Rugby news from New Zealand:
Wallabies distracted as Australian rugby shaken to its core: Western Force pair Dane Haylett-Petty and Adam Coleman insist the Wallabies have the physical ability and mental resilience to beat the All Blacks, but coach Michael Cheika’s major role this week could be focusing minds following… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby
Ben Smith and Dane Coles drawn closer together over concussion concerns: If Dane Coles is selected to play in the Bledisloe fixture in Dunedin next week, All Blacks teammate Ben Smith expects the hooker to make a bold and committed return to test football.Smith and Coles have been drawn closer together… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby
All Blacks: Beauden Barrett’s desire to re-impose himself as world’s best player: Behind the unflappably calm façade of Beauden Barrett burns a fierce desire to re-impose himself as the world’s best player during the Rugby Championship.He’s not one to offer much, if any insight into his emotions. He’s a straight… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby
RugbyWA gain court injunction as battle to save the Western Force intensifies: RugbyWA have gained an injunction order against the ARU’s decision to axe the Western Force from the Super Rugby competition.The Force have lodged an appeal of their axing to the NSW Supreme Court and the injunction order means… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby
Rugby: Portia Woodman scores eight tries as Black Ferns demolish Hong Kong: Black Ferns 121 Hong Kong 0 Portia Woodman scorched across for eight of New Zealand’s 19 tries as they shredded Hong Kong 121-0 at the women’s Rugby World Cup in Dublin.The flying winger was virtually unstoppable as the four-time… nzherald.co.nz – Rugby