08/15/26 03:01:00
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08/15 14:59 CDT All Blacks storm past the Bulls 50-19 in final tune-up for
South Africa tests
All Blacks storm past the Bulls 50-19 in final tune-up for South Africa tests
PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) --- New Zealand passed its last examination before
the eagerly awaited test series against world champion South Africa when the
Bulls were dispatched 50-19 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The All Blacks dominated to lead 24-0 at halftime and perhaps their first match
at altitude contributed to a closer, more back and forth second half.
They still racked up eight tries, with doubles for wingers Josh Moorby and
Leroy Carter and captain Codie Taylor, while conceding their first points in
more than two hours across the tour matches against the Stormers, Sharks and
Bulls.
"No disrespect to the Bulls but they (the Springboks) will lift the tempo and
physicality," Taylor told broadcaster SuperSport. "That's what test match footy
is all about. It's an exciting week ahead."
Only a few of the New Zealand side were expected to line up in the first test
next Saturday in Johannesburg, but valuable experience was gained by the wider
squad whose depth will be plumbed during the grueling run of four tests on four
straight weekends.
The likes of flanker Anton Segner, the returning Taylor and center Rieko Ioane
impressed for New Zealand in an expansive, entertaining affair.
While the Bulls were the best provincial side the All Blacks will face on tour,
like the first two opponents they were a shadow of their true selves. They were
not match fit, had not played since June 19 in their third consecutive United
Rugby Championship final, and had to cut short their offseason break.
But their up-tempo, ambitious style similar to the All Blacks' netted three
tries, all in the second half. They rarely questioned New Zealand with
contestable kicks.
"There were a few mistakes in there," Taylor said, "but we've played three
games now and experienced some South African footy and are set up nicely to
play some test matches now."
New Zealand's front row of Taylor and props Tyrel Lomax and Xavier Numia made
their first appearance on tour and stood out. Numia prevented an early Bulls
lineout maul try then the All Blacks shoved the Bulls' five-meter attacking
scrum backwards.
The All Blacks' set-piece was reliable and inside backs Josh Jacomb, Anton
Lienert-Brown and Ioane expertly set up chances wide out.
Moorby took the first two opportunties, and Taylor the next two while Bulls
prop Francois Klopper was in the sin-bin. Taylor scored from a tap penalty to
himself and the second from a counter-ruck.
The Bulls got on the scoreboard straight after halftime, ending New Zealand's
streak without conceding at 124 minutes. Lock Ruan Vermaak burst over from a
lineout and well-placed referee Nika Amashukeli rejected TMO Eric Gauzins'
finding that Vermaak was short of the tryline.
Carter scored with wispy stepping along the sideline, and released Ioane for
the next try.
The scoring was tit for tat to the end, with winger Stravino Jacobs and captain
Marcell Coetzee dotting down for the Bulls, and Carter and Wallace Sititi
replying for New Zealand's second straight 50-pointer.
Meanwhile, the Springboks regrouped in Johannesburg after splitting the squad
to beat Argentina 17-10 last weekend in Buenos Aires, and coach Rassie Erasmus
declared them aligned for the All Blacks.
"The players are well recovered," he said, "and ready to give everything for
the forthcoming tests."
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