The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray believes it is time for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to wield the axe.

"That quadrennial cycle is over, the angst of 24 years has been quelled, the agonies and anxiety of five failures in between have been satisfied.

"Now we move on, or do we? There's been a whiff new coach Steve Hansen will stick with World Cuppers still peddling their prowess in the Super 15, that he will cut some serious slack for Ali Williams and Piri Weepu to make the group.

"We'll get more of an idea when Hansen, Ian Foster and Brian McLean hold two training camps, the first in Auckland in a fortnight and the next a week later in Wellington before the 30-man squad is revealed on June 3.

"Hansen has defended Williams' subdued productivity as a reflection of the Blues' work and believes the lock will measure up if he is chosen in the All Blacks.

"To my mind, Williams should have been leading the Blues through their tough times and Weepu should have done likewise if he was fit. Instead, both have slipped into the midst of the mediocrity instead of steering the side out of the mire."

Writing in the Herald on Sunday, Richard Loe offers a warning to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

"If you lose to Ireland or are even pushed very close, that is not a good start to your All Black coaching career - and Hansen has a contract for only two years.

"There are a lot of players in form and doing well in Super Rugby and, really, that is our only guide to form and entry to the All Blacks. Take Nonu's position, for example. Sonny Bill Williams, Tim Bateman and Shaun Treeby are all playing better than Nonu, not to mention some bloke called Dan Carter at 12.

"There is a possibility that they will select Nonu but not play him, resting him after playing non-stop for well over a year as he went to Japan straight after the World Cup.

"Judged on his play for the Blues against the Hurricanes on Friday night, I'd say he is suffering from fatigue, as he did some dumb and ill-disciplined things (like his no arms shoulder charge)."

The New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul claims that new All Blacks boss Steve Hansen will opt for the tried and tested in his first national squad rather than throwing in some youngsters.

"It's possible that All Black coach Steve Hansen might be a bit more switched on than he's given credit for. He's probably never going to be a hugely popular or uniting figure - a dark period in 2009 where his toys came out the pram will not be forgotten by everyone.

In his eight years as assistant coach, he never really nailed the public image thing - his dry and laconic wit was often misinterpreted as grumpiness or worse, hostility.

It's a constant battle for public figures - perception often blights reality and let's face it, we are all suckers for someone with charm and humility.

History is full of poor coaches who survived on the strength of their persona: a smile and a willingness to engage are often enough for the cracks to be papered over, or totally ignored."

Richard Loe runs through his picks for the All Blacks' front-row - based on Super Rugby form - in The Herald on Sunday.

"A reasonably clear picture is forming about the potential make-up of the All Black front row.

"Assuming everyone is fit, the four props will presumably be Owen and Ben Franks, Wyatt Crockett and Tony Woodcock. The three Crusaders boys have been strong and consistent and I suspect have still got more to come.

"Coach Todd Blackadder has rotated them and that has worked well - with Woodcock injured, you'd have to say they are the three top props in the country."

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Cleaver goes inside the Chiefs to find the secret of their success.

"In the spirit of the rebirth they were seeking, the Chiefs travelled back in time to the 1960s.

There they found Ruakura. Their "new" training and administrative base is a relic of the utilitarian architectural ideals of the day. As you walk down linoleum-laid hallways, the multitude of offices and meeting rooms look like the setting for a Roger Hall play. The site was a former research facility where, the tour guide unkindly points out, "geeks and boffins" once hung out.

In these rooms, the Chiefs on-field renaissance is being plotted. By any measure, what they've achieved so far has been spectacular."

Piri Weepu's second journey to Wellington to play club rugby for Wainuiomata last weekend is a case of having your cake and eating it too, according to the >i>Herald on Sunday's Richard Loe.

"Okay, we have read that he is homesick and Auckland's rugby governors have permitted him to make the trip home on compassionate grounds because his kids have been sick.

"...The whole thing sends another signal that club rugby has become the lowest of the low in New Zealand. Professional rugby is all well and good but club rugby is where people and players are involved for fun. Meeting All Blacks and senior players in club rugby ranks is a real boost.

"I remember when Sonny Bill Williams played for Belfast when he came down to the Crusaders. They were hanging out of trees, standing on chairs and craning their necks to get a look at him. We have to recognise that the way the game is structured counts against club rugby and even provincial rugby these days."

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray believes that the All Blacks should perhaps consider shuffling their options.

"Think Jonah Lomu if you want a poster boy for positional switches.

"Ask Mike Catt and he will hold a different opinion about the man who provoked a telegram to the All Blacks at the 1995 World Cup: "Remember rugby is a team game so all 14 of you pass the ball to Jonah."

"The one-time loose forward moved to wing and became the most terrifying force in world rugby with his brutal power and subtle touches.

"Maybe the new All Black panel could use Victor Vito's power and skills on the wing, or suggest to Adam Thomson that a chunk of his best work comes on the flank so why doesn't he stay there.

"Jersey numbers don't count as much in the modern game - once set pieces are finished, every player is expected to show a range of skills on attack and defence."

Richie McCaw and Graham Henry celebrate the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup triumph © Getty Images

Former All Black coach Graham Henry has offered to help Richie McCaw find a girlfriend after the Rugby World Cup-winning captain admitted he was single. The New Zealand Herald's Cassandra Mason reports.

"Henry hosted an hour-long show on Radio Live this afternoon during which he interviewed McCaw and took questions from the public.

"When asked by Henry who the lucky lady in his life was, McCaw said "There's actually none at the moment. I'm still on the lookout."

"Henry suggested he put out an advert, to which McCaw responded "Sounds good Ted, you can vet them all."

"Henry said he was missing McCaw and the rest of the "young fellas" in the team.

"I still feel young until I look in the mirror," he said."

Keep calm and carry on? Will Piri Weepu be part of the All Blacks this year? © Getty Images

The New Zealand selectors face tough call over the next All Blacks squad according to the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray.

"They have to abandon their historic allegiances, separate their loyalty from reality and ask whether some of those who delivered the Webb Ellis Cup still have test years in them.

"In doing that they have to measure their knowledge of those players and the quality of challengers for their positions.

"Ma'a Nonu and Piri Weepu are prime examples in the Blues.

"Sonny Bill Williams has shown repeated form at second five-eighths. His understudy would be Nonu, because of his All Black history and the lack of sting from other solid, but less dynamic, midfielders.

