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24 May 2013 0:01
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      Home > News > Sports > Rugby

    All Blacks happy with pre-Test blowout

    Short, sharp matches against Counties Manukau and Auckland have served their purpose for the All Blacks ahead of next week's Rugby Championship opener.


    The All Blacks pronounced themselves happy and injury-free following a practice match in Pukekohe on Friday night.

    The low-key match, eight days out from their opening Test in the inaugural Rugby Championship against Australia in Sydney, saw the New Zealand squad members play two 20-minute stints in front of crowd of about 10,000.

    They beat Counties Manukau 12-0 in the first match and Auckland 14-5 in the second.

    Wingers scored all of the tries for the All Blacks. Julian Savea and Cory Jane crossed in the first match while Savea and Hosea Gear dotted down in the second after Auckland halfback Alby Mathewson had crossed early on.

    Wearing their blue training jerseys, the All Blacks fielded some unlikely combinations, with coach Steve Hansen's main aim to give game time to players who hadn't experienced rugby since their respective Super Rugby campaigns finished.

    Captain Richie McCaw said the short matches had served their purpose.

    "We had a few guys that hadn't played much footy for a while and got a bit of rust out but I think it will be good for us," he told TVNZ.

    "If anything, it puts your feet on the ground as well and (shows) it doesn't just happen, and to be fair we haven't been together for long and we've got a bit of work to do."


    NZN




    © 2013 NZN, NZCity


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