08/15/26 02:21:00
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08/15 14:20 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.
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.
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