All Blacks and former Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has defended the pre-match haka after England prop Joe Marler stoked up the tension ahead of Sunday's clash by saying it was "ridiculous and needs binning".
Former Canterbury winger Blair Murray looks set to don the red and white after Warren Gatland named him in his 35-man Wales squad to take on Fiji, Australia and South Africa.
Former New Zealand rugby player Matua Parkinson has had “a huge fall from grace”, a judge said as he sentenced him to nine months home detention for on-selling guns and faking a burglary to cover his tracks.
Crusaders loose forward Ethan Blackadder will not travel with the All Blacks squad to Japan tomorrow for the start of the Northern tour due to a calf injury.
A recovered Cam Roigard will take his place at halfback in the All Blacks squad for the end of year tour, while veterans Sam Cane and TJ Perenara have also got the nod.
The All Blacks are about to embark on a tough tour of Japan and Europe, with Scott Robertson set to name his side at 2pm today. So who will make the squad and who could face disappointment?
New Zealand Rugby chairwoman Dame Patsy Reddy will not seek re-appointment to the NZR Board, after an independent review of the organisation's governance structures was not implemented.
The High School Old Boys Light Bears are "chomping at the bit" to run onto Sky Stadium for the curtain-raiser to the All Blacks test against Australia on Saturday.