Fullback Mack Hansen scored a hat-trick of tries in the first half to set Ireland on their way to a convincing 46-19 victory over beleaguered Australia in Dublin.
Caleb Clarke's frustrating run of injuries has continued as the All Blacks' winger has been ruled out of this weekend's test against England at Twickenham.
The All Blacks XV produced a polished effort to triumph over England A 31-14 in their second match of the United Kingdom and France tour, held in Bath.
Damian McKenzie provided the match-winning touches off the bench as the All Blacks staved off a Scottish onslaught in the second half to win a pulsating test in Edinburgh.
All Blacks captain and Crusaders star Scott Barrett will sit out most of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season after exercising a clause in his contract to take a non-playing sabbatical.
Wallace Sititi has been rewarded for a strong performance against Ireland by being named to start at blindside flanker for the All Blacks against Scotland.
New Zealand are vowing to go in for the kill and lay down a World Cup marker in the much-anticipated Pacific Championships final showdown against Samoa.