"Weepu is in much deeper schtum. He has little form, well-documented fitness issues and a stack of other halfbacks who are in strong nick."

Chiliboy Ralepelle levelled gouging accusations at the Crusaders © Getty Images

Gregor Paul lashes out at the Bulls following their run-in with the Crusaders over allegations of eye-gouging in The New Zealand Herald.

"A bit like Oscar Wilde's assertion that the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about, the only thing worse than eye-gouging, is making false accusations about eye-gouging.

"Shame on the Bulls - first for their clearly malicious and entirely false allegations that two of their players were gouged late in the game against the Crusaders; and then their refusal to apologise after the citing commissioner was unable to find any video evidence to substantiate the claims."

Chris Rattue calls for the Blues to employ Sir Graham Henry in their bid to rescue a miserable season in The New Zealand Herald.

"Sir Graham Henry for the Blues. Now. The World Cup-winning coach is needed in his old stamping ground to nurse a dishevelled side through to respectability or perhaps inspire a miracle recovery act in what is shaping as the Blues' most disgracefully disastrous season ever.

"The Blues board must perform radical surgery on the fallen giant, starting with the immediate sacking of coach Pat Lam. They could leave Bryce Woodward in the assistant role, and tug on Henry's heart strings should he need any persuading. Henry, who won two Super titles with the Blues and assisted them to their last triumph way back in 2003, would come in as an interim head coach before a giant cleanout takes place at Eden Park before next season."

The New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul claims that it is time for the Blues to dismiss Pat Lam.

"It's time to pull the plug on Pat Lam - let him go while he still has a shred of credibility and the potential to find a job elsewhere.

Prolonging the agony will do neither him nor the Blues any good. The 2012 campaign has, almost irrespective of what happens in the next eight weeks, a good claim to be considered their worst. A solitary victory in their first six games - that's a disaster and it's increasingly difficult to see what can be salvaged now.

The mistakes have been obvious for all to see: inconsistent and erratic selections; a refusal to commit to individuals; poorly constructed game plans and non-existent defensive patterns. Bad luck has played a major part, too, with the injury toll unkindly high but that shouldn't be seen as a basis to legitimise their failures - more a means of highlighting that the initial squad had major holes in it."

Could Jarrad Hoeata be the answer to the All Blacks' locking problem? © Getty Images

Gregor Paul looks at the All Blacks' lost stars - namely Brad Thorn and Jerome Kaino - and what it will take to replace them in The New Zealand Herald.

"The country needs a hard man - a big scary bloke who keeps the Wallaby pack awake at night. Someone just a touch mental - on the cusp of being feral.

"Ideally, two borderline psychos will emerge this year as the All Blacks have lost their enforcement department now that both Brad Thorn and Jerome Kaino have gone.

"Both Thorn and Kaino will be greatly missed for many reasons, but it was the volatility and extreme physicality they brought that will be hardest to replace."

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray picks apart the All Blacks' embarrassment of riches for the fullback berth.

"When Mils Muliaina left the All Blacks we gave thanks for his brilliant career and for the fact that Israel Dagg was ready to wear the black No 15 jersey.

Muliaina was a threequarter who converted his skills to the demands of the modern fullback, a pattern Dagg has followed in his shift into the test ranks. He pushed Muliaina hard for his World Cup place and when the veteran pulled up lame, Dagg rode high in the No 15 jersey.

There would be no dramas, we thought, about the All Black fullback for some time, and that was probably correct. Anyway there was always Isaia Toeava to back up if he managed to escape his recent hip injury curse.

But it may not be such an easy ride for Dagg because a number of others have shown they are approaching national selection too."

Richard Loe puts forward his choice as a replacement for Jerome Kaino in the All Blacks' back-row, Hurricanes flanker Brad Shields, in The Herald on Sunday.

"Jerome Kaino's departure to Japan leaves a big hole in the All Black ranks and most people are picking the Highlanders' Adam Thomson to be an automatic replacement. Or maybe Victor Vito. I'm not so sure.

"There are a few issues to be considered when you are trying to plug a gap the size that Kaino leaves. He is one of the world's best players, never mind loose forwards.

"He also brings a physical, hard approach - particularly on the tackle and at the breakdown - that neither Thomson nor other contenders such as Liam Messam and Vito have. Also, we have heard before that the time might be fast approaching for Richie McCaw to move to blindside flanker or No 8. Kieran Read is still playing very well at 8 - so I don't think the All Blacks' brains trust will move him."

In the New Zealand Herald Patrick McKendry hails the less-celebrated New Zealand Super Rugby sides.

"Almost a third of the way through the Super Rugby round-robin stage and the Chiefs, Highlanders and Hurricanes are enjoying the high life in the New Zealand conference.

Two of the three, the Highlanders and Hurricanes, will fancy their chances of improving their positions further this weekend with home matches against the Rebels and Cheetahs, respectively, with the Chiefs facing a tougher proposition when hosting the Waratahs."

Richie McCaw and Dan Carter remain New Zealand's most important players © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Paul Gregor believes Richie McCaw and Dan Carter will still be the All Blacks' key duo come the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

"The instant it was confirmed Dan Carter and Richie McCaw had signed until 2015, it seemed everyone wanted to challenge the wisdom of their contracts.

Perhaps it's the natural inclination of New Zealand rugby fans to be sceptical, doubtful and a little scornful even of two of the very best players to have graced the world stage. No one has much confidence that either Carter or McCaw will still be must-pick All Blacks by 2015.

Questioning McCaw is fair enough. He's 31, has played more than 100 tests in a position that frankly you'd have to be a lunatic to enjoy. Openside flankers take a pounding like no one else; their bodies exposed to all sorts of torture as they forage for the ball. It is a miracle that McCaw has managed to play as much as he has in the last decade - that his injuries have been reasonably light in comparison with others.

But how much has this great warrior got left? Can he preserve his agility and maintain that great engine? Yes, he probably can as just like Madonna, McCaw is masterful at re-invention. His game evolves and adapts to meet his changing athletic prowess and shifting global patterns."

In the New Zealand Herald, Chris Rattue delivers a damning verdict on All Black Jerome Kaino's decision to leave New Zealand for Japan.

"Jerome Kaino's exit to Japan is a sporting joke because Japanese rugby is a joke in international terms. Kaino - a superstar of world rugby - is only 28 for goodness sake, far too young to spend a couple of seasons in the superannuation-slash-retirement home. The big-spending Japanese rugby corporate mobs are pariahs - they almost lured the rugby league whiz Benji Marshall a couple of years ago which would have been a disaster for that sport. The Japanese seek the world's best without a competition remotely good enough to match.

