Steve Hepburn

Coach Graham Henry gave the All Blacks a pass mark, although he admitted they have plenty to work on before they start the Tri-Nations next Saturday.

The last test after the last test will be played out tonight at Carisbrook, and a good sprinkling of Highlanders will be in action.

If it had all gone right this year for Colin Slade, he would be very familiar with Carisbrook. After all, this was to be his new home ground in 2011.

All Black coach Graham Henry will mix and match his side in the next few weeks because if some players do not get space, they'll be "dead men trying to play rugby".

Otago captain Eben Joubert says his side must retain the hunger and passion from its first match when taking on Auckland tonight.

Ben Smith feels he is more ready for the test arena and his call-up to the black jersey is the completion of a fantastic year.

Cory Jane agrees it has been that sort of season.

Otago Boys' repelled everything King's could throw at it and came away a comfortable winner in the annual interschool match at Carisbrook last night.

Recalled lock Ali Williams says it is hard to put into words what getting back into the All Blacks means to him.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew admits he is concerned about the low ticket sales for the test at Carisbrook next week but says the union will break even on the game.

Otago signing Daniel Crichton was in the Dunedin District Court again yesterday, as he was involved in a second assault-related incident within the past four months.

The swift rise of Highlanders lock Jarrad Hoeata into the All Blacks shows what can be done when a player gets focused and knows where he is going, says coach Jamie Joseph.

Coach Jamie Joseph says getting Hosea Gear to come south to have a look at the Highlanders was a positive sign.