In Pics: New Zealand Training At Westmanstown
New Zealand began the European leg of their autumn tour with a 32-6 win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, bolstered by tries from Anthony Tuitavake, Piri Weepu, Richard Kahui and Anthony Boric.
Next up for the All Blacks is a first ever trip to Croke Park as they lock horns with Ireland in the second match of the GUINNESS Series 2008 this coming Saturday.
Graham Henry’s men cranked up their preparations for that game with a training session at the Garda RFC grounds in Dublin earlier today.
Scrum half Andy Ellis has had to fly home after having his tour ended by a rib cartilage injury, sustained during the 32-6 win over Scotland.
His replacement, Alby Mathewson from Wellington, is due to arrive in Dublin tomorrow (Tuesday).
With more than 15 points separating New Zealand from Scotland in the IRB World Rankings, the Kiwis’ Murrayfield success had no impact on their rating points so they remain first on 92.41 points.
It was a similar case for Ireland as the 55-0 defeat of Canada at Thomond Park left them unchanged in eighth (77.18), still less than three tenths above Scotland (76.92).
Click here to view photos from the All Blacks’ training session at the Garda RFC grounds at Westmanstown on Monday.