Clive Rowlands following his death last weekend at the age of 85.

Wales suffered an early injury blow when hooker Ryan Elias was forced off after taking a blow to his right leg, with Dragons forward Elliot Dee replacing him.

A long-range Smith penalty nudged England ahead, rewarding initial dominance as the visitors monopolised possession and territory, putting Wales firmly in back-foot mode.

Smith soon doubled the advantage when Wales were guilty of a scrummaging infringement, but a Halfpenny strike made it 6-3 towards the end of an opening quarter high on intent, yet littered with errors.

Wales fly-half Sam Costelow created the game’s first clear-cut chance 15 minutes before half-tine when his inside pass freed wing Louis Rees-Zammit, but he slipped with England’s line at his mercy.

It was much better from Gatland’s team, and Halfpenny deservedly drew them level through a 26th-minute penalty.

England responded through some clever work from Smith that created space for centre Joe Marchant, before wing Joe Cokanasiga was tackled into touch near the corner-flag.

Despite conceding 12 turnovers during the first 35 minutes, England remained on top, while there were also scrummaging issues for Wales as debutant props Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti had a testing opening half.

Smith completed his penalty hat-trick to make it 9-6 at the interval, yet England knew they needed to sharpen their attacking edge in the second period.

Second half

The game required a spark, and Wales duly found one just eight minutes into the second period.

Costelow’s kick found number eight Aaron Wainwright, and his one-handed pass was collected by captain Jac Morgan, who brushed off challenges from Cokanasiga and replacement Jonny Hill before a supporting Davies touched down.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Take a bow, Jac Morgan and Wales. Gareth Davies over. #WALvENGpic.twitter.com/rVUNwTPwOe

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 5, 2023

It was a try of outstanding quality, and Halfpenny’s conversion opened up a four-point lead before Gatland made four changes.

The new arrivals included debutants Taine Plumtree and former England prop Henry Thomas, who qualifies for Wales through his father.

Thomas was able to switch countries under new World Rugby regulations which mean players can feature for their country of birth – or their parents’ or grandparents’ birth – provided a minimum period of three years has elapsed since they were last selected for an adopted country.

Borthwick also rang changes midway through the third quarter, introducing international newcomers Theo Dan and Tom Willis as England looked to reassert themselves in the contest.

But Wales were a team transformed after the break, and when North crossed for his 45th try in the red shirt England entered the final quarter 11 points adrift.

Wales were within inches of adding a third try during the closing minutes, but Rees-Zammit knocked on behind the line under pressure from England full-back Freddie Steward.

The damage, though, had long been done ahead of next Saturday’s return fixture at Twickenham.

Caelan Doris double helps Ireland see off injury-hit Italy

Two tries from Caelan Doris helped Ireland kick off their Rugby World Cup warm-up schedule with a 33-17 victory over Italy at the Aviva Stadium.

Doris scored a try in both halves that was added to by Dave Kilcoyne’s early crossing, with Stuart McCloskey and Cian Healy also going over in Dublin.

Italy’s tries came from Lorenzo Pani and Tommaso Menoncello, but injury concerns over Marco Riccioni and Menoncello further soured the defeat.

However, it wasn’t just Italy with injury worries as Jack Conan, Jimmy O’Brien and Craig Casey were replaced in what looked precautionary moves.

An experimental side missing a host of rested stars, in addition to suspended skipper Johnny Sexton, overcame a sloppy beginning to cruise to a 15th successive home victory.

Ireland were back in action for the first time since clinching the Grand Slam against England in March.

Andy Farrell retained only three of the players who began that day as part of an unfamiliar XV, while Italy included England-born debutants Paolo Odogwu and Dino Lamb in a strong selection.

The Aviva Stadium was far from full for the late kick-off and Ireland’s sluggish start, during which Tommaso Allan’s early penalty put the visitors ahead, initially did little to enhance the subdued atmosphere.

Italy lost Saracens prop Riccioni to injury inside 10 minutes and that setback was quickly compounded by Kilcoyne burrowing over at the other end to register his first Test try since November 2014.

The score settled Ireland down to an extent and they capitalised on Italian indiscipline to stretch the scoreboard just before the half-hour mark.

Doris claimed the second try of the evening, crashing over wide on the right, moments after Azzurri loosehead Danilo Fischetti was sin-binned for failing to retreat.

Conan’s 35th-minute departure was an unwelcome sight for Farrell but the hosts’ performance continued to improve, with man-of-the-match Doris proving to be a real menace.

The Leinster man, selected in the unfamiliar position of openside flanker, produced a crushing tackle on Stephen Varney deep inside Italian territory to pave the way for McCloskey to power over.

Jack Crowley landed his third conversion of the evening to make it 21-3 at the interval.

Farrell shuffled his pack slightly for the restart, introducing the uncapped Ciaran Frawley at fly-half and pushing Crowley to full-back in place of the withdrawn O’Brien, who had received treatment on a shoulder issue.

A further change was required just four minutes later as scrum-half Casey followed Conan and O’Brien into the treatment room.

Italy, whose only Dublin success came in 1997, had struggled for territory in the opening period.

☘️🇮🇹 Five-try Ireland prove too strong for Italy in Dublin. #IREvITA pic.twitter.com/P8X8P7OS8m

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 5, 2023

But, on the back of some cheap penalties conceded by Ireland, they reduced their deficit in the 51st minute when Pani was afforded yards of space on the right to charge forward and hold off the attempts of Jacob Stockdale.

Replacement prop Healy then celebrated moving level with Rory Best as Ireland’s third most-capped player on 124 appearances with his 12th international try.

Menoncello again reduced the arrears for Italy 12 minutes from time before the impressive Doris had the final say.

Springboks overcome poor first-half performance to defeat Argentina

South Africa produced a much improved display after the interval to overcome Argentina for the second time in a week following a 24-13 triumph in Buenos Aires.

The Springboks opened the game’s account via a Manie Libbok penalty, but Los Pumas would go into the break 10-3 in front through Gonzalo Bertranou’s try and Emiliano Boffelli’s three-pointer.

Jacques Nienaber’s charges responded at the start of the second period, however, as Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moddie touched down to regain their advantage.

It was a lead they would not relinquish with Libbok, despite a disappointing day with the boot, sealing the win with a trio of penalties.

Argentina were ultimately left frustrated having gone into this contest with high hopes of toppling the world champions after their brave 22-21 defeat in Johannesburg.

With the Springboks also showing several changes from the clash the previous weekend, that provided a further boost for the Argentines.

It was goal-kicking which let Michael Cheika’s men down in the Rugby Championship loss, but on Saturday it was South Africa who struggled off the tee.

Libbok did open the scoring with a penalty but he missed two further three-point opportunities.  They were also held up twice over the line as the hosts’ last-ditch defence frustrated the Boks.

It proved costly for the visitors in the first half as they allowed Los Pumas to build a platform.

Under pressure, the visitors began to infringe and, from one such moment of ill-discipline, Bertranou caught the South African rearguard unawares, taking a quick-tap penalty and stepping Deon Fourie to touch down.

Santiago Carreras missed one conversion and two penalty attempts last week but Cheika brought Boffelli back for this encounter and the sharp-shooter was on target to make it a seven-point score.

The star back three player then added another off the tee after Franco Mostert had been yellow carded as Argentina took a 10-3 advantage into the interval.

South Africa began the second period a man down but that only served to inspire the Boks, and more specifically fly-half Libbok.

Los Springboks aprovecharon el sector corto y Makazole Mapimpi llegó al in-goal de #LosPumas. 🇿🇦⚡#ESPNenStarPlus pic.twitter.com/bTnEny73DC

― ScrumRugby (@ScrumESPN) August 5, 2023

Firstly, the playmaker brilliantly converted Mapimpi’s try from out wide before his outstanding crossfield kick was collected and finished off by Moodie.