Some players love Japan and some hate it. The bottom line is none would have gone but for the money. Kaino could have tested himself and scored big in Europe's vibrant rugby atmosphere and tough forward zone. Yes, yes, yes ... money, money, money. But it's still staggering the hard nut Kaino chose Japan. On pure sporting terms, his decision makes as much sense as trying to put porridge into sushi."

A New Zealand Herald editorial states that hosting the 2011 Rugby World Cup was an experience that cannot be measured in dollars.

"New Zealand will always look back on last year's Rugby World Cup as much more than a financial success but even its financial results, now becoming available, are looking good. The International Rugby Board reports that its tournament returns are likely to show a net surplus of around $168 million, about $18 million more than it expected. Its gross commercial revenue from the 2011 event was the second highest in the history of Rugby World Cups, with revenue just 3 per cent lower than the 2007 tournament in France.

"France, as the IRB notes, hosted the tournament at the height of a global economic boom. New Zealand hosted it "amid an uncertain economic climate in a smaller domestic marketplace and in a non-European time zone".

"With television rights on top of its hosting fee, the international board is the main beneficiary of the event. The New Zealand organisers never expected to fully cover their costs with ticket sales and were relieved to beat their target with revenue of $265.5 million. The board believes the tournament has boosted New Zealand's economy by more than $500 million, but the real pay-off for this country's considerable public investment in stadiums and associated events must be measured in wider economic measures."

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray believes All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has cause for concern.

"A third of the way through the Super 15, All Black coach Steve Hansen should be getting some gip from his new colleagues about his World Cup pack.

"While a majority of the backline who started the Eden Park final five months ago have slipped into some strong form, those who featured in the pack that night are not delivering a similar high standard of performance.

"Captain Richie McCaw, Brad Thorn and Jerome Kaino are in the sick bay, offshore or both, but there has been a lack of regular impact from the rest.

"Fill-in Crusaders skipper Kieran Read may be exempt from that assessment but he has operated without the same accurate sting which has become a byword for his play and that of his franchise. They are spluttering along.

"Their much-decorated scrum was embarrassed by the Chiefs' alleged alternate frontrowers and their pack was given a touch up by the Highlanders in general play."

The New Zealand Herald's Patrick McKendry reflects on the Crusaders' return 'home' for the first time since Christchurch was devastated by a series of earthquakes.

"Tonight the Crusaders will play their first game in Christchurch in 22 months. Their last game there was on May 14, 2010. Even better for the team and their legions of supporters in the city, they will be playing in a new stadium, which remarkably took only 100 days to build.

"If nothing else, it is a symbol of what can be achieved when people work together - and that is a lifeline for some who have become embittered at watching a dysfunctional city council almost tear itself apart in the wake of the quakes.

"Sport can unite and bring out the best in people, and although the stadium on the former Rugby League Park in Addington still looked like a building site during the week, this humble 17,500-seat facility has a big part to play in the city's recovery."

The New Zealand Herald's Dan Cleaver wonders whether All Blacks fans have seen the last of flanker Jerome Kaino in the famous shirt after lining up a move to Japan.

"World Cup hero Jerome Kaino is set to make an announcement on his future today, with the smart money on him swapping dollars for yen.

The blindside flanker, who faces six months out of the game after shoulder surgery, has been wrestling between a huge multi-year offer from at least one Japanese club, understood to be Toyota, and loyalty to the Blues and All Blacks.

Those familiar with Kaino's thinking said he had flip-floppedover the call several times as the reality of leaving New Zealand kicked in."

The New Zealand Herald's Dan Cleaver wonders whether All Blacks fans have seen the last of flanker Jerome Kaino in the famous shirt after lining up a move to Japan.

"World Cup hero Jerome Kaino is set to make an announcement on his future today, with the smart money on him swapping dollars for yen.

The blindside flanker, who faces six months out of the game after shoulder surgery, has been wrestling between a huge multi-year offer from at least one Japanese club, understood to be Toyota, and loyalty to the Blues and All Blacks.

Those familiar with Kaino's thinking said he had flip-floppedover the call several times as the reality of leaving New Zealand kicked in."

The Herald on Sunday hails the influence of former All Blacks captain and New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs on the day of his funeral.

"Jock Hobbs simply was the man who saved rugby.

"It was with those words that friends, family and rugby mates remembered the former All Black captain and New Zealand Rugby Union chairman at a funeral at Wellington's Old St Paul's church this afternoon.

"...Among his many feats and accomplishments, Hobbs will long be remembered for securing the signatures of the All Blacks on New Zealand rugby contracts when the game went professional in 1995 and a rebel league threatened to change the face of the game.

"For his efforts, he was labelled "the man who saved rugby'' - a description that was repeated at the service today, and is likely to become his epitaph in the minds of many.

"All Blacks' captain Richie McCaw told the service they had lost a great New Zealander, an All Black captain and the man who led the game."

Patrick McKendry looks at the bailout of Otago rugby, and what it means for the future, in The New Zealand Herald.

"Hasn't Otago Rugby played a blinder! That's not a phrase usually associated with the southern union in recent times, battling as it is on the pitch and off.

"But from being days from liquidation due to a series of financial foul-ups of Carisbrook-sized proportions, they are off the hook, with the the union's future looking a lot more assured.

"That is largely due to the goodwill of several organisations, mainly the Dunedin City Council, which will write off a debt of $400,000, and major sponsors BNZ which is about to say goodbye to $1.2 million."

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Cleaver pays tribute to Jock Hobbs, the great New Zealand rugby leader who died earlier yesterday.

"Jock Hobbs sneaked in the side door when it came to the All Blacks, replacing much-respected Graham Mourie as openside flanker in 1983 despite having never featured in any national age-group sides.

In terms of his rugby legacy, he was rarely to be so unobtrusive again.

An All Black captain and chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Hobbs was around during some of the sport's most tumultuous moments, including rebel tours, the switch to professionalism and a World Cup bid that seemed destined to fail.

One word always fitted perfectly alongside his name - leader."

Jock Hobbs drinks from the World Cup - a tournament he helped bring to New Zealand © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald pays tribute to Jock Hobbs after he lost his battle with cancer.

"A head injury prematurely terminated his playing career and a serious illness ended Jock Hobbs' weighty off-field contributions to rugby before ultimately claiming his life.

