Scotland 22 New Zealand 51

It was always going to be a monumental challenge playing the world champions on their home turf, but any notions Ireland could catch the All Blacks cold on their first run-out of the season were quickly dispelled at Eden Park on Saturday.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has rung the changes for the first Test against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday, with debuts for Simon Zebo and Declan Fitzpatrick.

It will be no comfort to Declan Kidney as he prepares for a three-Test series in New Zealand but Sky Sports analyst Stuart Barnes believes the Ireland head coach has the hardest job in international rugby.

MATCH-WINNING Australia flanker David Pocock has laughed off suggestions he is a cheat in the wake of his dominant World Cup performance against South Africa.

FIRST, something we expected — a New Zealand win.

NEW ZEALAND coach Graham Henry has announced his 30-man squad for the Rugby World Cup with no place for quintet Sitiveni Sivivatu, Wyatt Crockett, Liam Messam, Jarrad Hoeata and Hosea Gear.

WITH a year to go to Rugby World Cup 2011, tournament organisers in New Zealand says preparations are well on track, despite last week’s earthquake near Christchurch.

Canterbury fly-half Colin Slade has won the battle to be Aaron Cruden’s back-up for New Zealand’s final Tri Nations match against Australia in Sydney on September 11.

NEW ZEALAND have made three changes to the side that hammered Australia 49-28 in Melbourne on Saturday for this weekend’s return match in Christchurch.

New Zealand have made three changes to the side that hammered Australia 49-28 in Melbourne on Saturday for this weekend's return match in Christchurch.