Looking back: Report from last year's Classic

The New Zealand All Blacks upset the formbook to clinch an unprecedented eighth World Rugby Classic title and a first in 13 years at the National Sports Centre last weekend.

And they did so in convincing fashion, crushing defending champions Classic Lions 24-0 on the back of four tries and two conversions on a soggy pitch. The All Blacks took the lead in the third minute through a try from winger Jackie Tarrant and never took their foot off the gas.

The Kiwi's airtight defence suffocated the Lion's passing game made all the more daunting in Saturday's torrential downpours.

Defending champions Lions, who defeated USA and France on their way to the final, did their best to haul themselves back into the match. But their efforts fell in vain as additional tries from Pita Alatini, Charles Hore - who also kicked two conversions - and Alan Bunting put the match far beyond the Lions' reach.

In the Plate final, Argentina came from behind to beat Australia

11-7.

The Wallabies led 7-0 at the half thanks to a try from Josh Gamgee and Matt Pini's conversion.

However, that is as good as it got for the Aussies as the Classic Pumas turned the match on its head following the break.

The Pumas scored 11 unanswered points to leave the Wallabies for dead.

In Saturday's two exhibition games, Bermuda's Under 19s thumped Don Mills University Under 19s 41-0 with Andre Landy leading the local charge with three tries.

Saturday's remaining exhibition match saw the Golden Onions beat the Wild Geese 17-5.