A former All Blacks captain and New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) board chairman, Hobbs died today at the age of 52.

The NZRU confirmed the news this afternoon on behalf of his family, saying it was "with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jock Hobbs this afternoon".

"Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support we have received over the last week and in particular, express our gratitude to all the staff at Wellington Hospital that were involved in Jock's care."

The New Zealand Herald reports that Otago are looking into missing money at the stricken club.

"Several hundred thousand dollars in poker machine grants to the Otago Rugby Football Union for amateur rugby remain unaccounted for.

Several trusts confirmed they stopped processing grant applications for the union because of concerns over its financial viability and its tardiness in providing receipts for previous grants.

Questions to the Otago union were referred to the New Zealand Rugby Union.

One trust, which declined to be named, said it was owed $25,000 for a grant given to the union for the purposes of age group rugby last year."

The New Zealand Herald reports that Otago's chances of avoiding liquidation are slim.

"Work is continuing on the bid to stave off liquidation for the Otago Rugby Football Union, but it appears any reprieve will go right down to the wire.

The Otago union had considered going into liquidation last Friday but decided to delay that for a week to see if it could find a way out of its debt problem.

The union has debts of $2.35 million and is facing a loss of about $750,000 this year.

Union change manager Jeremy Curragh said meetings were continuing but there was still a lot of work to be done.

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Morris reports on the efforts to breathe life into the cash-strapped Otago Rugby Union.

"All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is part of a high-powered rugby delegation in Dunedin to negotiate a north-south fundraising match, as part of a final push to save the Otago Rugby Football Union.

"The group has been involved in behind-the-scenes discussions this week over a possible rescue package for the union, which was saddled with $2.35 million in debt and faced liquidation at 4pm today.

"McCaw - a board member of the Rugby Players Association - was among rugby representatives to meet Dunedin City Council chief executive Paul Orders and Forsyth Barr Stadium chief executive David Davies yesterday.

"That followed a meeting with Mr Orders on Wednesday, both also attended by Rugby Players Association chief executive Rob Nichol, Otago union change manager Jeremy Curragh and players' agent Warren Alcock."

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Cleaver ponders whether Otago's financial uncertainty is just the tip of the iceberg in New Zealand.

"Otago rugby might be only the first victim in a solvency crisis affecting New Zealand's provincial rugby unions.

A Herald survey of the financial performance of the 14 ITM Cup unions reveals a model reliant on cash grants from charitable trusts and New Zealand Rugby Union handouts.

"While the other unions might not be in trouble to the same extent as Otago, it would not surprise me if they were the tip of the iceberg," said David Moffett, former chief executive of the New Zealand Rugby Union."

The New Zealand Herald talks to David Moffat about the situation at Otago.

"Former NZRU boss David Moffat has offered his services to the Otago Rugby Football Union after it said it would go into liquidation on Friday with debts of $2.2 million.

Moffat said he had contacted the southern union today offering his services. He said the situation could be turned around and said the focus should be on negotiating debt reduction and increasing revenue."

The New Zealand Herald asks whether the government should bail out stricken side Otago.

"The Otago Rugby Football Union will cease trading on Friday, saddled with debts of more than $2.2 million, with no ability to repay them.

The union's annual meeting last night heard the union had posted a loss last year of $862,000, and may not be able to field a team in this year's ITM Cup."

A fuming Sir Graham Henry said he had called in his lawyer after his comments at a rugby club function were printed in the press. Edward Rooney reports for the Herald on Sunday.

"The former All Blacks coach was quoted from a fundraising dinner in Napier on Thursday night, stating he would have left the country if the All Blacks had lost the Rugby World Cup final to France.

"I would have been in the south of France smoking marijuana and drinking red wine," he apparently said. "I would still have the same woman ... nobody else would have me."

"Asked about his comments yesterday, Henry was furious: "It shouldn't be in the paper. It was done as a fundraiser for Hawke's Bay Rugby."

"An Evening with Sir Graham Henry was a $120 per head dinner at the East Pier on the Napier waterfront raising funds for the Hawke's Bay's rugby development programme.

"Henry said he'd had an arrangement with the event organisers that there would be no media coverage."

The Highlanders' have such a bad injury crisis that former prop Kees Meeuws turned out for them in a pre-season friendly - writes the New Zealand Herald..

"The Highlanders' injury crisis is so severe they have been forced to call up their scrum coach and former All Black Kees Meeuws for their pre-season match against the Blues in Auckland tomorrow.

Meeuws, a 37-year-old who played 42 tests for the All Blacks, has been drafted on to the bench after tighthead props Ma'afia Fia (hamstring) and Chris King (groin) were ruled out with injury."

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue calls on rugby fans to rally in support of the game in what could be difficult times.

"To all those rugby heads out there - your sport needs you. Badly.

Whether rugby is desperate enough in chasing attention and dollars is another matter, but it sure needs your help. And quick.

This is the year where the votes will count, following the sugary high of the World Cup extravaganza.

Rugby pinned a lot on winning the World Cup. Well roll up, roll up. Yes, the All Blacks remain a massive hit with the public, but it remains to be seen whether the World Cup flow-on effect actually arrives.

Here's the gloomy rugby picture so far."

Writing for the New Zealand Herald Michael Dickison reports on the travels of the Rugby World Cup.

"The Webb Ellis Cup is being toured around Auckland for the next week in a road trip to give thanks for the Rugby World Cup.

"We've got an ambition that the Webb Ellis Cup trophy spends as little time in our cabinet in Wellington as possible," said New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew.

"As nice as it is to walk into the building and see it there, it does more when it's out around the country."

The honours just keep on coming for the Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks - the New Zealand Herald reports.

"It was a black victory at the 2011 Westpac Halberg Awards tonight - an All Black victory, as the Rugby World Cup winners took nearly all the top prizes at the annual sport honours.

"Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry won the Sky Sport Coach of the Year Award, while All Blacks captain Richie McCaw won Westpac Sportsman of the Year and the All Blacks Westpac Team of the Year. The All Blacks also won the top prize, the Halberg Award, and New Zealand's Favourite Sporting Moment.

"Winning the supreme award capped off the stellar night for the All Blacks. An overwhelmed skipper Richie McCaw said it showed the All Blacks huge effort during the world cup and throughout the build up to it, had touched everyone in New Zealand this year."

