Rugby: Cane makes big strides
Rugby: Cane makes big strides
This time Sam Cane had all week to think about his first start in the All Black jersey.
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Rugby: All Blacks learn lesson, Ireland given one
Rugby: All Blacks learn lesson, Ireland given one
There was Black Caviar at Ascot and Hamilton, twin sporting delicacies to delight enthusiasts and aficionados.
Rugby: Buck throws hat in ring for Blues job
Rugby: Buck throws hat in ring for Blues job
All Black great Wayne Shelford has joined the race for the Blues coaching job.
Rugby: Time for Messam at No 8 for ABs?
Rugby: Time for Messam at No 8 for ABs?
As casualties mount in the All Blacks it may be time to consider Liam Messam as No 8 for the final test against Ireland.
Rugby: Dan Carter's magic back
Rugby: Dan Carter's magic back
The conjurer is back in business, back in black and back tormenting rugby rivals.
Rugby: Smith makes good fist of test debut
Rugby: Smith makes good fist of test debut
Two years ago Aaron Smith auditioned for the Blues' wider training group.
Rugby: Highlander Smith to start against Ireland
Rugby: Highlander Smith to start against Ireland
The All Blacks' future will be entrusted to little and large with halfback Aaron Smith and lock Brodie Retallick in the frame to start the opening test against Ireland.
Rugby: Refreshed Dagg happy to wing it
Rugby: Refreshed Dagg happy to wing it
Israel Dagg started the Super 15 season on the wing and would do that again if it meant starting for the All Blacks.
Rugby: Injuries, mental fatigue hamper Ireland quest
Rugby: Injuries, mental fatigue hamper Ireland quest
Some sense of the anxiety already gripping Irish rugby came as tighthead prop Mike Ross went to negotiate the stairs at his team's hotel.
Rugby: Options weighed; Weepu gets nod
Rugby: Options weighed; Weepu gets nod
Piri Weepu made the weigh-in and claimed his halfback role with the All Blacks.
Rugby: Baby Blues looking to bounce back
Rugby: Baby Blues looking to bounce back
As a Baby Blacks anniversary approaches, it's time to add the Baby Blues to rugby's lexicon.
Rugby: Injury threatens Mealamu's All Black chances
Rugby: Injury threatens Mealamu's All Black chances
Ten-year All Black veteran Keven Mealamu is in a tight medical battle to keep his place for the June test series.
Rugby: Hansen sticks with stalwart six
Rugby: Hansen sticks with stalwart six
Six players who linked up with Steve Hansen at the start of his All Black coaching career nine years ago remain as pillars for his first stint as head coach.
Rugby: Young faces feature in ABs squad
Rugby: Young faces feature in ABs squad
There will be some sharp intakes of breath as some of the new names in an expanded All Black squad are read this morning, before you wonder if many will make the cut for the June tests.
Rugby: Lam staying upbeat for Blues
Rugby: Lam staying upbeat for Blues
Victory, anything for a victory. The refrain grows louder for the Blues as they wonder whether that target will be an oasis or another mirage at Eden Park on Friday.
Rugby: Five new faces in form ABs team
Rugby: Five new faces in form ABs team
All Black selections usually create vibrant debate.
Rugby: Halfback key issue for Blues
Rugby: Halfback key issue for Blues
In recent seasons the All Blacks have settled on Piri Weepu for the halfback battles with Will Genia.
Rugby: Ferocious Crusaders a compelling sight
Rugby: Ferocious Crusaders a compelling sight
We revel in frothy attacking rugby but when it comes to the crunch, we understand the wisdom of the "no scrum, no win'' saying.
Rugby: Blues shot to bits in mind games battle
Rugby: Blues shot to bits in mind games battle
Close but that's all for the Blues. Now it's a repeat debrief before their next match against the Reds.
Rugby: Delany comes up trumps for Highlanders
Rugby: Delany comes up trumps for Highlanders
All the hype and all the hope around the Blues came up short once more. Their first venture to Dunedin's new Forsyth Barr Stadium delivered the same result last night which has soured their...