Live blog: All Blacks v Tonga
3rd & 7 37yd
3rd & 7 37yd
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The All Blacks have already sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the competition, having taken 14 points from their three games in Pool C so far, but could still do with a win at St James' Park to secure top spot ahead of Argentina, who take on bottom side Namibia on Sunday afternoon.
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Fourth-placed Tonga are in need of a minor miracle if they wish to extend their own campaign beyond this weekend. After seeing Georgia leapfrog them into third after recovering from 6-0 down to beat Namibia 17-16 on Wednesday, Mana Otai's side dropped to fourth place in Pool C. That not only effectively ended their 2015 campaign but leaves their participation in the next instalment of the competition in doubt too with only the top three teams in each group qualifying for Japan 2019.
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In team news, Steve Hansen has made six changes to the side that started in the 43-10 win over Georgia last Friday. Skipper Richie McCaw is the most notable absentee due to a hip injury, with Sam Cane coming in at open side flanker. Kieran Read picks up the captain's armband in his absence.
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Ready #AllBlacks fans for #NZLvTON ?
sumhum.com/celebrity-news…
#RWC2015 #rugby http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQ5OKBbUAAABdjV.jpgby sumhum_rugby via twitter 10/9/2015 6:06:49 PM -
Prop Charlie Faumuina is also unavailable due to a hamstring problem, but otherwise Hansen has opted for a strong XV with centre Ma'a Nonu in line to make his 100th Test appearance. For Tonga there is just the one change, with inside centre Latiume Fosita replacing Sione Piukala.
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Duelling hakas: Showdown is the real All Blacks v Tonga match - Sport - NZ Herald News
The New Zealand HeraldThe All Blacks haka meets the Tongan Sipi Tau for the third time in World Cup history tomorrow morning - and the sight of the duelling pre-match showdowns will be a riveting spectacle - New Zealand Herald -
What the coaches say:
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen: "We've had a very heavy workload in the last two weeks on the training pitch and a couple of very physical games, which has been great.
"But this week we've been looking to freshen up the group and really concentrate on key parts of our game that we expect will deliver a quality, 80-minute performance on Friday night.
"We know the Tongans will be very physical and bring everything to this final pool match. One only has to remember their [win in the] last pool match against France in 2011 to know that if you don't turn up, they will make life difficult for you." -
Tonga coach Mana Otai: "The word we use often is belief. We showed by beating France in the 2011 World Cup it is possible, and we are positive thinkers. Having done that to France we know we can do anything, and Japan have already shown us against South Africa in this tournament that anything is possible.The difference is that France weren't as aware of the potential threat of Tonga. The All Blacks are far more aware but it is still possible."
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Time to see the All Blacks do the Haka in the Toon! #RWC2015 #NZLvTGA http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQ5P5-WWUAAiHO-.jpg
by Paula Harris via twitter 10/9/2015 6:16:48 PM -
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Yes we do. We just want you to provide us with the best stat in relation to this game. Could be any stat about any player on the field, the ground or the teams themselves. The more creative the better. Send them in and the panel of judges here at Herald Sport headquarters will pick the winner at the conclusion of the game.
Feel free to send in as many entries as you want. Email through to sportsrac@nzherald.co.nz -
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The All Blacks have faced Tonga 3 times at the Rugby World Cup. They first clashed in 1999, with a 45-9 victory, with Jonah Lomu crossing twice. Four years later the margin was much heftier, with doubles to Caleb Ralph, Mils Muliana and Doug Howlett in a 91-7 win. Finally, the 2011 opener saw a 41-10 triumph for the All Blacks - Israel Dagg and Richard Kahui were the men amongst the tries.
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Teams
New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Waisake Naholo, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith; 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Luke Romano, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Kieran Read (capt).
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Liam Messam, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Sonny Bill Williams.
Tonga: 15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Telusa Veainu, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Latiume Fosita, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Sonatane Takulua; 1 Soane Tonga'uiha, 2 Elvis Taione, 3 Halani Aulika, 4 Tukulua Lokotui, 5 Joseph Tuineau, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Nili Latu (capt), 8 Viliami Ma'afu.
Replacements: 16 Paula Ngauamo, 17 Sona Taumalolo, 18 Sila Puafisi, 19 Sitiveni Mafi, 20 Jack Ram, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Viliami Tahitua, 23 Will Helu. -
The All Blacks warm-up for their #RWC2015 clash with Tonga at Saint James' Park. Conditions perfect in Newcastle. http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQ5XWjiWsAAWDGB.jpg
by John_Day_ via twitter 10/9/2015 6:44:38 PM -
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Sonny Bill Williams.. caught in the act taking a selfie? nzh.nu/Tc2t8 #RWC2015 #NZLvTGA http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQ5ZxhnVAAA8HfU.jpg
by Cameron McMillan via twitter 10/9/2015 6:54:21 PM -
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Four key stats ahead of this game: nzh.nu/Tc2t8 #RWC2015 #NZLvTGA http://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQ5am81UcAAjp9F.png
by Cameron McMillan via twitter 10/9/2015 6:58:00 PM -
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