All Black first five-eighth Beauden Barrett runs past Wallaby fullback Israel Folau during the Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney on Saturday night. Photo: Getty ImagesThe All Blacks were determined to draw a "line in the sand" against the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship opener after being impressed by their forwards during the June series against Ireland, captain Kieran Read said. The All Black pack was decisive in the 38-13 rout at Sydney’s Olympic stadium on Saturday night, dominating the set pieces and winning a slew of line-outs from the Wallabies’ throw. "We put a lot of emphasis on [set piece]," Read, who made a strong return after a long lay-off from back surgery, said. "We wanted to attack the set piece because that’s where the game’s won and lost," he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 19, 2018 16:41 UTC