Israel Dagg scored two first-half tries as New Zealand made it back-to-back wins over defending champions Australia in the Rugby Championship.

The final score was embarrassing for the Wallabies.

New Zealand 43 Georgia 10: New Zealand moved into the World Cup quarter-finals by predictably beating Georgia in bonus-point fashion – but it was a performance laced with errors.

As Namibia lock PJ Van Lill rose to claim the lineout he began to topple over. He lurched to a 40 degree angle and was only saved by the strength of the two props holding him airborne.

Wales lock Alun-Wyn Jones believes New Zealand are "probably 20 minutes ahead of everybody else" after signing off in Europe before next year’s world title defence by serving emphatic notice that they remain a class apart.

Sonny Bill Williams scored twice on his All Blacks return as New Zealand thrashed the United States 74-6 at Soldier Field, Chicago.

New Zealand clinched the 2014 Rugby Championship with a bonus-point 34-13 win over Argentina in La Plata last night.

Beauden Barrett inspired New Zealand to a thumping 28-9 win over Argentina in the Rugby Championship at McLean Park, Napier.

England imploded at the Waikato Stadium to conclude their series against New Zealand with an error-ridden 36-13 defeat as the All Blacks amassed a record-equalling 17th successive victory.

New Zealand 28 England 27

New Zealand 28 England 27

Jerome Kaino will replace Kieran Read in New Zealand’s team to face England in the first Test at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday.

Kieran Read has been ruled out of the series opener at Eden Park against England on Saturday.

Having faced an All Blacks back three of Israel Dagg, Cory Jane and Julian Savea, Dave Kearney pretty much ticked every box in one 80-minute period in terms of defending attacking threats.

Ireland 22 New Zealand 24

England 22 New Zealand 30

Argentina 15 New Zealand 33

New Zealand 30 France 0

The Ireland Under-20s were within a converted try of a famous win over perennial IRB Junior World champions New Zealand at the end of a titanic tussle in Vannes.

England 38 New Zealand 21

Scotland 22 New Zealand 51

Ireland winger Fergus McFadden is hoping to add to his try count against New Zealand on Saturday but admits he will have his hands full facing Hosea Gear.

Oh boy. If Ireland were up against it last weekend then they face the mother of all tasks in Christchurch this weekend. The All Blacks will playing their first test in the earthquake-ravaged city in almost two years.

Oh boy. If Ireland were up against it last weekend then they face the mother of all tasks in Christchurch this weekend. The All Blacks will playing their first test in the earthquake-ravaged city in almost two years.

He’s been one of Ireland’s most enduring and consistent players during Declan Kidney’s rein, but even Rob Kearney found the going tough in Eden Park last weekend.

It was a tough night at the office for Fergus McFadden last Saturday.

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll believes mistakes proved costly as his side lost 42-10 to New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.

Ireland 10 New Zealand 42

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen faces a public backlash after naming scrum-half Piri Weepu in his 30-man squad for this month’s three-test series with Ireland.