All Blacks

Dupont, considered arguably the best halfback in the world, has been named captain with regular skipper Charles Ollivon likely to be out until next year with a knee injury.

France host Argentina on Nov. 6, and then Georgia and New Zealand on consecutive weekends after that, and Dupont believes the last of those clashes will be key with the two sides to also clash at the Stade de France in the opening game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The visitors led 33-7 at half-time and scored 16 tries to two against an understrength US team.

Wing Will Jordan dotted down for a hattrick, while loose forward Luke Jacobsen and prop Angus Ta'avao bagged two tries each.

Prop Ethan de Groot, fullback Damian McKenzie, first-five Richie Mo'unga, second-five Quinn Tupaea, loose forward Dalton Papalii also scored tries as did replacements Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles and TJ Perenara.

The Eagles secured their first-ever try against the All Blacks during the test.

Cane has been sidelined since March with a torn pectoral muscle and other complications but eased back into competition with a provincial match last week in New Zealand.

Foster said Cane was ready to step up for the game against the 'Eagles' on 24 October in Washington, along with fit-again hooker Dane Coles, who suffered a calf strain in July.

"We've already flagged that for the likes of Sam Cane and Dane, who have been out for a while with injury, this will be an ideal game to get them back in there," Foster said.

NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson acknowledged that rugby plays an important role in getting more New Zealanders vaccinated.

"Rugby is a part of every community in New Zealand and we need to make sure those communities are safe. For me, getting the vaccine was about protecting my family and knowing I've played my part when I'm out on the sideline at my rugby club.

The All Blacks finished the competition on Saturday with a narrow 31-29 loss at the hands of South Africa on the Gold Coast, with the defeat seeing New Zealand cede the number one ranking in world rugby back to the Springboks.

"Have we learnt anything that will hold us in good stead for 2023? I think so," said Foster, whose side had clinched The Rugby Championship title last weekend.

"We've spent good time together, we've learned how to manage the ups and downs of different schedules, different travel routines than we would normally have.

The lead changed four times in a frenetic last five minutes on Australia's Gold Coast but the world champions kept their nerve to deliver Jantjies the opportunity to secure a famous victory from in front of the posts.

The All Blacks were already assured of the championship title after their victory over the Springboks last weekend, but Saturday's win will send South Africa back above their great rivals to the top of the world rankings.

The undefeated All Blacks have already snatched the Springboks' world number one ranking and sealed the title last week with victory over the world champions in Townsville in the 100th test between the sides.

But coach Ian Foster wants no slip-ups on the Gold Coast before they head to the northern hemisphere for the first time in two seasons.

"We were delighted with the result last week, but weren't as delighted with the performance," Foster said.

"We want to take the things we learned and apply them."

The 100th test between rugby's two most successful nations did not disappoint and it was not until fullback Jordie Barrett kicked his fourth penalty two minutes from time that the All Blacks took the lead for the final time.

All Blacks winger Will Jordan and his Springboks counterpart S'bu Nkosi scored early tries but from then on it was a kicking duel between South Africa first-five Handre Pollard and Barrett to decide the spoils.

World champions South Africa go into the Rugby Championship test at Townsville's North Queensland Stadium on the back of successive losses to Australia and having just lost the world number one ranking to New Zealand.

"Regardless of previous results, when the two nations collide, it's a big one," Savea said.

"They're under pressure with the previous results they've had, under pressure back home in their own country and when you say it like that, it's a scary thought.

He played 23 times for the All Blacks including 14 Tests.

The loose forward featured in the 1966 series victory over the British and Irish Lions scoring two tries in the third Test.

Nathan made his debut for Auckland at 18 and played 88 games in the Blue and White Hoops, scoring 51 points.

He scored a last-minute try as Auckland successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield with a 19-18 victory over Canterbury in 1960.