Steve Hepburn

The iron man is not buying all the talk of the All Blacks being raging hot favourites for the World Cup final.

The man who scored the first try in the first World Cup final believes this year's All Blacks just have to take their game up one more notch.

What a difference 12 months makes. This time last year Aaron Cruden was cooling his heels after being left out of the All Blacks' end-of-year tour and told to work on his game.

Electric winger Cory Jane says the All Blacks will not take long to get back on the ground and prepare for France in the World Cup final.

It was the Clutha District Council that came up with the slogan "Where everyone says hello". Well, that could have been applied to Auckland yesterday.

All Black coach Graham Henry has described the support from the fans as unbelievable, and he was pleased to repay that support with the convincing 20-6 win over the Wallabies.

World Cup semifinal time. The pressure is on.

Losing Dan Carter and having Richie McCaw on one leg will bring the All Blacks together, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans believes.

The three wise men - Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith - have packed plenty into the past eight years. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at four highlights and four lowlights of the long-serving All Black coaching panel's tenure.

The pressure has been amped up on referee Craig Joubert as All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen says the breakdown must be policed better.

This year's World Cup is almost done and dusted. But who will head to England in four years for the New Zealand challenge (or defence)? Assuming, of course, Steve Tew does not withdraw the team. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at a possible All Black team to play in 2015.

He has played every minute of every game so far, and Jerome Kaino is wanting more.

This is what Sonny Bill Williams came back to New Zealand for - the chance to play in a semifinal of a World Cup, and to help the All Blacks take the next step.

There are predictable things in life. Spring then summer. Santa Claus comes just once a year. Winston Peters will re-emerge three months out from an election. And another? The All Blacks will win tomorrow night, in a canter, and head into the semifinals of the World Cup.

It is a well-worn cliche but it rings true - the top two inches is going to decide the World Cup, as injuries and physical pressure takes their toll.

All Black coach Graham Henry is not crying over spilt milk and has nominated Piri Weepu as the man to navigate the team round the field.

Mils Muliaina says players caught out drinking last week have learnt being a member of the national side is a job which never ends.