Steve Hepburn

New All Black lock Isaac Ross says he is surprised to have made the All Blacks two years earlier than he hoped.

Playing and beating the All Blacks was still the ultimate challenge for a French player, captain Thierry Dusautoir said yesterday.

Gary Seear knows how to beat the French, and not just by getting over the tryline.

All Black midfield back Ma'a Nonu says he is taking on more responsibility in his role but never feels like he is an automatic selection in the team.

Last year, Adam Thomson played on the blindside flank for the All Blacks on Carisbrook. This year he is still in black and still at Carisbrook, but is on the openside flank, filling some big shoes. He talks to rugby writer Steve Hepburn about his role tomorrow.

Adam Thomson is now seen as the long-term back-up to Richie McCaw and has answered questions about his character, the All Black selectors said yesterday.

Liam Messam may have played most of his season on the blindside flank for the Chiefs but he says it will not be a big adjustment to go back to the No 8 position on Saturday night.

With temperatures falling to a mere 2degC, and being greeted on the tarmac by a pipe band, the All Blacks knew they had arrived in Dunedin.

The Haig family says it is great Jimmy and Laurie Haig will finally get their All Black caps, more than 50 years after they wore the black jersey.

The All Blacks will hit town tomorrow, well ahead of France which is flying in late and will not even have a full training run in the city.

Otago will play four pre-season matches and also have an internal trial before it kicks off its provincial campaign.

It is a case of picking through the walking wounded then naming the first All Black team of the season. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at who should make the cut tomorrow. 

Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid says he is "exceedingly disappointed and angry" about the continued behaviour of players.

Two years ago, the All Blacks going into a test series without Richie McCaw, Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo would have seemed about as likely as a middle-aged Edinburgh spinster taking the world by storm.

South Otago won the Topp Cup with a resounding win over Central Otago in Milton yesterday.

Otago Country is bringing back the tour.

Former All Blacks assistant coach Tony Gilbert is to manage the Otago team this season.