Those quick-fire scores while Mostert was off the field moved the visitors 15-10 ahead before Boffelli reduced the arrears going into the final half-hour.

Libbok’s issues off the tee then returned as the pivot missed another effort, but he would be on target with just over 20 minutes remaining.

The playmaker then added two more three-pointers in the last quarter to make sure of the triumph as the Springboks finished the match in the ascendency.

Scotland come from 18 points down to stun World Cup hosts France

Scotland came back from 21-3 down at half-time to claim an impressive 25-21 win over France in their Rugby World Cup warm-up clash at Murrayfield.

It was quite the turnaround from Gregor Townsend’s charges as they looked well off the pace in the opening 40 minutes, going in 18 points behind Les Bleus.

But tries after the break from Darcy Graham, Pierre Schoeman and Dave Cherry secured a confidence-boosting victory ahead of the global tournament.

France shot out of the blocks with tries from Baptiste Couilloud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey before Cameron Woki crossed just before the half-time break.

The shine was taken off the triumph, however, by the sight of scrum-half Ben White limping off with a worrying-looking ankle injury just four weeks out from their World Cup opener against South Africa, while they will also face an anxious wait to learn the fate of prop Zander Fagerson following his red card.

Scotland head coach Townsend made 13 changes to the experimental team that defeated Italy a week previously, with most of his big-hitters restored.

Finn Russell was handed the captaincy for the first time in the absence of regular skipper Jamie Ritchie, who missed out with a minor calf injury which medical staff hope will subside in time for next weekend’s rematch between the teams in Saint-Etienne.

The French starting line-up featured three debutants in Paul Boudehent, Emilien Gailleton and Bielle-Biarrey, with Antoine Dupont, Gael Fickou and Romain Ntamack among a raft of established players given the weekend off.

The team selections meant Scotland – despite being ranked three places beneath the French – went into the match as favourites with bookmakers.

The hosts got the scoreboard up and running in the fourth minute when Russell kicked a penalty between the posts.

However, Les Bleus seized the initiative in scintillating fashion in the 14th minute when Couilloud was set free to bound over the line after a brilliant breakaway down the right involving Bielle-Biarrey and Matthieu Jalibert.  The latter made no mistake with the conversion.

The visitors remained in the ascendancy and stretched their advantage after 24 minutes when debutant Bielle-Biarrey found a gap on the left and darted majestically through it after being fed by Jalibert, who duly converted.

Scotland’s woes deepened when White was forced off with an injury after half an hour, replaced by George Horne.

The scrum-half looked dejected as he made his way off the pitch and punched the bench in frustration before having his ankle bandaged up by medics and limping down the tunnel.

The Scots thought they had reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute when Duhan van der Merwe found his way over the line, but play was pulled back for a French scrum following a forward pass.

A disastrous first half for the home side was compounded in the last action before the break when Woki picked the ball up at the back of a ruck and plunged over the line from close range.  Jalibert again added the extras.

Scotland started the second period in brighter fashion, with Graham running on to a cross-field kick from Russell and just doing enough to plant the ball down under pressure from Ethan Dumortier.  Following a TMO review to approve the score, Russell kicked the conversion.

Just as the hosts looked to be finding their way back into the match, though, they suffered another blow in the 50th minute when Fagerson was sin-binned for a high challenge on Pierre Bourgarit.  Following a bunker review, the offence was subsequently upgraded to a red card.

However, the 14 men further reduced the French lead in the 54th minute as Schoeman bulldozed his way through to touch the ball down, with Russell converting.

The Scots were rampant and they thought they had got their noses in front when Blair Kinghorn bolted in behind the posts, but it was ruled out for a knock-on by Graham.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland lead thanks to this Dave Cherry crossing. #SCOvFRApic.twitter.com/kkJRhiRhgE

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 5, 2023

Remarkably, however, they did get themselves ahead in the 67th minute when substitute Cherry pushed his way over.  This time Russell hit the post with his conversion attempt.

The captain was more accurate six minutes later as his penalty gave the Scots a four-point lead before they withstood some late French pressure to see out the win.

All Blacks' fightback floors the Wallabies in Bledisloe Cup thriller in Dunedin

The All Blacks recovered from being 3-17 down at half-time to beat the Wallabies 23-20 in a thrilling Bledisloe Cup encounter at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.

After winning the Bledisloe Cup for the 21st successive year in Melbourne last week, the All Blacks made wholesale changes to their starting line-up and it showed as their opponents were the better team during the opening half.

However, the home side took control of proceedings after the interval and held their nerve to clinch a thrilling win, with Richie Mo’unga slotting the match-winning penalty in the game’s dying moments.

The All Blacks’ other points came via tries from Shaun Stevenson and Samipeni Finau while Damian McKenzie added a conversion and a penalty and Mo’unga also slotted a conversion and another three-pointer off the kicking tee.

For the Wallabies, Marika Koroibete and Tom Hooper crossed the whitewash while Carter Gordon contributed seven points courtesy of a couple of conversions and a penalty and Quade Cooper also added a penalty.

The Wallabies made a terrific start and after taking the ball through several phases with their forwards they struck out wide with their backs as early as the third minute.  Koroibete did brilliantly when he ran onto a pass from Samu Kerevi before crossing for the opening try in the left-hand corner despite desperate tackles from Stevenson and Finlay Christie.

Shortly afterwards, it was a similar story when Angus Bell took the ball into contact inside New Zealand’s 22 with a powerful carry and the ball was recycled quickly.  Kerevi turned provider again when he offloaded to Hooper, who powered through tackles from McKenzie and Stevenson before crashing over for his team’s second try.

The All Blacks seemed shellshocked by the intensity of the Wallabies’ onslaught but they finally opened their account in the 14th minute when McKenzie slotted a penalty.

Despite that, the visitors continued to hold the upper-hand and 10 minutes later they came close to scoring their third try when Pone Fa’amausili went over under New Zealand’s posts but his effort was disallowed as Samisoni Taukei’aho held him up while crossing the whitewash.

However, the All Blacks had strayed offside in the build-up and Gordon was successful with the resulting penalty which gave the Wallabies a deserved 17-3 lead.

They had an opportunity to increase their lead on the half hour-mark when Tate McDermott made a dash for the try-line but he too was held up after a desperate tackle from Ardie Savea.

It was a different All Blacks side which came out for the second half as they were much more competitive after the break and immediately went on the front foot from the kick off as they were soon camped inside the Wallabies’ 22.

Dallas McLeod and Leicester Fainga’anuku caught the eye with powerful carries which sucked in the Wallabies’ defence before McKenzie found Stevenson with an excellent skip pass and the debutant did well to dive over for his first Test try.

🔥 Try on debut for Shaun Stevenson! The All Blacks are back in this one. #NZLvAUS #BledisloeCup pic.twitter.com/U1sQybG1jP

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 5, 2023

That score saw the All Blacks upping the ante on attack and in the 55th minute Fainga’anuku broke through a couple of tackles before barging over under the posts, but television replays revealed that he had lost control of the ball while crossing the try-line and his score was ruled out.

Despite that setback, momentum had swung in New Zealand’s favour and in the 57th minute Mo’unga, who had come on to replace McKenzie, narrowed the gap to four points when he slotted a penalty.

On the hour-mark, Gordon had a chance to give his team its seven-point lead again but his penalty attempt struck an upright.  Five minutes later, they were made to pay for that blunder when another Test rookie, Finau, crossed for his five-pointer after the All Blacks’ forwards had put the Wallabies under pressure with some strong carries in the build-up.

That converted try gave the hosts a 20-17 lead but the Wallabies drew level in the 73rd minute when Cooper landed a long-range penalty.

