All Black captain Richie McCaw has trumped most challenges in his majestic test career. He's been on the winning side in 102 of his 116 internationals and worked through a stalemate last year against the Wallabies.
As they do online, some bloke put his house on Benji Marshall being an All Black next season.
Double delight came for the Chiefs but it took all their courage to claw their way past the Brumbies 27-22 for the Super 15 title.
The All Blacks' brief audition with the new scrum laws left hooker Andrew Hore enthused about their launch in the Rugby Championship.
Rugby target Benji Marshall will meet the Blues again today as they try to nut out a deal to introduce him to the Super 15.
The Blues have been boosted by Benji Marshall's positive reaction about playing Super 15 rugby next season and have made an offer to the Kiwi five-eighth.
Robbie Deans carries the impassive stare of a man who would do well in the Las Vegas casinos.
Sydney is frothing with sporting expectation as headline events saturate the city for the next month.
Excitement about rugby comes in many guises, from the crusty never-miss-a-match types to those looking at some new entertainment package.
There must be some mistake. No George Smith in the Wallabies for the second test with the Lions.
Safecrackers, sign-language experts and contortionists inhabit the shadowy world of rugby lineouts.
Starter for 10 was a film adaptation of a novel based on the University Challenge series and its famous catchphrase.
We hear the truths in rugby and sometimes do not want to believe them. Especially if you are a Wallaby.
Be honest, how often would you associate deft touches with Ma'a Nonu's rugby gamut?
Who knows whether test places were on offer for France after their solid showing at Eden Park where they beat the Blues 38-15.
An initial All Black victory carries a range of dividends - the injury count is clearing, rookies claimed more experience and the staff have plenty of detail to sharpen.
A spluttering All Black side continued their lengthy winning record at Eden Park but only just against a tenacious visiting French team.
One of the season's great unresolved rugby issues will get a different inspection tomorrow at Eden Park.
France are not hugely experienced but will fancy their front row clash against the All Blacks.
Ben Smith will transfer his art to the wing in a switch the All Blacks hope will mirror the work of his predecessor.
