Hooker Codie Taylor scored two tries as the All Blacks overwhelmed Australia 57-22 in Auckland on Saturday to make a winning start to the Rugby Championship and ensure the Bledisloe Cup stays in New Zealand for a 19th straight season.
Rieko Ioane, Brodie Retallick, Ardie Savea, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan and David Havili also crossed as the hosts earned a bonus point and secured a 22nd successive victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park in a winning streak stretching back to 1986.
Australia, who had needed a win to keep the annual three-match Bledisloe Cup series alive after their 33-25 defeat last week, scored three tries through some fine attacking rugby but were punished ruthlessly for their errors.
World champions South Africa, who sat out last year's Rugby Championship because of concerns at the lack of preparation time for their players during the COVID-19 pandemic, return to the fray against Argentina in Port Elizabeth later on Saturday.
Captains will be the only ones allowed to speak to the referee and discuss a decision during matches at the upcoming European Championship in a bid to facilitate clearer communication.
Substitute Jhon Duran scored two late goals as Aston Villa fought back to salvage a 3-3 home draw with Liverpool on Monday and take a significant step towards a place in the Champions League next season.
Arsenal's Leandro Trossard capitalised on dreadful defending to secure a 1-0 win against Manchester United that saw the Gunners climb back to the top of the Premier League, ensuring the title race will be decided on the final day.
UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar has retained his overall lead after Dutchman Olav Kooij won stage nine of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, pipping Jonathan Milan by half a wheel right at the finish line in a breathless sprint at the end of a 214-km ride from Avezzano to Naples.