All Blacks

Three-try Woodman helps Black Ferns to big rugby win over Ireland

Centre Portia Woodman scored a hat-trick of tries as the Black Ferns eased past Ireland 38-8 in their rugby international in Dublin to complete their season unbeaten.

Fullback Selica Winiata also scored two tries and first five-eighth Kelly Brazier one in the Black Ferns' comfortable six-try win to make it three wins from three on their northern tour.

Prior to the tour-ending Dublin international, the Black Ferns had also beaten world champions England 25-20 in London and Canada 20-10 in Dublin.

Guscott tells refs to keep an eye on the All Blacks

The All Blacks had two players sin-binned during the game and two players - Sam Cane and Malakai Fekitoa - have been cited for dangerous tackles.

A number of Irish reports described the All Blacks performance as brutal.

In his BBC column Guscott says referees need to look harder at New Zealand.

"World champions New Zealand play everything at an incredible intensity. They understand the laws of the game, where the boundaries are and how the referee might react. They use it to their advantage.

Guscott tells refs to keep an eye on the All Blacks

The All Blacks had two players sin-binned during the game and two players - Sam Cane and Malakai Fekitoa - have been cited for dangerous tackles.

A number of Irish reports described the All Blacks performance as brutal.

In his BBC column Guscott says referees need to look harder at New Zealand.

"World champions New Zealand play everything at an incredible intensity. They understand the laws of the game, where the boundaries are and how the referee might react. They use it to their advantage.

Radical new jersey for All Blacks

RNZ reports the traditional white of the alternate All Blacks jersey remains the primary colour, but the colour black is retained in a graphic design through the collar, chest and shoulders, with the players also wearing black shorts and socks.

adidas Rugby spokesperson Simon Cartwright said it was "a striking, new design inspired by the team's creativity and their dynamic style of play".

Cane, Fekitoa cited

RNZ reports both players have been cited for dangerous tackles.

Cane stayed on the field after his incident in the 11th minute, which left Irish mid-fielder Robbie Henshaw unconscious, while Fekiota was yellow-carded for a head high tackle in the second half.

Cane is unavailable for this weekend's game against France after picking up a high ankle sprain in yesterday's game.

Fullback Ben Smith is also unavailable after breaking a finger.

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu is returning home for personal reasons.

No replacements will be brought into the squad.

All Blacks seeking Dublin demolition job

Steve Hansen's men became the first All Black team to ever lose to Ireland two weeks ago, and the Irish are bracing for an almighty backlash.

Ireland's historic win in Chicago would have done wonders for their confidence and diluted some of the All Blacks' unbeatable aura.

However the Irish know a black storm will hit Dublin on Sunday morning, with their New Zealand born coach Joe Schmidt conceding they've "poked the bear".

All Blacks great McCaw helping with quake rescue efforts

The legendary McCaw became a commercial helicopter pilot after ending his illustrious rugby career following the All Blacks' World Cup triumph last year.

McCaw has been ferrying rescue teams Kaikoura, close to the epicentre of a quake which struck early on Tuesday morning, where people have been stranded due to landslides.

He told the New Zealand Herald: "We took the Fire Service just north and south of Kaikoura to check out all the slips and make sure everyone was accounted for."

All Blacks, Hansen win top awards

RNZ reports the All Blacks claimed the Team of the Year award after breaking the record for most successive wins by a tier one nation while Hansen has won his fourth Coach of the Year title.

Hansen beat out England coach Eddie Jones for the title, Jones' side has gone unbeaten this season.

The All Blacks won their seventh successive Team of the Year award, beating Olympic champions - the Fijian Sevens team, to the title.

All Blacks will be 'fully loaded' says Ireland coach

The two side's play each other again in Dublin on Sunday.

The All Blacks will expect to provide Ireland with instant payback after their recent 40-29 shock loss in Chicago, their only defeat to the Irish in 111 years.

The All Blacks will have lock Brodie Retallick back and Schmidt expects his side will face the toughest of tests if they are to emulate South Africa's side of 2009 by beating the All Blacks for a second time in two weeks.

All Blacks run riot in Rome

But coach Steve Hansen was satisfied.

"It bodes well for next week, we have a lot of people in form," he said, referring to a rematch against Ireland set for Dublin next weekend.

"Above all, it bodes well for the future, next week and beyond."

New Zealand ran the hosts ragged, scoring five tries in the first half, Malakai Fekitoa starting the rout after three minutes with Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Israel Dagg and Wyatt Crockett all going over for further scores before the break.