All Blacks centre Conrad Smith, talking to the New Zealand Herald's Daniel Richardson, is in bullish form after being handed the Hurricanes' captaincy.

"New Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith believes having the "c" next to his name on the team sheet could be just the tonic to invigorate him ahead of this year's Super 15 campaign.

After the highs of last year's World Cup win with the All Blacks, the centre returned to Hurricanes training today after a three-month world trip.

Smith takes over the captaincy from Andrew Hore after the All Blacks rake was one of a host of players to leave the franchise over the past year.

"It's an exciting challenge and sometimes you need those things when you've played a while and you've been in the same teams," Smith said of the captaincy."

The Star's Nick Tolerton talks to All Blacks hopeful Robbie Fruean about his international ambitions and pre-season preparations with the Crusaders.

"Robbie Fruean's All Black hopes were dashed the past two years, but the Crusaders centre is doing extra yards to make it third time lucky.

"The 23-year-old says winning a black jersey is his big goal this year - and he knows the way to earn it is a steady record with the Crusaders.

"A taste of international rugby when he played for the Henry and Hansen-coached Barbarians against the Wallabies at Twickenham in November has made him hungrier."

Stuff.co.nz looks at Todd Blackadder's decision to rest some of his key All Blacks from training in an attempt to keep them fresh for the latter stages of the Super Rugby season.

"Allowing his All Blacks to bunk trainings is one way Todd Blackadder will appease national coach Steve Hansen this year.

With three tests to be played against Ireland in June, just ahead of the Super Rugby playoffs in late July, Crusaders coach Blackadder has agreed to release his All Blacks from trainings on the Mondays and Tuesdays in the fortnight before the first test in Auckland on June 9.

The other two tests will be played in Christchurch and Hamilton on the following Saturdays.

Blackadder met All Blacks manager Darren Shand before Christmas and agreed to let his internationals skip four practices in two weeks so Hansen can prepare his test side for the Ireland matches.

The Crusaders are scheduled to meet the Highlanders in Christchurch on June 1 and have a bye the previous week."

Peter Bills, writing for the New Zealand Herald, talks to former All Blacks captain Sir Wilson Whineray about his astonishing life.

"He still remembers, as a 5-year-old dressed in his Sunday best, being taken to Queen St to watch the troops marching down to the harbour, on their way to war in 1940.

Flags were waved, and the crowds cheered. And they went again, to watch the boys when they were coming home.

"Of course" says Sir Wilson Whineray, "what you didn't realise as a 5-year-old was, the lines going down were longer than the lines coming back.""

Veteran Kiwi hooker Andrew Hore talks to the Otago Daily Times about the latest stage of his career.

"World champion All Black hooker Andrew Hore has always been a good southern man at heart - trouble is he has been plying his trade elsewhere.

"Now he can look his mates in the eye again.

"The Hurricanes cut loose the experienced rake at the end of last season after 10 years service. Hore is a little resentful he was not able to leave on his own terms. But he has signed a one-year deal with the Highlanders and is much closer to the Maniototo where he owns a farm.

"It has all worked out pretty well," said Hore. "I have made a lot of good friends up there ... but there are no real regrets coming back here. Being a Highlander is something special and all my mates are ... supporters. I guess it sunk in when I realised I could just get in the car and drive to work rather than say goodbye to everyone, fill the suitcase up and head to Wellington.

"It is a new challenge with a new team and obviously we've got a new stadium. And I suppose I'll be able to go to my local pub and talk about how the Highlanders are going to go instead of getting grief about being a Hurricane."

The New Zealand Herald reveals that Sonny Bill Williams' fight is in doubt as his opponent is in the midst of legal difficulties.

"There's nothing all that eyebrow-raising in the sad tale of Richard Tutaki, the boxer who is sitting behind iron bars when he should be pumping iron in preparation for a fight with Sonny Bill Williams.

Plenty of boxers exist on the margins of society and eventually fall foul of the law.

It's hardly an unfamiliar story. For every Muhammad Ali or Manny Pacquiao, there are hundreds of Richard Tutakis - hard cases who make their bucks the hard way, inside and outside the ring. More often than not, things don't end well for them.

Had it not been for the intersection of his life with SBW, Tutaki would have remained an obscure character; a footnote in newspaper crime pages would have been the extent of his fame."

Stuff.co.nz's Matt Richens talks to Zac Guildford about his battle against the bottle.

"'Zac Guildford says staying sober for a year is going to be hard, but he knows it's a must after hitting "rock bottom".

When the 22-year-old should have been enjoying the afterglow of the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup win late last year, he was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons after a booze-fuelled night in Rarotonga where he walked naked and bleeding into a bar before getting into a stoush with patrons.

His public fall from grace led Crusaders coach, Todd Blackadder, to warn that the Super Rugby campaign was "no second-chance saloon" for the talented wing who was suspended for three pre-season games and one Super match."

The New Zealand Herald's Martin Robinson analyses the similarities between politics and rugby in New Zealand.

"Reports on the distribution of wealth in New Zealand usually reveal increasing inequality. Rugby is a good example of this widespread trend.

New Zealand rugby players come in all ages, shapes and sizes, and both sexes. Players vary greatly as regards their skill levels, commitment and training schedules. Rewards for players are extraordinarily unequal, as most actually pay to play while a very few are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Is this fair or unfair? Should the Labour Party, the Greens or the Occupy Auckland movement campaign for more-equal payment of rugby players? Should the "greedy" All Blacks be forced to hand over some of their colossal income to the more impoverished fellow players? Should the Government intervene to reduce this glaring disparity in rewards?"

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Greg Taipari argues that Liam Messam will have a job on his hands holding on to his place in the Chiefs line-up this season.

"A new year means new challenges for All Black No.8 and last year's Chiefs captain Liam Messam.

"His starting position in the franchise team he has been a part of since 2006, isn't guaranteed. With coach Dave Rennie not yet naming his captain - rugby pundits have to be thinking who is the favoured No 8 for the 2012 season?"

Sir Graham Henry - Former All Blacks coach © Getty Images

Michael Brown reflects on the tenure of Graham Henry as All Blacks coach following his knighthood in The New Zealand Herald.

"Graham Henry calls himself a 4.30 man. It's the time he wakes up most mornings and it's a habit he's struggling to break, even though he's ended his long tenure as All Blacks coach and brought peace to not only his life but also most of New Zealand after delivering the Rugby World Cup to this country for the first time in 24 years.

