All Blacks hold on to Bledisloe while the final four fight for NRL glory

Fakaalofa lahi atu! It was another huge week in a range of different sports, so let’s get stuck in!

1. The All Blacks secure Bledisloe.

The All Blacks have found solace in a choppy year, taking home the Bledisloe Cup in a tight 31-28 win against the Wallabies at AAMI Stadium in Sydney.

The All Blacks’ slick attack was on display in the first half, racing out to a 21 - 5 lead at one point in the clash. Cortez Ratimas's quick delivery at the ruck led to two tries, from Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece.

But, Scott Robertson’s side’s discipline was to their detriment again, copping two yellow cards in the final 15 minutes that allowed Australia to sneak back into the fight. Handling errors was another struggle for the All Blacks.

The ABs now head to Wellington to face the Wallabies, and will need to put in a stronger effort to amend their losing record at the Cake Tin.

Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi with the Bledisloe Cup. Photo/All Blacks media.

2. Fiji retains the Pacific Championship

In a tightly contested match between two top teams, the Flying Fijians won convincingly against the Brave Blossoms to retain the Pacific Championship. Fiji won the game 41 - 17.

It was a tight contest in the first half, with Japan converting a penalty to put the first points on the board. Despite the scores being locked at halftime, the Fijians came out firing in the second half to pile on 31 points. Exciting tries from Ponipate Loganimasi proved the Fijian flair was too strong.

Fiji completed their 2024 Pacific Championship run without a loss and will take that confidence into their Northern Tour in November where they will face Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

3. Final four fight for NRL glory

The fight to secure the 2024 NRL Premiership is down to four!

The minor premiers Melbourne Storm face the firing Sydney Roosters in the first preliminary final this weekend. While the defending three-time premiers Penrith Panthers play the Cronulla Sharks in the second preliminary final.

The Storm have toppled the Roosters twice this year, holding some bragging rights going into this match. While the Roosters’ will be fizzing after their clinical win against the Manly Sea Eagles, and will be eager to topple the Storm.

The Panthers will look to replicate their belting of the Sharks at the start of the year when they thrashed the on-fire Sharks 42-0. Their pursuit of a fourth-straight championship and experience in the spotlight will be to their benefit in this big game.

Cronulla will need to utilise their quick style of play to disrupt the Panther's defense and find a way forward. Their in-form backline will be their focus throughout this match-up.

Preliminary Final 1: Melbourne Storm vs Sydney Roosters, AAMI Stadium, Friday 7.50 PM

Preliminary Final 2: Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks, Accor Stadium, Saturday 7.50 PM

Jarome Luai during the Panthers win against the Sydney Roosters. Photo./Penrith Panthers media.

4. Black Ferns prepare for WXV 1 tournament

After a bruising test against the English Red Roses, the World Champion Black Ferns are heading to Canada for the WXV 1 tournament.

The Black Ferns suffered two losses this year to Canada and England, who both feature in this tournament. And while their sevens stars set the rugby world alight by winning back-to-back Olympic gold, the 15s side are still building towards next year’s Rugby World Cup.

In their losses to Canada and England, the Ferns forwards looked outmuscled in several exchanges, especially around the rolling mauls close to the line. But their exciting backline has been crucial in matches - often opening the scoring with their sizzling gameplay.

The Black Ferns will face Ireland this weekend in their first match of the WXV 1, and I expect them to make a statement in their physicality to send a message to the rest in the tournament.

5. The Bloodline plot thickens!

The Original Tribal Chief (OTC) and the Undisputed WWE Champion teaming up?! Yes, the WWE fandom continues, and this update is an interesting one. Here’s the latest in this Bloodline saga.

Roman Reigns, the OTC, returned to the ring on Smackdown, putting his mouth to the mic for the first time since April. And Reigns didn’t disappoint, reinforcing that the WWE still belonged to him despite losing his Undisputed title and Tribal Chief status.

However Reigns was interrupted by Cody Rhodes, the man who beat him, who hammered down on the former champion, saying Reigns had no claim to the WWE anymore. The pair would then fight off the new Bloodline together, an odd collaboration for the two enemies.

The two would then meet in Georgia Tech University’s Football Stadium to discuss their team-up in an intense, cinematic-esque promo. Reigns explained he had nothing to lose, which makes him dangerous, while Rhodes’ demanded Reigns’ trust if they would collaborate in taking down the new Bloodline.

The promo concluded with Reigns sternly telling Rhodes that after their team-up, he will come back for his championship title. The intense interaction sets up an intriguing team-up against the new Bloodline at WWE Bad Blood.

Matty’s Golden Point
Matty’s Golden Point is a piece of advice shared on 531PI’s Pacific Grandstand show.
“A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success.”
Elbert Hubbard