Just before full-time, however, the visitors were penalised at a scrum and Mo’unga held his nerve from 45 metres out to slot the match-winning penalty for the All Blacks.

Five-try Fiji beat 14-man Japan to claim Pacific Nations Cup title

Fiji secured their sixth Pacific Nations Cup title after they beat Japan 35-12 in their final-round match at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Tries from Waisea Nayacalevu, Eroni Mawi, Simi Kuruvoli and a double from Frank Lomani helped the islanders to an impressive win over the Brave Blossoms.

Ben Volavola added eight points off the tee, while for Japan, their scores came via Jone Naikabula and Semisi Masirewa, meaning they finish third on the table.

Strong start from Fiji

After withstanding an early attack from Japan, the Fijians broke downfield, and with just three minutes on the clock, centre Nayacalevu raced under the uprights.

Volavola added the simple conversion to move his outfit 7-0 to the good in a score that settled any nerves whilst denting the confidence and noise in the crowd.

The hosts’ dismal start was compounded soon after when Lappies Labuschagne was red-carded for making head-on-head contact with Vilimoni Botitu in a tackle.

Fiji would make them pay on 17 minutes as prop Mawi claimed their second try of the game as he crashed over before Volavola made it a 14-point advantage.

The Flying Fijians weren’t done in the first half either as scrum-half Kuruvoli scooted over, with Volavola’s conversion sending the visitors in 21-0 in the lead.

Volavola would miss a long-range penalty attempt shortly after the resumption, but he would convert replacement Lomani’s try from in front on 58 minutes.

The islanders then had two tries disallowed by the match officials due to obstruction and a knock-on which kept the scoreline at 28-0 with 17 minutes to play.

Japan got on the board

And with nine minutes remaining, Japan finally had something to show for their hard work, wing Naikabula getting to his feet after not being held for the try.

Masirewa would dive over on the left wing to make it 28-12, with the conversion unsuccessful before Lomani struck in added time to add gloss to Fiji’s victory.

🇫🇯 FIJI ARE PACIFIC NATIONS CUP CHAMPIONS! #FIJvJPN #PNC2023 pic.twitter.com/uR7SxMnoKN

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 5, 2023

The win for Fiji sees them seal the Pacific Nations Cup title with three wins, finishing ahead of second-placed Samoa, who beat Tonga earlier on Saturday.

Fiji are drawn in the same Rugby World Cup pool as Australia, Wales, Georgia and Portugal and kick off their campaign against the Welsh on September 10.

Samoa end Pacific Nations Cup in style with bonus-point win over Tonga

Samoa proved too strong for Tonga in their final round Pacific Nations Cup encounter in Apia on Saturday as they clinched a deserved 34-9 bonus-point victory.

As the scoreline suggests, the home side were full value for their win as they outscored their visitors by four tries to none with hooker Sama Malolo, flanker Miracle Fai’ilagi, inside centre Duncan Paia’aua and replacement scrum-half Melani Matavao crossing the whitewash.

Fine goal-kicking from Alai D’angelo Leuila

Their other points came via the boot of fly-half Alai D’angelo Leuila, who finished with a 14-point haul after he slotted four conversions and a couple of penalties.

For Tonga, fly-half William Havili added a penalty before his replacement, Otumaka Mausia, also succeeded with a couple of three-pointers off the kicking tee.

The visitors were fastest out of the blocks and opened the scoring in the third minute via Havili’s penalty but Samoa were level by the 17th minute when Leuila landed his first shot at goal.

Five minutes later, Samoa took the lead when Malolo crossed for the opening try from close range before Mausia reduced the deficit when he landed his first penalty in the 28th minute.

Mausia and Leuila then traded penalties during the closing stages of the first half which meant Samoa held a slender 13-9 lead when the teams changed sides at the break.

Strong finish from Samoa

Samoa stepped up a couple of gears on attack after half-time and they were rewarded in the 46th minute when Fai’ilagi scored his try off the back of a rolling maul deep inside Tonga territory.

The next 10 minutes was an arm wrestle as the sides battled to gain the ascendancy but it was the home side who scored next as Paia’aua crossed for a well-taken try and with Leuila adding the extras they were in control of proceedings.

And in the 64th minute Matavao pounced on a lineout from Tonga which went awry deep inside their half and sealed the home side’s win and their bonus point when he crossed for their fourth five-pointer.

Impressive All Blacks once again claim Rugby Championship title

New Zealand retained both the Rugby Championship title and Bledisloe Cup after they after hammered Australia 38-7 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In truth, the scoreline didn’t really do justice to the visitors’ efforts, who fronted up for the majority of the match, but it simply showcased how much Ian Foster’s men have progressed over the past 12 months.

Following disappointing defeats to South Africa and Argentina, the Wallabies were better in Melbourne and after 30 minutes they held a 7-5 advantage through Rob Valetini’s try.

New Zealand had begun the half well as Shannon Frizell went over before they ended it on the front foot thanks to tries from Codie Taylor and Will Jordan.

The All Blacks then withstood long periods of pressure in the second half, which proved crucial as they cut loose, scoring three times in the final 22 minutes.

Caleb Clarke, Mark Telea and Rieko Ioane all touched down to complete the win and make sure their kept hold of the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship.

It was a mixed start from Aaron Smith, who threw the ball straight into touch in the opening exchanges, but he then produced a pinpoint box-kick which took play into the Australian 22.

From the resultant Wallabies lineout, the hosts took clean ball off the top, but Scott Barrett was waiting and sent Tate McDermott into next week with a huge hit.  The scrum-half duly lost possession and Frizell was on hand to touch down to hand the visitors the lead.

To McDermott’s credit, he responded well and dictated proceedings nicely from the base, while his half-back partner Carter Gordon – on his first Test start – mixed play up nicely.

With big runners Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete and Mark Nawaqanitawase picking lines in the midfield, the Wallabies were dangerous.

Nawaqanitawase was particularly effective and the wing made a significant incursion as he ran over the isolated Smith and surged into the New Zealand 22.

Eddie Jones’ men showed patience to go through the phases and eventually Valetini was awarded a try after consultation with the television match official.

The Australians were at that point matching the All Blacks physically but gradually Ian Foster’s charges got on top.

They were very direct and structured, something which attack guru Joe Schmidt has added to their armoury, and eventually the home side’s defence was breached.

After Koroibete had been sin-binned for being offside, the All Blacks took advantage of his absence when a powerful driving maul ended in Taylor crossing the whitewash.

Richie Mo’unga’s conversion then increased their buffer to five but all was not lost for the Wallabies, who were very much in the game.  However, a mistake from Gordon handed the visitors a final opportunity before the break and, in typical New Zealand fashion, they were clinical as Jordan scored.

2⃣3⃣ caps
2⃣3⃣ tries

🇳🇿 Will Jordan is a try machine. #RugbyChampionship #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/nHdXzkUkVa

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 29, 2023

The momentum had very much switched the All Blacks’ way but Australia did not give in and dominated the first 15 minutes of the second period.  However, there was no reward for their efforts as their opponents’ defence remained stubborn in the face of some big runners.

Taniela Tupou, making his return to the international arena, made several rampaging runs, but one such surge led to him picking up an injury.

Bizarrely, Jones decided to keep him on the field while he was clearly struggling and it proved costly as, with his last act, the tighthead was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle.

The head coach was reluctant to bring Tupou off due to the serious injury suffered by Allan Alaalatoa but, with the World Cup looming and James Slipper able to cover that position, it was a strange call by the Wallabies.

And with Australia down to 14 men once again, the All Blacks would make sure of the victory.  Firstly, Clarke crossed the whitewash before fellow wing Telea followed him to effectively secure the Rugby Championship title.

With the game in the bag New Zealand could enjoy themselves and they put together the try of the competition, which ended in Ioane going over.