"The 65-year-old is a self-confessed workaholic and could often be found reviewing tape or working on game plans after waking in the early hours. It's part of the reason he was so successful, why the All Blacks won so many games under his watch and why he survived in 2007 when most Kiwis held him accountable for a certain defeat in Cardiff."

The New Zealand Herald talks to Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst following a close-season of upheaval at the Wellington franchise.

"Towering lock James Broadhurst represents everything there is to like about next year's Hurricanes squad.

Bearing in mind this is a group shorn of their biggest stars after Andrew Hore and Ma'a Nonu were shown the door by coach Mark Hammett midway through the 2011 season and a flurry of other players jumped off the seemingly sinking ship.

Broadhurst though, who was born in Kaitaia and educated during his high school years at Campion College in Gisborne, is part of the new breed."

It was the year of the Rugby World Cup but some of those who took part will be remembered more for their off-field activities than their prowess on the paddock. The New Zealand Herald reports.

"One punched random strangers after running naked into a bar on a tropical island, the other was caught on camera in a compromising situation with a woman other than his wife - who just happens to be the Queen's granddaughter.

"It's a tie as to whether All Black Zac Guildford or England's Mike Tindall is rugby's reprobate of the year but I'm going for Tindall - not only has he married into royalty but his wife is also an attractive international sportswoman. Some people are never satisfied, it would seem."

Richie McCaw raises the World Cup as New Zealand celebrates © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald looks back over 2011 when two events transformed the landscape and history of the country.

When the year began we looked forward to quite a different event dominating 2011 and, in its own way, it did. Our editorial on New Year's Day anticipated the Rugby World Cup with trepidation. We thought the "stadium of four million" ambitious "because New Zealand is not quite the rustic, rugby-mad land the slogan suggests. Most of its people live in cities and many of them dislike rugby and all it represents. Of those who do follow the game," we said, "the vast majority are interested only in the fortunes of the All Blacks."

How wrong that proved to be. New Zealanders turned out to be everything the Rugby Union promised when it gained the right to host the event, and everything Martin Snedden's organisation had trusted them to be when it spread the matches around the country.

Marc Hinton, of the New Zealand Herald, looks back at a successful year for New Zealand rugby.

"Graham Henry has his inner peace, and probably a knighthood to go with it.

But if anyone can testify to the fine lines that exist in international sport it's surely the All Blacks coach who was finally able to flip that upside down smile of his the right way up at the end of 80 excruciating minutes at Eden Park in late October.

Yes, Henry got the World Cup crown that he always knew would define his career, but boy was it a close run thing as the All Blacks defeated France 8-7 in a final packed with tension, drama and thundering commitment from both sides. Not to mention just a little symmetry in the form of the score. The last time the All Blacks lifted that prized Webb Ellis Cup? Er, '87."

Dan Cleaver in the New Zealand Herald talks to the All Blacks' new coaching team.

The seeds of the Ian Foster-Steve Hansen partnership were sown more than a year ago when the Chiefs supremo was considering offers to take his mentoring skills offshore.

While the "Aussie and Fozzie Show" was unveiled only yesterday, Hansen and Foster had been in talks for much longer.

Hansen, Graham Henry's successor as All Blacks coach, used his powers of persuasion to convince Foster to stay in New Zealand to work on "special projects" until after the World Cup, rather than weigh up offers in Europe.

All Blacks legend Grant Fox talks to the New Zealand Herald about his new role on the All Blacks selection panel.

"My first reaction was, 'Shag [Hansen], I'm just trying to get my life back'," he said. "But this is just a great chance to be involved with the team that I'm very passionate about, without a massive time commitment.

"Sky, I'd given up ages ago to try and get my weekends back and spend some time at home with my wife and use our beach place a bit more, but now I'm back into it," he said.

"With modern technology we can do a reasonable amount of the job on computer screens and TV sets at home. I've got Sky at my beach place so no doubt I'll be watching a fair bit of rugby at the beach."

Even Pegden, of the Dominion Post, talks to an excited Aaron Cruden ahead of his move to the Chiefs.

"All Black Aaron Cruden couldn't stay away.

Cruden has plenty of reasons not to be in Hamilton with the Chiefs. He is recovering from a knee injury suffered in the Rugby World Cup final and, as an All Black, is officially on holiday until January 9, when preseason Super Rugby training resumes.

But, as far as the young first five-eighths is concerned, he's had his holiday and wants to be part of his new Super Rugby team as soon as possible."

The world's largest commercially operated aircraft to be painted completely black in honour of the All Blacks has been revealed. The New Zealand Herald reports.

"Players Kieran Read and Andy Ellis ceremonially led the one-of-a-kind Boeing 777-300ER aircraft out of Boeing's paint hangar facility in Seattle on Friday night. Read said the plane looked "sensational" and would "really turn heads" at airports around the world.

"Ellis said he felt similarly about the plane.

"I always feel a huge amount of pride when I pull on the All Blacks jersey with the silver fern to represent my country on the rugby field and to see that replicated similarly on something this big is just awesome."

"It took 700 litres of primer and paint and 14 painters working in shifts 24 hours a day for just over a week to complete the transformation."

The New Zealand Herald hand out their end of season awards.

"In a stellar rugby season for New Zealand, and with a nod in the direction of the official rugby awards, Gregor Paul makes his own decisions about the best of the best (and the worst) of 2011

Best Decision

To keep the selection door open for Cory Jane. The Hurricanes wing was in horrible form throughout Super Rugby. His head was scrambled by the birth of his third child; the difficulty of deciding whether to shift overseas in 2012 and the civil war raging in his franchise between new coach Mark Hammett and the senior players. He sneaked into the initial All Black squad as injury cover for Isaia Toeava and used that opportunity to find his form and confidence. Given his influence in the knockout rounds and ability to take high balls and launch counter-attacks, the All Blacks would have been in trouble without him."

The Sunday Herald analyses rugby's battle with the bottle.

"It's a measure of how far out of touch the New Zealand Rugby Union is that it could announce the four-game suspension of trouble-prone winger Zac Guildford with what seemed to be a corporate straight face.

Guildford was handed the suspension this week for a drunken rampage in the Cook Islands in November in which he burst into a popular bar, naked and bleeding, and assaulted two of the patrons.

It was the fourth time in 18 months that he had engaged in an inappropriate alcohol-fuelled act."

Wynne Gray, of the New Zealand Herald, looks at the difference between Steve Hansen and Graham Henry.

