New Zealand concluded their preparations for the massive Test series against South Africa with a comfortable 50-19 victory over the Bulls at altitude in Pretoria.
Dave Rennie’s side ensured they went three-from-three so far on tour by running in eight tries as they fine-tuned their play ahead of the first Test against the Springboks next.
A scratchy opening showing on this tour against the Stormers was followed an altogether more comprehensive win over the Sharks and this performance at Loftus Versfeld was much more similar to the latter of those as they dominated a Bulls team replete with experience, including a number of Springboks.
All Blacks boss Rennie may have been given a few more selection headaches for next week’s first Test, to add to a big one in the form of Richie Mo’unga arriving on tour to bolster the playmaking options but not yet being involved in a match.
Follow all of the latest from the clash in Pretoria with our live blog below:
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule, kick-off times and how to watch South Africa vs New Zealand
We’re just a week away from the first Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Here’s all the timings
FULL-TIME! Bulls 19-50 New Zealand
Job done for the All Blacks today
FULL-TIME! Bulls 19-50 New Zealand
It’s all over at Loftus Versfeld. The All Blacks do exactly what they need to do in the final warm up game before Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry kicks off against the Springboks.
They run in eight tries and this time next week, we do it for real. South Africa vs New Zealand. Can’t wait.
Bulls 19-50 New Zealand, 79 mins
Bulls with a clever kick-off, going short to win it back but they knock on further down the track. A shame.
Final knockings here.
TRY! Bulls 19-50 NEW ZEALAND (Wallace Sititi, 78 mins)
Too easy really for New Zealand and that’s 50 up. Replacement Wallace Sititi crashes on to the ball, drops a shoulder, beats his defender and strolls across the line under the posts. Simple stuff.
Conversion added and the half-century of points is reached
Bulls 19-43 New Zealand, 76 mins
The All Blacks will try to have the final say here and maybe reach 50 points. Bulls pinged for not rolling away and will have a platform for an attacking lineout
TRY! BULLS 19-43 New Zealand (Marcell Coetzee, 74 mins)
And there’s a third try for the Bulls. Marcell Coetzee does his captain fantastic act as he shows his power to drive over the line.
Well deserved for Coetzee and the Bulls
Bulls 12-43 New Zealand, 72 mins
The Bulls are pressing here, into the All Blacks 22 and New Zealand are pinged for offside against Samisoni Taukei’aho.
A scrum about ten metres out for the South Africans to try and capitalise on.
Bulls 12-43 New Zealand, 70 mins
How many more tries will we have before this game is over?
TRY! Bulls 12-43 NEW ZEALAND (Leroy Carter, 67 mins)
There’s another try for the All Blacks. A move off the back of a lineout, the ball is spread wide to the left at speed.
Barrett well brought down by a covering tackle, pops up to Jacomb who is then also brilliantly tackled by a covering defender a few metres out but he can pop to Leroy Carter in support for a run-in. Unlucky for Bulls.
Conversion added by Jacomb.