It was a fitting final try as they showed the rugby world that they will be a significant threat come the Rugby World Cup.

Springboks edge Argentina to seal second place in Rugby Championship

South Africa finished their Rugby Championship campaign with a hard-fought 22-21 victory over Argentina at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Los Pumas will rue their missed attempts at goal as Santiago Carreras had a disappointing outing off the tee, missing two penalties and one conversion.

Mateo Carreras and Gonzalo Bertranou scored Argentina’s tries but it was too little too late for the visitors as South Africa had a cushion to cling on to.

That was because of tries from Eben Etzebeth, Damian de Allende and Manie Libbok, with the latter kicking two conversions and a penalty goal as well.

It was a concerning opening minute for the Springboks when scrum-half Grant Williams was escorted off the field on a stretcher after being knocked out while looking to clear his lines from the kick off.  Pumas full-back Juan Cruz Mallia’s flying attempt led to him colliding with the number nine who came off second best.

Faf de Klerk was his replacement but it wasn’t long before his half-back partner, Libbok, was caught offside and Santiago Carreras moved his side 3-0 up.

Their lead was doubled in the 10th minute after Kurt-Lee Arendse was penalised for not rolling away and Carreras made no mistake from range.

South Africa would regroup and Libbok halved the deficit two minutes later with a straightforward penalty from in front, much to the home fans’ delight.

That effort was added to by the first try of the game on 19 minutes when Willie le Roux found Etzebeth on the right wing, who trampled over the would-be tackler before diving over for a memorable crossing.  Libbok was unsuccessful with his conversion attempt but South Africa had their noses in front by two points.

The hosts’ tails were now well and truly up and they set about turning the screw, inside centre De Allende doubling their try account with a score at the back of a rolling maul as the half-hour approached.  Libbok slotted the extra two points and suddenly the Springboks had a 15-6 cushion at a raucous Ellis Park.

Carreras did cut that gap to six with his third penalty of the game a minute before the break before Arendse went close to crossing just prior to half-time.

The second half continued to be physical and Argentina were largely dominant but could not turn pressure into points as Santiago Carreras was wasteful.

He missed an attempt on 48 minutes and again just after the hour mark, with those wayward kicks coming back to haunt the visitors with 11 minutes to go.

🇿🇦 Springboks edge Los Pumas. #RugbyChampionship #RSAvARG pic.twitter.com/uuz4cVGqA6

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 29, 2023

Los Pumas were chancing their arm at this point with ball in hand and under heavy contact and pressure from the Boks, the ball came loose and was gathered by De Klerk.  The scrum-half set off from just outside his 22 but swiftly realised that Libbok had the pace to cruise over and handed his fly-half a run to the line.

Libbok’s conversion moved the Springboks 22-9 to the good and despite Los Pumas hitting back through Mateo Carreras on 75 minutes, this after De Allende was yellow carded for deliberately knocking down the ball, Santiago Carreras’ missed extras from wide out crucially kept the margin above one score at 22-14.

That meant Argentina were only playing for a losing bonus-point in the final minute which, to their credit, they claimed thanks to Bertranou darting over from close range.  This time the conversion was successful but Los Pumas had come up short, with South Africa hanging on to finish in second place in the table.

Scotland fight back to beat Italy in Rugby World Cup warm-up game

Scotland battled back from 6-5 down to overcome Italy 25-13 in their Rugby World Cup warm-up fixture at Murrayfield on Saturday.

A try in each half from wing Darcy Graham proved decisive in the end result while replacement back-row Josh Bayliss added a third late in the game.

Former Munster and Ireland age-grade star Ben Healy chipped in with 10 points off the tee in an assured performance in his first Test start at fly-half.

Italy’s only try scorer on the day was Monty Ioane, with Tommaso Allan kicking the conversion and two penalty goals as the Azzurri suffered a defeat.

Graham was one of the few established starters in Gregor Townsend’s XV as he allowed several of his key players the weekend off ahead of the upcoming double-header against World Cup hosts France.

Glasgow centre Stafford McDowall was given his international debut while Glasgow prop Murphy Walker and Edinburgh fly-half Healy – both previously capped – made their first starts.

It looked like it might be a difficult afternoon for the Scots when the visitors instantly got themselves on the front foot and had their hosts penned inside their own half for the opening five minutes.

However, the hosts burst into life after six minutes when Healy, working off a turnover, kicked a ball into space for Graham to chase down but the rapid Edinburgh wing was thwarted by some impressive defending just as he looked set to get himself clear.

The same two players combined as the hosts made the breakthrough in the 13th minute.  Healy again kicked wide to the right, picking out Graham who was already beyond the try-line as he received the ball before helping himself to a straightforward touchdown.  Healy was unable to add the extras as his conversion attempt went wide.

However, the Azzurri managed to get themselves in front by half-time courtesy of a couple of penalties from Allan, the Harlequins fly-half who has a Scottish father as well as an uncle capped nine times by Scotland in the early 1990s.

Allan reduced the deficit with a close-range effort in the 26th minute and then in the last action of a largely underwhelming first half the number 10 sent another kick soaring between the posts from inside Scotland’s 10-metre line.

Scotland got themselves back in front eight minutes after the interval when Healy pinged over a penalty.  And in the 55th minute, Graham scored his second try of the match when he received a reverse pass from Ali Price and bounded over the line.  Healy was accurate with the conversion as the Scots opened up a 15-6 advantage.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Josh Bayliss with a lovely finish out wide for Scotland. #SCOvITA pic.twitter.com/t41k7oWmgf

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 29, 2023

Italy got back into the match just after the hour, however, when Ioane went over on the left after a lovely pass from Allan, who duly converted.

Leicester lock Cam Henderson became the second Scotland debutant of the afternoon when he replaced Scott Cummings and the hosts regained control when Healy kicked another penalty in the 74th minute.

The Scots finished on a high note, with substitute Bayliss scoring his first international try – converted by the impressive Healy – in the last action of the match.

Japan bounce back with hard-fought triumph over plucky Tonga

Japan returned to the victory trail when they clinched a hard-fought 21-16 triumph over Tonga in their Pacific Nations Cup encounter in Higashiosaka on Saturday.

After starting their campaign with a narrow loss to Samoa last weekend, the Brave Blossoms delivered an improved performance and bounced back against the ‘Ikale Tahi to keep their hopes alive of winning the competition.

The home side eventually outscored the Pacific Islanders by three tries to two with Jone Naikabula, Amato Fakatava and Semisi Masirewa crossing the whitewash while their other points came courtesy of penalties from Seungsin Lee and Rikiya Matsuda.

For Tonga, Sonatane Takulua and Samuela Moli scored tries and their other points came via the boot of William Havili, who succeeded with two three-pointers off the kicking tee.

Brave Blossoms strike first

The Brave Blossoms dominated the early exchanges and took the lead in the 19th minute when Naikabula rounded off a flowing backline move ― in which Masirewa was prominent.

Despite that setback, the visitors had the bulk of the possession as the half progressed and they struck back with Takulua’s try three minutes later.

Japan finished the half stronger, however, and after Lee slotted his penalty on the half-hour mark, Fakatava crossed for their second try after a superb offload from Naikabula which gave the hosts a 13-5 lead at the interval.

The second half started brightly for the visitors when Havili reduced the deficit with his first penalty shortly after the restart and in the 46th minute he succeeded with his second one which meant the Brave Blossoms were holding a narrow two-point lead.

Japan needed a response and that came in the 52nd minute when Masirewa went over for his try after running onto a well-timed pass from Ryohei Yamanaka.

No surrender from Tonga

However, Tonga did not surrender and they struck back in the 56th minute when Moli dotted down after a rolling maul from their forwards deep inside the Brave Blossoms’ 22.

