All Blacks storm past the Bulls 50-19 in final tune-up for South Africa tests

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — New Zealand passed its last examination before the eagerly awaited test series against world champion South Africa when the Bulls were dispatched 50-19 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The All Blacks dominated to lead 24-0 at halftime and perhaps their first match at altitude contributed to a closer, more back and forth second half.

They still racked up eight tries, with doubles for wingers Josh Moorby and Leroy Carter and captain Codie Taylor, while conceding their first points in more than two hours across the tour matches against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls.

“No disrespect to the Bulls but they (the Springboks) will lift the tempo and physicality,” Taylor told broadcaster SuperSport. “That's what test match footy is all about. It's an exciting week ahead.”

Only a few of the New Zealand side were expected to line up in the first test next Saturday in Johannesburg, but valuable experience was gained by the wider squad whose depth will be plumbed during the grueling run of four tests on four straight weekends.

The likes of flanker Anton Segner, the returning Taylor and center Rieko Ioane impressed for New Zealand in an expansive, entertaining affair.

While the Bulls were the best provincial side the All Blacks will face on tour, like the first two opponents they were a shadow of their true selves. They were not match fit, had not played since June 19 in their third consecutive United Rugby Championship final, and had to cut short their offseason break.

But their up-tempo, ambitious style similar to the All Blacks' netted three tries, all in the second half. They rarely questioned New Zealand with contestable kicks.

“There were a few mistakes in there," Taylor said, "but we've played three games now and experienced some South African footy and are set up nicely to play some test matches now.”

New Zealand's front row of Taylor and props Tyrel Lomax and Xavier Numia made their first appearance on tour and stood out. Numia prevented an early Bulls lineout maul try then the All Blacks shoved the Bulls' five-meter attacking scrum backwards.

The All Blacks' set-piece was reliable and inside backs Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown and Ioane expertly set up chances wide out.

Moorby took the first two opportunties, and Taylor the next two while Bulls prop Francois Klopper was in the sin-bin. Taylor scored from a tap penalty to himself and the second from a counter-ruck.

The Bulls got on the scoreboard straight after halftime, ending New Zealand's streak without conceding at 124 minutes. Lock Ruan Vermaak burst over from a lineout and well-placed referee Nika Amashukeli rejected TMO Eric Gauzins' finding that Vermaak was short of the tryline.

Carter scored with wispy stepping along the sideline, and released Ioane for the next try.

The scoring was tit for tat to the end, with winger Stravino Jacobs and captain Marcell Coetzee dotting down for the Bulls, and Carter and Wallace Sititi replying for New Zealand's second straight 50-pointer.

Meanwhile, the Springboks regrouped in Johannesburg after splitting the squad to beat Argentina 17-10 last weekend in Buenos Aires, and coach Rassie Erasmus declared them aligned for the All Blacks.

“The players are well recovered,” he said, “and ready to give everything for the forthcoming tests.”

See AP’s full rugby coverage here

New Zealand's Cortez Ratima, left, is challenged by Bulls' Ruan Vermaak during a rugby match between Bulls and New Zealand, in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

New Zealand's Josh Moorby scores a try during a rugby match between Bulls and New Zealand, in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

New Zealand's Josh Moorby, right, breaks away from Bulls' Hanro Liebenberg, to score a try during a rugby match between Bulls and New Zealand, in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

New Zealand's Josh Moorby, front, breaks away from Bulls' Hanro Liebenberg, to score a try during a rugby match between Bulls and New Zealand, in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

New Zealand's Cortez Ratima, front, is tackled by Bulls' Embrose Papier during a rugby match between Bulls and New Zealand, in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Indiana authorities say at least five people have died in flooding across the state this week, as first responders worked to rescue more people Saturday from rising waters in neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis.

The state has been hammered over the past week by heavy rains, resulting in rivers and creeks surging.

Gov. Mike Braun confirmed Saturday that President Donald Trump intends to approve his request for federal resources to help in response to the flooding and the recovery.

Braun said his heart is with the families who have lost loved ones due to the flooding over the past week. He also warned people to take the flooding seriously and stay away from floodwaters.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

More than 90 people and their pets were rescued Saturday as floodwaters rose along the White River in Indianapolis and authorities in central Indiana responded to what many described as historic flooding.

The damage so far was concentrated along the river corridor from Hamilton County and into the northern Indianapolis suburbs. Farther east in Delaware County, sheriff deputies on Friday found the body of a 58-year-old woman who they believe died after trying to drive through floodwaters.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett was joined by emergency managers during a briefing Saturday as he urged residents along the river to evacuate. A day earlier, he had declared a local emergency as heavy rains resulted in creeks and streams swelling throughout central Indiana.

“This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime type floods,” Jacob Spence, director of Marion County Emergency Management, told The Associated Press. “So yeah, this is an unprecedented event and unfortunately we're setting some new records.”

Gov. Mike Braun has requested a presidential emergency declaration to free up federal resources to help with the response and recovery following days of record rainfall.

The National Weather Service reported that more than 11 inches (28 centimeters) of rain fell over a two-day period in some areas. The White River crested at more than 24 feet (7.32 meters) in the communities of Anderson and Noblesville, surpassing records set in 1913.

Flash-flood warnings and watches were issued across a swath of central Indiana on Saturday, and forecasters with the National Weather Service warned that more showers and thunderstorms would be moving into the area throughout the day. In Warren County, forecasters reported 2 inches of rain falling in the past six hours.

Forecasters expected the White River to crest Saturday evening in the Indianapolis area, where National Guard vehicles were among those helping with the rescue efforts. Rita Reith, a spokesperson with the Indianapolis Fire Department, put the number of rescues at 91 people and 45 pets as of early afternoon.

“The water is still rising, so heed the warnings,” said Todd Wilson, director of the city's public works department.

Residents posted videos on social media that showed vehicles stranded in high water, a power pole being toppled by rushing water and flooded intersections.

Earlier this week, severe storms wreaked havoc across other parts of the Midwest, causing tornadoes, heavy rains and flash flooding. Storm damage was reported from the Chicago area all the way to western Pennsylvania.

Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This aerial photo provided by the Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Indianapolis Fire Department via AP)

This photo provided by the Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Indianapolis Fire Department via AP)

This photo provided by the Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Indianapolis Fire Department via AP)

This aerial photo provided by the Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Indianapolis Fire Department via AP)

This aerial photo provided by the Indianapolis Fire Department shows flooding in northern Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026. (Indianapolis Fire Department via AP)