Loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett and right wing Nehe Milner‑Skudder are the only casualties in the All Blacks camp following their spectacular 62‑13 victory over France in the Rugby World Cup quarters this morning.
Coach Steve Hansen confirmed Crockett was replaced by Joe Moody in the 28th minute because of a groin strain.
Milner‑Skudder, who scored a fine try in the first half when he used a combination of his hot feet and acceleration to bewilder the French defence, didn't emerge out of the changing shed in the second half because of a shoulder complaint.
New Zealand scored four first half tries to lead 29‑13 and added another 5 after the break with Julian Savea scoring a hat‑trick to become the joint highest try scorer in a World Cup with 8.
The other tries went to Tawera Kerr‑Barlow with two and one each to Brodie Retallick, Nehe Milner‑Skudder, Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read.
All Blacks coach, Steve Hansen says a lot of hard work has gone into this win but the job is not over yet.
Meanwhile, South Africa advanced to the 2015 Rugby World Cup semi‑finals thanks to a 23‑19 victory over Wales in an intense battle at Twickenham.
Springbok skipper Fourie du Preez scored in the 75th minute to snatch victory in an epic game that could have gone either way.
The All Blacks will play South Africa at 4am next Sunday in the first semi-final.
In tomorrow’s quarter-finals, the Wallabies will take on Scotland at 3am while Ireland will play Argentina at 12am.
Source: stuff.co.nz