"Are you with us or agin us," was Steve Hansen's favourite line as he tried to cajole the media.

That inquiry has been on the backburner for a spell but those familiar with the new All Black coach's working philosophy say there is no ambiguity about his demands on his players.

He does not like those who operate Devil's Advocate policies or want to run their own agendas.

The 52-year-old coach can get gnarly if things are not going well or he senses some in the squad are not working in the same direction."

The Dominion Post's Toby Robson looks at Steve Hansen's appointment as All Blacks boss.

"It was more a coronation than a contest, an inheritance rather than an appointment.

There were no gasps when Steve Hansen walked into the Ernest Hobin room at the New Zealand Rugby Union's headquarters yesterday.

Of course, we already knew who the All Blacks' new head coach would be, had done since the final whistle blew on the Rugby World Cup final.

In the end the New Zealand Rugby Union only formally interviewed one man despite plenty of vim and bluster about how "robust" the process had been.

That's no fault of the New Zealand Rugby Union because there weren't really any other convincing candidates. But it all added up to a fairly flat beginning. And there-in lies Hansen's biggest challenge."

Steve Hansen is unveiled as the All Blacks boss © Getty Images

The Dominion Post's Duncan Johnstone provides his take on Steve Hansen's appointment as All Blacks coach.

"Continuity has been the catchword in All Blacks coaching circles and it's a commodity Steve Hansen now lives or dies by.

The coaching regime that finally gained New Zealand their second World Cup in 24 years survives - in part - with the appointment of Hansen to take over as head coach for the next two years.

The pressure, as always, will be to continue the All Blacks' incredible success rate that operated at something like 86 per cent during Graham Henry's eight-year reign.

Any significant drop in that won't be tolerated as Hansen well knows.Hansen now goes it alone.

His umbilical cord to Henry is cut and the precise detail that Wayne Smith always brought to the table is also gone.

There's no word yet on who will help Hansen, only confirmation that he will have one assistant as well as some help in specialist areas."

The New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul reports on Steve Hansen's unveiling as All Blacks coach.

"One non-mystery has been solved with the confirmation Steve Hansen will be the All Blacks new head coach but the plot has thickened around the make-up of his wider management team.

The New Zealand Rugby Union board has accepted Hansen's team in principle and is now in the process of making contract offers to an assistant coach and a range of specialists. An announcement is due before Christmas and until the full picture is known, it is hard to know just what to make of the All Blacks future prospects."

The Daily Telegraph's Mick Cleary chats to All Blacks captain Richie McCaw at the end of an eventful year.

"McCaw has encouraging words for England, aware that things can go off the rails very quickly.

"As soon as you think you’ve got this thing mastered, other teams will slide on by right past you,” said McCaw, acknowledging that the All Blacks had their occasional disciplinary issue.

"Wing Zac Guildford was banned last night for four weeks for indiscretions. “That’s what Ted [Graham Henry] kept hammering into us. You’ve got to be on top of everything.

"England obviously had some challenges to deal with. There’s talent here in England, though, and they’ve got good enough players to knock over anyone. I do feel sorry for Martin Johnson. He’s a hell of a good man.”

The new All Blacks coach will be announced on Friday but the only uncertainties are whether Steve Hansen's assistants will also be unveiled and how long he will be given the job, the New Zealand Herald reports.

"It's widely acknowledged Hansen is the man to take over from Graham Henry and the NZRU board will meet on Friday to rubber-stamp the appointment. It shouldn't take long - it took about 20 minutes for Henry to be reappointed in 2007 - but it's less certain whether his assistants will also be named.

"A team of Hansen, former Chiefs coach Ian Foster (backs) and former Canterbury coach Aussie McLean (forwards) seems the most likely with Mick Byrne remaining as skills coach. Byrne has expressed an interest in becoming forwards coach, a role he filled with Japan at this year's World Cup, but his lack of experience might count against him becoming one of the three main All Blacks coaches.

"It's a lack of international experience in the Hansen package that is the biggest concern and it might be a reason why the NZRU delay officially naming Hansen's assistants until meeting with the candidates further."

In the New Zealand Herald, Adam Thomson pleads for his World Cup jerseys to be returned after his flat was burgled.

"World champion All Black Adam Thomson says the thieves who burgled his apartment can keep what they like but "for God's sake return the Test jerseys".

The loose forward, who was on the reserves bench for the World Cup final victory over France, came home to his Dunedin apartment on Sunday to find it had been burgled and his precious mementos stolen.

A stereo system, a PlayStation console, sunglasses, shoes, clothes and some foreign currency were also taken, but Thomson feels much worse about the theft of suitcases containing his All Black gear."

The Sunday Herald's Gregor Paul previews the likely confirmation that Steve Hansen will be the All Blacks new head coach.

"When the New Zealand Rugby Union board sits down this week to deliberate the appointment of the next All Black coach, the taxing part will be determining the length of the contract.

"It should take less than five minutes to agree the job has to be offered to Steve Hansen but longer to decide whether they want to continue with the current system of offering two-year deals that fall neatly into the World Cup cycle.

"The surprise could be that Hansen is offered a three- or possibly four-year deal with clearly defined performance objectives that allow for the national body to terminate things relatively inexpensively should the new man struggle."

Wayne Smith is among the favourites to become England's next coach © Getty Images

Kiwi coaches are currently the most coveted in world rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Union should be wary of clipping their wings, according to the New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul.

If they could, the New Zealand Rugby Union wouldn't mind reverting to the bad old days and reintroducing the so-called 'Graham Henry' clause.

Back in 1998, after Henry famously announced he was heading to coach Wales (and going that night), the NZRU decreed that anyone who coached a foreign national side could never hold the All Black job. They reneged on that petulant stance a few years later but protecting their best coaching capital has again become a pressing issue.

The World Cup was a potent demonstration of the power and influence New Zealand coaches hold across the globe.

Wayne Smith is among the favourites to become England's next coach © Getty Images

Kiwi coaches are currently the most coveted in world rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Union should be wary of clipping their wings, according to the New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul.

If they could, the New Zealand Rugby Union wouldn't mind reverting to the bad old days and reintroducing the so-called 'Graham Henry' clause.

Back in 1998, after Henry famously announced he was heading to coach Wales (and going that night), the NZRU decreed that anyone who coached a foreign national side could never hold the All Black job. They reneged on that petulant stance a few years later but protecting their best coaching capital has again become a pressing issue.