The final quarter was a closely fought battle as both sides tried to gain the ascendancy but Japan sealed their victory in the 66th minute when Matsuda slotted the match-winning penalty.

Flying first-half blitz seals Fiji a victory over Pacific Island rivals Samoa

Fiji made it two from two in 2023 after defeating Manu Samoa 33-19 in their second Pacific Nations Cup clash on Saturday in Apia as they continue to build towards Rugby World Cup 2023.

Hooker Tevita Ikanivere dotted down on either side of centre Iosefo Masi’s 14th-minute try, with winger Selestino Ravutaumada adding a fourth as the Fijians romped to a 30-5 lead ― fly-half Caleb Muntz adding two conversions and two penalties.

Christian Leali’ifano’s unconverted try was Samoa’s only points of the first half as they struggled to contain the Fijians.

Samoa were able to cut the deficit in the second half thanks to tries from winger Tumua Manu and captain Fritz Lee, but in the end, Fiji did enough in the opening half to secure the 33-19 victory.

Tevita Ikanivere claims a brace

After a stellar season with the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, Ikanivere opened the scoring with a quickly taken penalty just seven minutes into the clash ― this coming after Leali’ifano missed a just chance to put Samoa ahead with a penalty just three minutes prior.

Fiji captain Semi Radradra set up his centre partner Masi, who was on debut, for his try with a brilliant skip pass to further the visitors’ lead.

After Ikanivere grabbed his second in the 17th minute, it was looking grim for the hosts as they were leaking a point a minute, trailing 17-0.

Samoa finally got on the board through Leali’ifano in the 20th minute as he crossed the whitewash, but it was from the kind performance that earned the side a 24-22 victory over Japan last week.

Fiji had the final say of the half as Ravutaumada sped down the touchline to score his side’s fourth try, with Muntz adding the conversion and two more penalties.

The hosts looked to mount a comeback with a bright start to the second half as Manu scored six minutes after the break, and captain Lee dotted down just after the hour mark.

However, the deficit was just too large as Muntz added just three points to Fiji’s tally in the second 40 minutes.

The win keeps Fiji at the top of the Pacific Nations Cup standings on 10 points as they look set to take the title off Samoa as they make the trip to Japan next week for their final match.

Speaking after the game, Fiji captain Radradra said, “The first half, we really did well, but we let them come back in the second.  Hopefully, we can make some improvements for next week.”

Samoa skipper Lee said that his side could take some learnings from the clash:  “There’s a lot of things to work on, but there’s definitely a lot of positives as well,” the number eight said.  “We’ve got to move on towards the World Cup, and we look forward to playing next week (against Tonga).”

Rugby World Cup concern for Japan following ‘disappointing’ form

Quarter-finalists from 2019, Japan, continue to struggle ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup, leaving their head coach Jamie Joseph with plenty to correct.

The Brave Blossoms began the Pacific Nations Cup in frustrating fashion after going down 24-22 to Samoa on Saturday.

Michael Leitch’s red card no doubt played a significant part as the Pacific Islanders touched down three times after the back-row departed the field.

It summed up the Asian side’s struggles since the last World Cup, who have lost their last seven encounters.

Improving the discipline

“I am really disappointed obviously with the result.  It is very difficult to win a Test with a man down with 50 minutes to go,” Joseph told Kyodo News.

“We were confident at half-time in our own ability and playing.  The game was always on edge even though we were a man down all the second half.

“We did well and stayed in the game until the very end but we were not quite good enough.  If we had not lost a player, then I think the result would have been a little different.

“We need to be better all-round in skill and discipline.”

Japan battled well against a talented Samoa side but confidence is evidently low as Joseph blamed the errors from their experienced players for the narrow defeat.

“I thought our forwards kept us in the game,” he said.  “They defended very well against a very direct and physical side.  We put them under pressure at line-outs and that stopped their flow and that kept us in the game.

“The young guys did well and made an impact.  The guys dropping the ball were the experienced players.  In Test matches, there is pressure, and we need to be better under pressure.”

Samoan delight

In contrast to the Japanese, Samoa were delighted with both their result and performance as they opened their Pacific Nations Cup campaign in fine style.

“It was exactly what we needed as a team.  We were put under a lot of pressure and are very happy to come away with the win,” said Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua.

“Our new players were put under a lot of pressure, and it is exactly what I was hoping for.  This was their opportunity to put their hand up for a ticket to France, and some played really well and took their opportunity.

“We achieved what we wanted.  First and foremost, to win and then to test ourselves against a top 10 side in the world.”

Fiji hold off Tonga to clinch Pacific Nations Cup victory in Lautoka

Fiji made a superb start to their Pacific Nations Cup campaign when they sealed a hard-fought 36-20 victory over Tonga in Lautoka on Saturday.

In a fast-paced and entertaining encounter, Fiji held the upper-hand for most of this match, but unlike the previous Test between these sides ― which Fiji won 36-0 in Suva last year ― the ‘Ikale Tahi were more competitive.

Solid Test debut or Caleb Muntz

In the end, Fiji proved too strong, however, and they eventually outscored their visitors by five tries to three while debutant fly-half Caleb Muntz had a solid outing as he contributed nine points courtesy of three conversions and a penalty.

Fiji made a fantastic start, and after an extended period of pressure inside Tonga’s half, they were rewarded with a penalty try, and Tonga’s flanker Tanginoa Halaifonua was also yellow carded for his indiscretion, which led to the score.

The hosts continued to dominate and held a 19-0 lead by the 12th minute after their captain, Waisea Nayacalevu, and Sam Matavesi crossed for tries in quick succession.

Tonga needed a response, and they did just that by playing a tighter game, with their forwards more prominent during the rest of the half, and that tactic reaped rewards as Siua Maile and Halaleva Fifita crossed for tries.

Otumaka Mausia succeeded with one conversion and also added a penalty which meant the ‘Ikale Tahi were back in the game as they trailed their hosts by four points.

Despite the visitors’ fightback, Fiji responded when Josua Tuisova crossed for another converted try which meant they held a 26-15 lead at half-time.

The second half was a tighter affair, and Tonga were fastest out of the blocks when replacement back Kyren Taumoefolau crossed for their third try after Charles Piutau had done well in the build-up.

With the score 26-20 to the home side, Tonga were back in the match, and they continued to be competitive for the rest of the second half.

Tight battle

The game’s final quarter was a closely fought battle characterised by great physicality from both sides.  In the 70th minute, Muntz slotted a penalty after Tonga were blown up for straying offside on defence.

That gave Fiji some breathing space, and they secured victory in the game’s closing stages when Peni Matawalu crossed for their fifth five-ponter after a strong driving maul.

All Blacks make statement with dominant victory over the Springboks

New Zealand sent out a message to the rest of the world as they produced an impressive performance to beat South Africa 35-20 in the Rugby Championship.

The All Blacks were utterly sublime in the opening 20 minutes and the Springboks had no answer, with Aaron Smith and Shannon Frizell tries helping the hosts into a 17-0 lead.

Jacques Nienaber’s men did get on the board through Faf de Klerk’s penalty and then gave themselves hope as Malcolm Marx and Cheslin Kolbe touched down in the second period.

However, the accurate kicking of Richie Mo’unga, who slotted three penalties and three conversions, allied by a try from Will Jordan, effectively sealed the victory for the hosts.

The fly-half then rubberstamped the win as he touched down to confirm their second successive victory in this year’s tournament.

With just Australia standing in their way, New Zealand went a long way to retaining their Rugby Championship title, while also making a statement ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

If the All Blacks wanted to lay down a marker ahead of the World Cup, they very much did that in the first quarter.  They were fearsome in every facet, putting their opponents under pressure through their physicality, intensity, speed of ball and execution.

