All Blacks coach Steve Hansen admitted his side shouldn't have won the 22-19 cliffhanger over Ireland which Dan Carter sealed with a drop goal in the final seconds.
It's early days, but Dan Carter has quickly found a rapport with new All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith.
From Super Rugby newcomer at the high-flying Chiefs to being on the brink of his first test cap, Sam Cane's year just keeps getting better.
Julian Savea could be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss is about.
His groin remains a work in progress but Dan Carter is back in an All Blacks jersey for the first time since his infamous injury, saying the worst is definitely behind him.
Australia's shock loss to Scotland this week was an important lesson for the All Blacks and coach Steve Hansen says his side can't afford to think beyond Saturday's first test against Ireland.
The Warriors have lost prop Sam Rapira to a long-term injury but are hoping his replacement, brother Steve, will be the key in tightening a defence that has been problematic all season.
As a 20-year-old who had only just finished his second ITM Cup season with Taranaki, even Beauden Barrett was beginning to fancy his chances of a call-up to the All Blacks World Cup squad last year.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has said he doesn't want to give away too many secrets to the Irish, but Declan Kidney's men can probably start preparing to face Sonny Bill Williams in Saturday's first test in Auckland.
Steve Hansen has put his faith in Piri Weepu recapturing his World Cup form after naming him in the 30-player All Blacks squad for the Ireland series.
Where do you go after you've been thrashed by your traditional rivals, your 10th defeat of a wretched season which shows no sign of getting better any time soon?
Ireland coach Declan Kidney has described the challenge facing his side in New Zealand next month as "sadistic'' but has bravely stated he aims to win the series.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is cautiously optimistic that Keven Mealamu will add to his 92 test caps in next month's test series against Ireland.
Ben Smith's adaptability means he is likely to be included in the All Blacks squad for the first test against Ireland.
Benson Stanley's rugby career is hanging in the balance following his latest concussion injury in the Blues' heavy defeat against the Crusaders on Saturday night.
When Warriors coach Brian McClennan wakes up in Sydney this morning wondering how his side lost to Wests Tigers last night, one consolation will be the performance of Konrad Hurrell.
There has been no escaping the Benji Marshall element to tomorrow night's match against the Wests Tigers for Shaun Johnson.
"Frustrated'', "annoyed'', "too many mistakes'' but determined to trust one another despite all of the above. The Crusaders are beginning to sound like the Blues as they prepare for the match against their old rivals in Christchurch on Saturday night.
Charlie Faumuina has endured something of a rollercoaster recently.
Steve Hansen is keeping an eye on the future with his 35-player training squad but will back experience for next month's Ireland tests, which suggests a reprieve for out-of-form players such as Ali Williams.
