test match

Six Nations champions Ireland beat the Wallabies 26-21 in Melbourne last weekend to level the series at 1-1.

Australia can replace Wales in third spot in the rankings if they defeat Joe Schmidt's side in the final Test at Allianz Stadium before it is demolished and rebuilt next year.

Captain Hooper is desperate to get his hands on the Lansdowne Trophy after what promises to be a gripping showdown.

"It's certainly a big game. It's going to be a great game. We've talked it up as a grand final. There's a trophy on the line," Hooper said.

The All Blacks had taken control in Auckland last week after Paul Gabrillagues was contentiously sin-binned, but there could have been few complaints about Benjamin Fall's 12th-minute red card for a challenge on Beauden Barrett in this one.

Barrett was unable to continue, yet New Zealand were able to kick on and seal a second comfortable victory without really impressing.

Fonua-Blake, who played for Tonga in last year’s corresponding Test against Fiji, has decided to again align himself to the Mate Ma’a after representing the Kiwis at the World Cup.

The Manly prop will join a powerful Tongan pack led by Taumalolo and Fifita, which is set to also include the likes of Tevita Pangai jnr, Joe Ofahengaue, Siosiua Taukieaho, Peni Terepo and Manu Ma’u.

Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, David Fusitu’a Solomone Kata, Mahe Fonua, Daniel Tupou and the Jennings brothers, Michael, Robert and George are in contention for places in the outside backs.

The Reds pair have been named at hooker and No. 8, respectively, with Pete Samu also set to make his debut from the bench.

Timu's inclusion pushes David Pocock to blindside flanker, with captain Michael Hooper to start at openside.

Izack Rodda will pack down alongside Adam Coleman in the second row, with Sekope Kepu earning the nod over Taniela Tupou at tighthead prop.

Having dismissed India for 209 in the first innings, South Africa resumed on 65-2 with no play possible on day three, but quickly slumped to 130 all out, Mohammed Shami (3-28) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-39) the pick of their bowlers as India had the scent of victory in their nostrils.

The tourists' target of 208 soon seemed out of reach, however, as the Proteas blitzed through India's batting line-up, even without Steyn - whose comeback was curtailed by a heel injury.

Motu Matu'u starts at hooker, with Manu Leiataua dropping to the bench.

Faatiga Lemalu joins captain Chris Vui in the second row, replacing Josh Tyrrell, who scored on test debut in last weekend's 44-38 defeat by Scotland.

Former captain Ofisa Treviranus makes his first test start since the 2015 World Cup at number eight, with Jack Lam moving to the openside flank in place of TJ Ioane, while Dwayne Polataivao replaces Pele Cowley at halfback.

Barrett's try, sparked after captain Ben Smith had pounced on a dropped ball on his line, was the catalyst for the world champions to take control of the game.

RNZI reports Barrett grabbed a second try in the second half while Anton Lienert-Brown, Ardie Savea (2), Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Dagg, Julian Savea, Codie Taylor, Vaea Fifita, TJ Perenara and Sam Cane all crossed for the All Blacks.

Earlier the Samoan Prime Minister and chair of the SRU, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi had said his union had made a proposal for another match against the All Blacks.

Now NZR chief executive Steve Tew has told Sky Sport that the All Blacks coaches are keen on a game before their Lions series in July and the option of Samoa is something they're looking into.

Tew said in 2005 the All Blacks played Fiji before the Lions series and that set them up for a very good first test performance in Christchurch.

The New Zealanders thumped the Wallaroos 67-3 in their first Test on Saturday -- their 14th win against Australia in as many matches

But Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore said it wasn't a perfect game and they want to put out an even better performance today.

"We want to continue to grow our defense structures and then, a part that was pretty average for us we thought was our ball retention, particularly when taking the ball to ground and trying to recycle it," he said.

Coach Matt Parish has been scanning through the list of players this past week to come up a formidable side for the test match.

Parish says he has a larger pool of athletes to select from thanks to NRL Secretariat and new Rugby League World Cup CEO, Andrew Hill.

He says most of the players are currently in NRL or Super League.

Parish adds many players are excited about the prospect of playing for Toa Samoa since the test match was announced in May.