Even the set-piece, a staple of the Springboks’ game, initially went the way of the hosts, who were simply irrepressible in the early stages.

It was easily the best they had played under Ian Foster with the power of the carrying being matched by the accuracy of the kick-chase.

Up front, Frizell had his best game in a black shirt and with Ardie Savea, Scott Barrett and Brodie Retallick joining him in sending the visitors into reverse, Foster’s men were unstoppable.

Behind the scrum, playmakers Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett dictated play magnificently and it was the latter’s long pass to Jordan which set up the first try.

The wing had shown his aerial prowess by pressurising the South African back three under the high ball, but this time he displayed his running ability by scything through the heart of the defence to set up Smith’s score.

It was a storming start but New Zealand were not done yet.  After their fly-half had extended their advantage with a penalty, they went through the phases once again.  The ball was shifted to the left where Frizell was lurking and the back-row swatted away Willie le Roux to touch down.

Everyone, including the All Blacks’ fans, seemed stunned by the sheer ferocity of the home team and South Africa quite frankly needed to get a foothold in the game.

They at least halted the hosts’ surge and got their own big ball carriers more into the game.  That allowed them to set up the position for Kolbe to challenge Beauden Barrett in the air following a cross-field kick.

As Barrett went to ground the full-back lost possession of the ball, allowing Kolbe to potentially to touch down but, in the act of scoring, the wing was deemed to have knocked on, rather than ground, the ball.

📏 Such a close call.

Was it a try, yes or no? 🤔#NZLvRSA #RugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/jnCuPyw4v8

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 15, 2023

The Boks instead had to be content with a De Klerk penalty, which reduced the arrears to 17-3, but that was immediately cancelled out by Mo’unga’s three-pointer as the hosts took a dominant lead into the break.

New Zealand then sought to put the match beyond doubt in the early stages of the second half, but Jordan knocked on after a last-ditch tackle from Kolbe.

It would be the All Blacks’ last opportunity for a while as the visitors began to edge themselves into the contest.  Their set-piece, from scrum to maul, started to function and after a dominant drive, Marx crossed the whitewash to bring his side back into the contest.

The momentum had switched, despite Mo’unga’s penalty, and Le Roux’s excellent pass allowed Kolbe to touch down.  However, the wing then missed the crucial conversion, leaving the visitors outside of converted try range.

It was to prove costly as New Zealand, knowing that they had the eight-point cushion, re-found their composure and put the match to bed.

Firstly, Jordan touched down as he latched on to a kick through before the outstanding Mo’unga well and truly made sure of the win by crossing the whitewash, despite Kwagga Smith’s last minute consolation try.

Argentina late show seals narrow victory over Australia in Sydney

Argentina got their Rugby Championship campaign back on track as they secured a hard-fought 34-31 win over Australia in Sydney on Saturday.

As the scoreline suggests, this was a tightly contested affair and the result was in the balance until the game’s closing stages.

The Wallabies thought they had won the match when Mark Nawaqanitawase scored a runaway try in the 75th minute, but Los Pumas did not surrender and clinched their victory when Juan Martin Gonzalez crossed for the game-winning try in the dying moments.

In the end, both sides scored four tries apiece with Jeronimo de la Fuente, Julian Montoya and Mateo Carreras also crossing the whitewash for Argentina and their other points came via the boot of Emiliano Boffelli, who kicked four conversions and two penalties.

Len Ikitau, Nic White and Samu Kerevi scored the home side’s other tries while Quade Cooper finished with an 11-point contribution courtesy of four conversions and a three-pointer off the kicking tee.

Just like their loss to the Springboks, the Wallabies were fastest out of the blocks and opened the scoring as early as the fifth minute when Ikitau rounded off a flowing move out wide.

This, after Nawaqanitawase caught the visitors by surprise when he took a quick tap penalty before setting off on an attacking run.  He offloaded to Tom Wright, who was stopped in his tracks soon after but the ball was recycled quickly and Cooper found Kerevi out wide with a long pass.  Kerevi then offloaded to Ikitau, who went over in the left hand corner but that would be his last meaningful contribution to the game as he was forced off the field with a shoulder injury after a desperate tackle from Boffelli.

Cooper landed the difficult place-kick from close to the touchline and five minutes later he slotted a penalty which meant the home side were leading 10-0 by the 12th minute.

The visitors needed a response and midway through the half Boffelli opened their account when he landed a three-pointer off the kicking tee.  With points on the board, the visitors’ confidence grew and they were soon camped inside Australia’s half.  In the 26th minute, their forwards took the ball through several phases inside the Wallabies’ 22 before Gonzalo Bertranou got a pass out to De la Fuente, who went over from close quarters.

It was the visitors who held the upper-hand during the rest of the half but despite having the bulk of the possession and territory, they could not add to their points tally.  In the 39th minute, the hosts were reduced to 14 men when Richie Arnold was yellow carded for a cynical defensive foul but despite that the teams changed sides at half-time with the score level at 10-10.

🇦🇺🇦🇷 Late drama as Argentina edge Australia in Sydney! #AUSvARG pic.twitter.com/YLtwiZmPZ6

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 15, 2023

Los Pumas eventually made their numerical advantage count when Montoya barged off the back of a ruck deep inside Wallabies territory before diving over for his side’s third five-pointer in the 45th minute.

However, the topsy-turvy nature to this game continued when White broke around the back of a scrum close to Argentina’s try-line before crossing for his converted try and the sides were level again at 17-17.

Despite that score, Argentina did not panic while Australia were guilty of making several unforced errors.  In the 60th minute, Boffelli added another penalty before Carreras slipped through a tackle from Dave Porecki to extend the visitors’ lead to 10 points.

The Wallabies did not surrender, however, and shortly afterwards Kerevi dotted down after Cooper did well in the build-up.  That meant Argentina were leading 27-24 but they lost the initiative ― and the lead ― when Nawaqanitawase intercepted a wayward Pumas pass close to the Wallabies’ try-line and set off on a 80-metre sprint before diving over for his five-pointer.

With the Wallabies holding the lead again, they needed to hold onto the ball but Kerevi conceded a penalty and the visitors put the ball into touch deep inside their opponents’ territory.

From the resulting lineout they launched a drive before hammering away at Australia’s try-line.  Several players went close before Gonzalez crossed for the match-winning try from close quarters in the 80th minute.

Tonga send warning with promising victory over Australia ‘A’

A high-powered Tonga side claimed a historic 27-21 win over Australia ‘A’ at the Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa on Friday.

The home side started well and held off a second-half surge from Australia ‘A’ to delight their fans.  It only took three minutes for Tonga to score through Salesi Piutau with William Havili missing the conversion.

Taniela Tupou who made his injury return in this clash showcased his strength early on with a scrum penalty.  However, his side would not benefit as Tonga snapped up a loose ball resulting in Fine Inisi going over for a second try in the first 10 minutes.  Havili made no mistake from the tee on this occasion.

The Australians were their own worst enemy and struggled to get into the game because of several handling errors.  The hosts remained at their brutal best and after a string of scrum penalties crossed through Tanginoa Halaifonua on the 24-minute mark.

Piutau was once again at the heart of some stunning play as he put Inisi in for his second try of the clash, giving the hosts a commanding 24-0 lead at half-time.

Game of two halves

Australia ‘A’ needed some magic of their own and it came through James O’Connor who orchestrated some space for speedster Corey Tool five minutes after the break.  Fly-half Bernard Foley was on hand to convert from the touchline.

The try gave the visitors confidence and they grew further into the game with Lachlan Anderson scoring a try of his own just before the hour mark with skipper Foley on hand to nail the kick.

The comeback would come even closer as Josh Flook benefited from a Lukhan Salakai-Loto breakaway to take his team to within three points of Tonga.

