A controversial selection from the outset, Ali Williams has revealed to the international press that he was told by Steve Hansen to stand in front of his teammates and explain what it meant to be among them.
All Black captain Richie McCaw has been quick to send a message to his players on arrival in Edinburgh for their first of four tests in Europe.
The All Blacks' northern rivals are about to lose their last hiding place - the slow ruck - and Steve Hansen's men are, not surprisingly, relishing the chance to expose them.
A Super Rugby contract hasn't eventuated for experienced former All Black Daniel Braid, who will now step up his efforts in looking for an overseas club.
Two of Steve Hansen's pet projects, Ali Williams and Piri Weepu, are tomorrow morning likely to be named in his All Blacks squad to tour Europe.
Alby Mathewson appreciates the glamorous side of sport.
As Tana Umaga stands on the brink of his greatest achievement as a coach, he is thankful he isn't playing any more.
Auckland coach Wayne Pivac has his joker Ali Williams back in the pack for the ITM Cup premiership final against Canterbury in Christchurch on Saturday.
Steve Hansen's off-the-cuff reply to a question about Kiwi Mike Harris playing for Australia has turned the spotlight back on to the supposed pillaging of the Pacific Islands by New Zealand rugby.
OPINION: Two weeks. That's the sanction imposed on Wallabies flanker Scott Higginbotham for his attacks on Richie McCaw's head.
John Kirwan's tough start to the wheeling and dealing of Super Rugby trading has continued, with the Blues coach admitting he gambled in de-listing prop Pauliasi Manu only for the Melbourne Rebels to swoop.
Piri Weepu's playing career in Auckland has taken another twist, with coach Wayne Pivac confirming the All Blacks halfback won't be involved in the ITM Cup final against Canterbury on Saturday.
The common perception is that New Zealand triathlete Kris Gemmell is switching to Ironman distance events after the ITU World Championships in Auckland but there is a chance a different career awaits.
Canterbury overcame a rugged start against Hawkes Bay in Napier tonight to earn a 44-3 bonus-point victory and put themselves in an excellent position to secure a home semifinal.
Ali Williams has watched the All Blacks go to a new level but insists he still has what it takes to force his way back into the team.
In his first year with the team, All Black halfback Aaron Smith has experienced many of the highs and lows of test rugby and has settled on a new plan - don't get ahead of yourself.
The All Blacks think they have identified weaknesses in an Argentinian defence which so frustrated them recently in Wellington.
As learning experiences go, Luke Romano's introduction to Argentine rugby was a painful one.
One of Hugo Porta's most treasured possessions hangs on a wall above the desk of his office in suburban Buenos Aires.
Steve Hansen is relieved to have one crucial individual back in the fold but knows his side has to deal with other problems against the Pumas to seal the Rugby Championship on Sunday (NZT).
