The All Blacks got their end of year tour off to a winning start when their so‑called second‑string side claimed a 31‑22 comeback win over the Barbarians at Twickenham in an entertaining match to mark the 125th anniversary of the New Zealand Rugby Union.
Although far from their strongest side, the All Blacks 23‑man squad captained by 2016 world player of the year Beauden Barrett still boasted more than 400 caps and they hit back impressively with three tries in six second‑half minutes to take control.
Meanwhile, the Wallabies have cruised to victory in Yokohama, beating Japan 63‑30 in the first Test between the nations on Japanese soil.
Tevita Kuridrani scored a hat-trick in the match while Samu Kerevi scored two tries.
Henry Speight also scored a try in the match.
