New Zealand All Blacks

All Blacks coach Graham Henry must have been delighted with the results of the test against France on Saturday. The test held at Stade Gerland in Lyon, France on 11 November was a convincing win from a well-oiled team. Ten months out from the World Cup in France the All Blacks are making a statement that they are serious about their prospects for the 2007 World Rugby Cup.

The 11th November is Armistice Day which marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War and commemorates the sacrifice of those who died serving New Zealand in this and all wars and armed conflicts. The All Blacks played with poppies on their Rugby Jersey's for the game and after the game Richie McCaw made a comment that the team played in a tribute to those who died in the war. The 47 - 3 win to the All Blacks most certainly would have made those people proud.

This coming Saturday's game in Paris will be an exciting one with the French team wanting to produce some results to prove themselves...

International Rugby League

New Zealand beat Great Britain 34 - 4 in an International Rugby League game played at Wellington, New Zealand on 11 November 2006.

The New Zealand Kiwis scored six tries (N Vagana, B Webb 2, N Cayless, Vautuvei, Wiki) and Stacey Jones kicked five goals. For the Great Britain Lions one try was scored by Gareth Ellis. Great Britain will now have to beat Australia next week to secure a place in the Tri-Nations Rugby League final.

If the Kiwis had lost the game they would have faced extinction from the Tri Nations tournament. Not only did the Kiwis defend their title, they posted a record win over Great Britain doing so.

It was the Kiwis who pulled the rabbit out of the hat in this game, although they were helped no end by video referee Graeme West, who twice ruled against what could have been Great Britain tries. Now all the pressure is on Great Britain, who have to win in Brisbane next Saturday night (the 18th) to join the Kangaroos in the final in Sydney on November 25th...