Pacific flair shines on a busy weekend of rugby

We go again! Eden Park was packed for the All Blacks’ nail biting win against England, our Black Ferns were outstanding across the ditch, plus Samoa and Tonga also played tests, so with so much rugby to review, let’s get into it.

1. All Blacks clinch win against England

The All Blacks closed out a victory over the English at the weekend 24 - 17, thanks to some strong second-half performances from Beauden Barrett and Cortez Ratima.

The key moment from the match was Barrett’s inclusion at the 50th minute. Barrett’s running and kicking game gave the All Blacks some fresh momentum, and he was able to set up Mark Telea for the game-sealing try following a vintage “Beaudy” line-break.

But for future tests, new ABs coach Scott Robertson will need to address his side's woeful lineouts after starting hooker Codie Taylor struggled to find his targets.

2. Black Ferns thrash Wallaroos

The Black Ferns smashed the Wallaroos in Brisbane 62 - 0, following a four try blitz from winger Katelyn Vahaakolo.

A big reason for the victory was that the Australian defence couldn’t contain the Black Ferns relentless attack. Along with Vahaakolo’s quartette, tries by Georgia Ponsonby, Layla Sae, Ruby Tui, Sylvia Brunt, and Atlanta Lolohea.

Ahead of their next test against England in September, they’ll need to improve on their handling and scrums if they want to defeat the world number one ranked side.

Watch this wholesome interaction with Katelyn Vahaakolo and Ruby Tui.

3. Manu Samoa defeat Spain in harsh conditions

Manu Samoa bested Spain in Apia winning 34 - 30 in wet weather. Samoa clinched the victory in the final ten minutes, with two penalty conversions and a try.

Fly-half D’angelo Leiluas’ goal kicking was the key factor that maintained Samoa’s lead, converting 6/6 despite the terrible conditions.

With the Pacific Nations Cup coming up next month, Manu Samoa captain Theodore McFarland said discipline and execution were important work-ons for his side.

4. ‘Ikale Tahi beaten by Italy in Nuku’alofa

The ‘Ikale Tahi were defeated by Italy at Teufaiva Stadium in Tonga 36 - 14, following a strong attacking performance from Italy.

The Italians' attacking pressure was too much for the home side, and at one point stretched their lead by 22 points in the second half.

The ‘Ikale Tahi will need to improve on their discipline, which has been a lingering issue since last year's Rugby World Cup. Tonga will also feature in the Pacific Nations Cup before heading to the Northern Hemisphere for three test matches in November.

5. State of Origin Game 3

Game three for this year's State of Origin goes down at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. The Maroons will look to win their third consecutive series in a row in Brisbane, while the Blues are aiming to continue their dominant performance from game two.

I think the game will be decided by the forwards' strength and physicality, which will open up for the outside backs to score key tries.

The last time the two sides met in a decider, the Maroons stole a win in the dying minutes, and this Wednesday, I think it will be a similarly close game and will go down to the wire.

Matty’s Golden Point

Matty’s Golden Point is a piece of advice shared on 531PI’s “Overtime with Matty”.

“I think team first. It allows me to succeed, it allows my team to succeed.”

Lebron James