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All Blacks legend Brad Thorn on the family bond that led to Test coaching debut
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Barrett brothers make history as All Blacks pummel sorry Samoa
Julian Savea moved second on the list of the all-time New Zealand try-scorers and the three Barrett brothers made history as the world champions warmed up for the British and Irish Lions series with a 78-0 rout of Samoa.
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Beauden Barrett, Scott Barrett and Jordie Barrett became the first three brothers to play for their country in the same Test on a glorious night for the family at Eden Park, where New Zealand ran in 12 tries in a ruthless demolition job on Friday.
It was also another evening to remember for flyer Savea, who scored his 46th try in only his 53rd Test as Samoa were put to the sword in Auckland.
Ben Smith pulled the strings in his first match as captain of the All Blacks, who ran riot just eight days before they lock horns with the Lions in the first of three eagerly-awaited Tests, sending out an ominous message to Warren Gatland’s men.
SNAP 📸 A proud family moment, as the three Barrett brothers line up for the anthem. #NZLvSAM #PasifikaChallenge pic.twitter.com/MOktJwY71N
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 16, 2017
New Zealand were out of sight at half-time – opening up a 28-0 lead – and turned on the style after the break in their first Test of the year.
Anton Lienert-Brown, excellent in midfield along with Sonny Bill Williams, scored the opening try and the influential Beauden Barrett also went over before Ardie Savea crossed.
Williams also added a try in his first Test since the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, with Beauden Barrett converting on the stroke of half-time.
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Lienert-Brown skipped away from three defenders before setting up Israel Dagg for a fifth New Zealand try soon after the interval prior to Julian Savea moving just three tries short of Doug Howlett’s record tally of 49.
Playmaker Beauden Barrett added a second try and scored 24 points in total in his 50th Test on a day in which his brother, Jordie, made his New Zealand debut, while Codie Taylor dotted down in an All Blacks masterclass.
There was a debut try for Vaea Fifita, while TJ Perenara came off the bench to add a five-pointer prior to laying another on for Ardie Savea with a brilliant no-look kick over the top.
Sam Cane completed the mauling, although Lima Sopoaga was denied a try in the last action of the match following an unselfish pass from Perenara after the TMO ruled there was a forward pass in the build-up.
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