New Zealand

Only a week after South Africa had beaten the All Blacks Sevens 15-0 in the opening round of the 2020 Series in Dubai, the teams met for the 25th time in a Cup final with the Blitzboks bidding to win the first two rounds for the first time since triumphing in Dubai and George in 2008-09.

South Africa started the better, to the delight of the Cape Town Stadium crowd roaring them on, with Seabelo Senatla racing away only for a great tackle by Regan Ware to not only stop him but dislodge the ball but then a strong run from Kurt Baker took New Zealand into the Blitzboks' 22.

“Prevention through vaccination is the most effective way of avoiding illness and a costly health emergency. New Zealand has collaborated with UNICEF and WHO to identify regional vulnerabilities and opportunities for early interventions to prevent further outbreaks,” Minister Peters said.
“This plan offers immediate preventative action. It allows for the flexibility to respond to additional requests from other Pacific nations and offers an efficient way of working regionally.”

A first-half try by captain Siviwe Soyizwapi was added to after the interval by Chris Dry and replacement Seabelo Senatla. None were converted.

"We call ourselves a defence team, and we're proud of it,” Soyizwapi said.

Having won Dubai for a record seventh time, and fourth time in the last six tournaments, South Africa goes to its home Cape Town Sevens next weekend leading a world sevens series it last won in 2018.

“The rust is off and we're keen to play at home,” Soyizwapi said.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand is providing 3000 measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines and 12 nurses to assist in containing a serious and growing measles outbreak.

“Measles is highly contagious, and the outbreak has taken lives in Samoa. It is in everybody’s interests that we work together to stop its spread,” Mr Peters said.

The first nurses, who will administer vaccinations, will arrive on Wednesday, with other nurses working on rotation over the coming weeks.

The vaccines are undergoing final clearance to arrive in Samoa next week.

Trevor Matheson said New Zealand had been forthcoming with assistance since the outbreak began.

Dr Matheson said equipment and medicines had been flown in over the last few weeks, while an offer of New Zealand medical personnel remained.

However, he said links between the measles epidemics in Samoa and Auckland needed to be assessed.

The New Zealand-funded project, in partnership with PNG's National Capital District Commission, is two stories high and will host 1500 vendors, and include a café, playground, food court, and parking area.

The redevelopment of 'Gordons Market' was launched last week by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop and New Zealand's High Commissioner to PNG, Philip Taula.

No tries were scored in the first half with the sides locked 2-2 at half time, but the Kiwis took charge after the break as Jamayne Isaako and Corey Harawira-Naera crossed over.

Daryl Clark replied late on, but Great Britain would fall short and suffer a second loss at the start of the 2019 tour, having lost to a Tonga Invitational XIII last weekend.

Since Samoa Airways was re-established almost two years ago, visitor numbers have jumped to 40K with visitor consumption growing over 100K, according to Samoa Tourism Authority Marketing Manager, Leituala Joe Chan Ting, who recognises that more collaboration between airline and STA is crucial to building on this growth.

“With the growing interest in Samoa we have been running Famils. almost twice a month” Said Leituala “Destination and airline go hand in hand when implementing marketing campaigns – it is vital to continue this going forward.”

The associate health minister, Julie Anne Genter, said New Zealand has offered advice and assistance and stands ready to help in any way.

"I understand Samoa is working through its response and authorities have requested that any support from New Zealand, waits until Samoa's needs are more clear," Ms Genter said.

Epidemics were declared in Samoa and Tonga this week, and both were spread from New Zealand, where an outbreak in Auckland has affected nearly 2000 people.

The All Blacks began their campaign with victory over South Africa, in the process taking a huge early step towards the knockout stages of the tournament.

Their next outing is against Canada; while it is expected to be a more straightforward affair, Hansen has still named a strong New Zealand side.

Included in the XV are brothers Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett, becoming just the second trio of siblings to start together in a World Cup match - after Tonga's Vunipola brothers in 2015.