{
  "id": 1175849,
  "title": "Taylor scores two tries in winning debut as New Zealand captain",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/taylor-scores-two-tries-in-winning-debut-as-new-zealand-captain",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T02:11:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/08/1512080/taylor-scores-two-tries-winning-debut-new-zealand-captain"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran New Zealand hooker Codie Taylor made an impressive debut as the team's captain, scoring two tries in a thrilling 50-19 victory over the Bulls in a tour match in Pretoria on Saturday. Wingers Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby also contributed with two tries apiece, while centre Rieko Ioane and replacement loose forward Wallace Sititi added to the scores. Full-back Beauden Barrett kicked the first two conversions, and fly-half Josh Jacomb converted six successful attempts. Bulls players Marcell Coetzee, Ruan Vermaak, and Stravino Jacobs each scored a try. The match was marked by a dominant performance from New Zealand, who built a 24-0 lead by halftime and maintained it throughout. The Bulls managed a 14-minute period before Moorby's try, but New Zealand's execution and intensity proved too much for their opponents. Bulls coach Johan Ackermann acknowledged the team's lack of readiness for the match, given the absence of eight regulars preparing for the upcoming Test series.",
  "summary": "PRETORIA: Veteran hooker Codie Taylor celebrated his debut as New Zealand captain with two tries in a 50-19 victory over the Bulls in a tour match on Saturday in Pretoria.",
  "key_points": [
    "Veteran New Zealand hooker Codie Taylor scores two tries in debut as captain",
    "Bulls players Marcell Coetzee, Ruan Vermaak, and Stravino Jacobs each score a try",
    "New Zealand dominates with 24-0 lead by halftime, securing 50-19 victory"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Taylor's strong debut as captain sets a high tone for New Zealand's tour, showcasing the team's depth and intensity in a convincing win against a depleted Bulls side.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}