However, the hosts hung on after a late penalty from Manu Paea to claim a 27-21 victory.

Foley thanks the Tongan people for their hospitality and the team for their physical battle.

“It’s been great to be here, the hospitality from the Tongan people and Tongan public has been exceptional ― we felt very welcomed coming here,” he said.

“We knew it was going to be a physical match, they really gave it to us at the start and put us under pressure.

“We came up against a really quality side in Tonga with plenty of strike weapons in their backline.  We weren’t able to stop them early on and we paid for that.

“But again, it was a great opportunity for everyone to play here and we’re hungry and motivated to keep going ahead of the Rugby World Cup.”

Seven-try All Blacks begin Rugby Championship in style against Argentina

New Zealand opened their Rugby Championship account with a ruthless 41-12 bonus-point win over Argentina at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on Saturday.

Tries from Dane Coles, Ardie Savea, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett and Emoni Narawa saw the visitors cruise to a maximum.

It was a clinical performance from New Zealand which sets up a possible Rugby Championship title decider with an impressive South Africa next weekend.

In stark contrast, for Argentina this was a significant step backwards as tries from Lucio Sordoni and Agustin Creevy were the only bright spots on an otherwise dismal showing.

It was the perfect opening period for the All Blacks but it almost got off to the worst possible start when Damian McKenzie was charged down near his own try-line.  Fortunately for the fly-half he managed to recover and ground the ball before two looming Pumas as Argentina came close to going in front inside a minute.

That was as good as things got for Argentina though as thus followed an All Blacks stampede that saw them cross five times in the first half.

New Zealand’s first try came on five minutes when a break from Ioane saw him race over halfway before recycled ball led to Scott Barrett putting Coles over.

McKenzie was off-target with the conversion and also missed his second attempt on nine minutes, this after the All Blacks kicked to the corner before phases from the pack saw Barrett go close before Savea caught the Pumas napping to dot down.  McKenzie’s wayward boot was the only blight on an otherwise fine start.

The All Blacks’ third score arrived on 12 minutes and it was a family affair as Jordie and Beauden Barrett combined from deep before the former strolled over.  McKenzie’s successful conversion made it 17-0 before the Pumas finally enjoyed decent possession and field position.  However, they could not get on the board.

New Zealand made them pay on 29 minutes as Ioane bust through two would-be tacklers to cross from 10 metres out, the conversion pushing the visitors 24-0 up.

🇳🇿 Rieko Ioane is having some game. #RugbyChampionship #ARGvNZLpic.twitter.com/qIqj2Ktug2

― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 8, 2023

There was to be one further try before the break, too, with Smith darting over for a try that was compounded for Argentina by Rodrigo Bruni being sin-binned.

Argentina would manage to prevent any further damage being done to the scoreboard before Bruni returned to the fray and in fact crossed shortly after, with Sordoni going over from the back of a ruck for a much-needed try.  Emiliano Boffelli was wayward with the conversion with the lead cut to 26 points in favour of New Zealand.

The home fans’ joy was shortlived, however, as the outstanding McKenzie showed his class with ball in hand to set up Beauden Barrett for a try that made it a 31-point buffer.

While the second period was not as fruitful as the first, New Zealand would continue to build on their lead as a well-worked try was finished by debutant Narawa on the right wing.

But Argentina would wrap up the scoring late on when the talismanic Creevy crashed over for a converted try that at least gave the Pumas something to build on ahead of facing the Wallabies next Saturday.

Kurt-Lee Arendse hat-trick powers Springboks past Wallabies in Pretoria

Kurt-Lee Arendse scored a hat-trick of tries as the Springboks cruised to an easy 43-12 bonus-point victory over the Wallabies in their Rugby Championship opener at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

The home side were full value for this win as they held the upper-hand for long periods and eventually outscored their opponents by six tries to two.

Apart from Arendse’s hat-trick, the Boks were awarded two penalty tries and Pieter-Steph du Toit also crossed the whitewash, while their other points came via the boot of Manie Libbok, who slotted three conversions and a penalty.

For the Wallabies, Marika Koroibete and Carter Gordon scored tries and Gordon also added a conversion.

As expected, the forward battle proved crucial and the Boks’ pack deserve plenty of credit for laying an excellent platform for their backs ― particularly Arendse ― who totally outplayed their opponents.

The opening exchanges were cagey, highlighted by plenty of kicking for territory from both sides.  The Boks had a chance to open the scoring as early as the third minute when the Wallabies infringed at a breakdown about five metres inside the Boks’ half but Libbok’s long range shot at goal fell just short of the crossbar.

The Wallabies drew first blood, however, when, after winning a turnover at a lineout close to the halfway line, they launched a counter-attack in the eighth minute which caught the home side by surprise.

The ball was shifted wide to Koroibete ― with Quade Cooper, Len Ikitau and Tom Wright all handling in the build-up ― and he showed the cover defence a clean pair of heels before crossing in the left-hand corner.

Reece Hodge’s conversion attempt was off target and five minutes later Libbok made up for his earlier miss when he slotted a three-pointer off the kicking tee, after Australia strayed offside on defence.

Shortly afterwards, the Boks launched an attack from just inside their half with Andre Esterhuizen, Marco van Staden and Canan Moodie prominent carriers.  They soon found themselves deep inside Wallabies territory with Steven Kitshoff and Bongi Mbonambi taking the ball into contact before Esterhuizen offloaded to Arendse, who cantered in for his first try.

On the half hour-mark, the Boks launched a drive just outside the Wallabies’ 10-metre line before Van Staden broke away from the maul before offloading to Mbonambi on his outside.  The Bok hooker did well to draw in the last defender before getting a well-timed pass out to Arendse, who crossed for his second try.

Libbok added the extras which meant the home side had their tails up with the score 17-5 in their favour at half-time.

Six-try #Springboks start 2023 with a bang 🇿🇦#StrongerTogether #RSAvAUS #TRC2023 pic.twitter.com/U69YTADCyT

― Springboks (@Springboks) July 8, 2023

The Boks’ dominance continued after the interval as they made a fiery start to the second half and they spent long periods camped inside Wallabies territory.

In the 51st minute, they were rewarded when they were awarded their first penalty try, after Dave Porecki deliberately collapsed a Bok lineout drive close to his try-line and referee Ben O’Keeffe also sent him to the sin bin for that indiscretion.

With a man down, the Boks were rampant on attack and in the 55th minute, after strong carries from Esterhuizen and Du Toit, Lukhanyo Am offloaded to Arendse, who evaded the attentions of three Wallabies before diving over for his third try.

Despite that score, South Africa did not sck off and continued to launch numerous attacks while the Wallabies continued to concede several soft penalties.  A Libbok try was ruled out on the hour-mark, after Du Toit knocked on in the build-up, but in the 68th minute the Boks were awarded another penalty try after Suliasi Vunivalu was penalised for a deliberate knock down close to his try-line ― an offence which also saw him being yellow carded.

And in the 75th minute, the hosts took the ball through several phases inside the Wallabies’ 22 before Du Toit rounded off in style.  That sealed a comprehensive victory although Wallabies replacement back Gordon crossed for a late consolation try which added some respectability to the final score.

Five-try All Blacks XV cruise to comfortable victory over Japan XV in Tokyo

The All Blacks XV got their two-match series against the Japan XV off to a fantastic start when they sealed a 38-6 win over their hosts at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.

As the scoreline suggests, this was a comfortable victory for the visitors who dominated for long periods, especially in the second half as they scored 27 unanswered points during that period after holding an 11-6 lead at half-time.

Fly-half Stephen Perofeta led the way for the All Blacks XV as he scored 16 points courtesy of a try, a conversion and three penalties.  Their other points came via tries from Jack Goodhue, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Alex Nankivell and Folau Fakatava, while Brett Cameron also added a conversion.

