All Blacks crush the Sharks 54-0 in rain-soaked Durban as McKenzie limps off

In a heavy rain-soaked match at Kings Park in Durban, New Zealand's All Blacks dominated the Sharks 54-0, marking their second consecutive win on their South Africa tour. The first international payment amounted to $205.00 plus GST for a one-year subscription, which would automatically renew at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks. Fullback Damian McKenzie left the field after scoring a try in the 28th minute due to a heavily strapped left ankle he had injured earlier while taking a mark.

The game began on a pitch drenched by intense rainfall right up until kickoff. The All Blacks fielded a strong lineup, including their top players, and demonstrated a well-prepared approach. Their maul defense thwarted two early lineout attempts from the Sharks, and their scrum proved to be highly effective. Discipline among the All Blacks improved significantly, resulting in no yellow cards being issued and a lower penalty count.

The team scored eight tries, with seven successfully converted by Ruben Love, including four from the sideline and one off the post. Love led the pre-match haka, which was notably answered by a solo performance from Ma’a Nonu, a 44-year-old rugby legend who previously played for New Zealand from 2003 to 2015. Nonu made a brief appearance off the bench, but by then, the All Blacks had already sealed their victory with a commanding lead of 42-0.