For the Japan XV, Rikiya Matsuda succeeded with a couple of penalties.

The home side were fastest out of the blocks when Matsuda opened the scoring in the fifth minute before Perofeta crossed for the All Blacks XV’s first try 10 minutes later, after Christian Lio-Willie laid the groundwork with a powerful run in the build-up off the back of a scrum.

Perofeta was off target with the conversion attempt but then traded penalties with Matsuda which meant the visitors held a slender 8-6 lead midway through the half.

The rest of the half saw All Blacks XV upping the ante on attack but another Perofeta three-pointer off the kicking tee was their only reward before the teams changed sides at the interval.

Full time here in Tokyo!

Arigato gozaimasu 🖤 pic.twitter.com/mPOb16yV1B

― AllBlacksXV (@AllBlacksXV) July 8, 2023

The second half saw Perofeta adding another penalty before Goodhue crossed for a converted try in the 54th minute which gave his side a 21-6 lead.

The next 10 minutes saw the visitors continuing with their dominance and during that period Nanai-Seturo and Nankivell also dotted down, although Cameron failed with both conversion attempts.

Despite having the match in the bag, the All Blacks XV did not take their foot off the pedal and just before full-time Fakatava also crossed the whitewash, with Cameron adding the extras to seal an emphatic win for the New Zealand outfit.

Ireland secure Grand Slam after victory over 14-man England

Ireland claimed their fourth ever Grand Slam after overcoming a 14-man England 29-16 in their Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Freddie Steward was the English player to be given his marching orders seconds before half-time due to connecting with the head of Hugo Keenan.

That sending off came with the scores 10-6 in favour of Ireland and from that moment on the hosts did not look back, as Robbie Henshaw and Dan Sheehan’s second try were then added to late on by replacement hooker Rob Herring to seal the clean sweep.

England‘s only try came from Jamie George while Owen Farrell kicked 11 points, with Steve Borthwick’s charges finishing the Six Nations in fourth.

Yet a bruising Test match belonged to the hosts, with Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton moving clear of Ronan O’Gara as the competition’s all-time record points scorer with a penalty and three conversions to take his overall tally to 566 on his Six Nations swansong before retirement later this year.

Defending champions France had snatched top spot in the standings earlier in the day courtesy of a 41-28 bonus-point victory over Wales to pile the pressure on Ireland.

England, meanwhile, crossed the Irish Sea wounded by last weekend’s record-breaking humiliation at the hands of the French, which emphatically extinguished their title hopes.  They delivered on their vow to come out fighting.

In-form Ireland were never going to have everything their own way and the scrappy opening exchanges were punctuated with errors and turnovers as both sides sought a foothold amid a series of kicking exchanges.

A pair of early Farrell penalties heightened a palpable nervous tension in the air, before Sexton halved England’s lead with his milestone kick just before the midway point.

Ireland orchestrated some decent pressure in enemy territory but initially struggled to slip into their free-flowing rhythm or gain control against dogged opposition showing no signs of rolling over.

The hosts eventually put a meaningful dent on the scoreboard seven minutes before the break when a well-executed line-out move allowed Josh van der Flier to send Sheehan rampaging for the line to spark the crowd.

England lost Charlie Ewels to a red card inside 82 seconds of last year’s 32-15 Twickenham defeat to the Irish.  And they were left facing a similarly uphill task 12 months on as they went into the break 10-6 and a man down after referee Jaco Peyper dismissed Steward for a robust challenge which forced off rival full-back Keenan.

Galvanised by the red card, the hosts reduced the deficit to a single point through another Farrell kick in the second period, with their penalty wins now being celebrated more fervently and the high stakes sparking a couple of flashpoints.

✅ 1948
✅ 2009
✅ 2018
✅ 2023

☘️ It's a fourth Grand Slam success for Ireland. #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/sYSNQkhn7z

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) March 18, 2023

Ireland desperately needed to stretch the scoreboard to capitalise on their numerical advantage and kill off any chance of being forced to face an anxious closing period.

Henshaw alleviated the mounting tension by crossing in the 62nd minute on his first start of this year’s competition, before Sheehan claimed his second score shortly after.

George bulldozed over seven minutes from time as England continued to plug away for pride.

But Borthwick’s men finished the match with just 13 men as flanker Jack Willis was sin-binned late on, before replacement Ireland hooker Herring stretched for the line to complete the scoring.  A deafening roar greeted the full-time whistle.

France end campaign in style with bonus-point win over Wales

Damian Penaud scored two tries as France finished their Six Nations campaign with a 41-28 bonus-point win over Wales in Paris on Saturday.

Penaud crossed in each half as his scores were added to by Jonathan Danty, Uini Atonio and Gael Fickou, with Thomas Ramos sending over 16 points.

George North, Bradley Roberts, Tomos Williams and Rio Dyer scored for Wales in defeat as they end the Six Nations in fifth position, ahead of Italy.

For France they did all they could ahead of Ireland’s showdown with England in Dublin but the English couldn’t do them a favour in the late game.

Ultimately for Wales, it was a Six Nations campaign that produced four defeats, while it will probably be remembered above anything else for the threat of a players’ strike ― albeit averted ― over off-field issues ahead of a home game against England.

Wales have just three games left before their World Cup opener against Fiji in Bordeaux and Warren Gatland has a huge amount of work ahead.

Gatland made six changes to his starting line-up, including vastly-experienced trio Biggar, North and lock Alun Wyn Jones, while number eight Taulupe Faletau won his 100th cap.

France welcomed back Atonio after suspension, with Romain Taofifenua taking over from lock Paul Willemse, who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Wales made a confident start, driving a third-minute lineout from close range, but France managed to hold the ball up and escaped conceding a score.

But Wales were ahead just five minutes later, maintaining relentless pressure and patiently building phase-play before scrum-half Rhys Webb’s defence-splitting pass sent North over for a try that Biggar converted.

France quickly drew level, though, when fly-half Romain Ntamack split open Wales’ defence and skipper Antoine Dupont threw out a long ball to Penaud, who scored, with Ramos’ conversion making it 7-7.

Wales were not daunted by the opposition and they continued to dominate territory and possession, even if France’s scrum began exerting some pressure.

Alun Wyn Jones then went off for a head injury assessment, being replaced by Exeter’s Dafydd Jenkins, and Ramos kicked a 35-metre penalty to nudge France ahead.

Wales encountered increasing difficulty in the scrums and a second Ramos penalty in four minutes pushed France out to a 13-7 advantage.

France now had the bit between their teeth and a second try arrived six minutes before half-time following more sharp work by Dupont.

Although Wales averted initial danger, France’s patience and accuracy meant they still had the visitors in trouble and Danty touched down in the corner, with Ramos converting.

Wales’ early promise and spark had disappeared as France moved through the gears, leaving Gatland’s men with a mountain to climb, trailing by 13 points at the interval.

Wales were immediately on the back foot after half-time and it took France just four minutes to pull further away.

🇫🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 France do all they can in Paris… #GuinnessSixNations #FRAvWAL pic.twitter.com/qZU8ORhF7r

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) March 18, 2023

Dupont was typically at the heart of sustained attacks and Wales ran out of defensive numbers as Atonio scored from close range.  Ramos’ conversion opened a 20-point gap between the sides.

It was suddenly damage limitation for the visitors, with France securing a bonus-point through Fickou’s 49th-minute try and another Ramos conversion made it 34-7.

Wales gained some consolation through Roberts’ 56th-minute try ― his first Test touchdown ― and Biggar’s conversion brought the deficit back to 20 points.

Prop Dillon Lewis won his 50th cap when he replaced Tomas Francis, then Williams added a third try for Wales, again converted by Biggar, but the damage had long been done.