The World Cup was a potent demonstration of the power and influence New Zealand coaches hold across the globe.

The central question for the New Zealand Rugby Union's board this week will not be who to appoint as the new All Blacks coach, but rather how many years to give Steve Hansen in charge, according to Paul in the New Zealand Herald.

When the New Zealand Rugby Union board sits down this week to deliberate the appointment of the next All Black coach, the taxing part will be determining the length of the contract.

It should take less than five minutes to agree the job has to be offered to Steve Hansen but longer to decide whether they want to continue with the current system of offering two-year deals that fall neatly into the World Cup cycle.

The surprise could be that Hansen is offered a three- or possibly four-year deal with clearly defined performance objectives that allow for the national body to terminate things relatively inexpensively should the new man struggle.

All Blacks skipper RIchie McCaw has been named the NZ Herald's New Zealander of the Year © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Cleaver explains why the newspaper has named All Blacks captain Richie McCaw the New Zealand of the Year.

"It is McCaw's great skill in that although he is at the very apex of professional sport - he and Dan Carter are New Zealand's two highest-paid players and their media and public commitments are strictly vetted and controlled by agents and communications managers - he has retained a sense of normality.

"His down-to-earth image is uncultivated. The casual she'll-be-right shrug of the shoulders when he's asked to assess problems, real or imagined, is not practiced.

"It is easy to imagine McCaw leaving his door at 7.30am in the morning, doing a day's work at the office before heading to footy practice, even if that lifestyle is a million miles from the one he is living.

"Put simply, McCaw is a popular chap, but even he sounds genuinely awestruck at the amount of goodwill that's been thrown his way since the 8-7 win against France on October 23.

"I've had a lot of letters and everyone that comes up has a 'well done' for me. People have said to me that I must be sick of being congratulated. I'm like: 'Shit no, it's awesome'," he says. "It's blown me away really. People who wouldn't normally take a lot of interest in rugby were telling me they never even really watched the All Blacks, yet here they were watching other games and loving it."

The New Zealand Herald's Daniel Richardson talks to NZRU CEO Steve Tew about the plans to franchise out their Super Rugby sides and the subsequent lack of interest.

"New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew is yet to receive an offer from an investor keen to buy a slice of a Super rugby franchise but is remaining positive, saying there is plenty of interest in the market.

The NZRU announced last week that it was selling off the licences of Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes or Crusaders as a way of injecting cash and fresh ideas into the franchises. The Highlanders are already in the process of attracting an interested party.

The NZRU would continue to oversee the coach and player contracts."

The Dominion Post's Evan Pegden looks at Sonny Bill Williams' latest move and where exactly he will fit into the Chiefs' jigsaw.

"Sonny Bill Williams wants to form a lethal backline combination with fellow All Blacks Aaron Cruden and Richard Kahui, wearing the No 12 jersey for the Chiefs.

He also wants to challenge Ma'a Nonu, now moved to the Blues, for that same position in the All Blacks.

But Williams, speaking for the first time yesterday on his recruitment by the Chiefs, said he was prepared to play on the wing, as he did for the All Blacks, if that was what the coaches wanted.

He left little doubt, however, that he sees himself as a midfield back with a preference for the second five-eighth role and wants to become part of the best midfield combination in the country and challenge incumbent All Black test No 12 Nonu for his starting position."

The New Zealand Herald reports that the All Blacks will name their new coach before Christmas.

"The Rugby Union still plans to unveil the next All Black coach before Christmas.

Applications closed last week and the interview panel has begun quizzing a shortlist of contenders to succeed Graham Henry.

"We are still heading towards an announcement before we break up at Christmas," said NZRU chief executive Steve Tew after yesterday's board meeting.

Tew is part of a group involving board members Mike Eagle, Graham Mourie and Graham Cooney, All Black manager Darren Shand and NZRU high performance manager Don Tricker who will grill the aspirants."

Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry admits his life has changed a little since his side's Rugby World Cup triumph. The New Zealand Herald's Isaac Davison reports.

"Graham Henry is a warmer, more relaxed person these days, though getting near him may set you back $5000.

"At a charity lunch yesterday, the retired World Cup winning coach was visibly lightened by his achievements, and said he was relishing his break from rugby.

"I've got a lot more friends now," he said. "They're coming out of the woodwork. It wasn't quite the same four years ago in France - it is a fickle business, rugby."

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Cleaver looks back at a remarkable year for the Crusaders.

"Part odyssey, part passion play, the Crusaders' run to the final of the Super 15 was, above all else, a remarkable piece of sporting theatre.

Unfortunately, it was a fairytale without a happy ending.

To recap: the Crusaders travelled from Christchurch to Auckland to play the Blues and lost in the first round of the Super 15.

Then the "Big One" struck.

Among the carnage, AMI Stadium stood cracked and useless, part of its surface liquefied. In the general scheme of things it was a small break in a fractured city, but it would have huge ramifications for coach Todd Blackadder's carefully constructed campaign."

A big year for All Black iron man Jerome Kaino just got bigger. The New Zealand Herald's Nicholas Jones reports.

"2011 has brought Kaino a Rugby World Cup winner's medal, marriage, the birth of a son - and last night the 28-year-old was named player of the year at the Steinlager Rugby Awards.

"Kaino had been widely tipped for the award, which was a reflection of his stellar World Cup form.

"The flanker was not present as he is on his honeymoon after marrying wife Diana in Samoa last month. But teammate and captain Richie McCaw described Kaino, who played all but 55 seconds of the World Cup campaign, as a "rock".

"He's a soldier. But more than that, he was the guy leading the way with his physicality."

The undisputed king of Sevens Rugby, Kiwi Gordon Tietjens, could be the most hated coach in New Zealand. The Sydney Morning Herald's Georgina Robinson reports.

"Notorious for punishing his players in training sessions more gruelling than any game they are likely to play, ''Titch'', as he is known, was called in ahead of the Rugby World Cup to help All Blacks selectors sort the wheat from the chaff.

''I had 17 or 18 that I worked with for a couple of two-hour training sessions,'' Tietjens said from the Gold Coast, where New Zealand are the favourites to win the first tournament in the HSBC Sevens World Series.

''Because the team hadn't been selected, it was for the All Blacks coaches to step back and watch me thrash them and by doing that they got a lot out of those training sessions under fatigue.

''Were their skills-sets up there? Were they fit enough? How accurate was their decision-making? All those questions were answered,'' he said."

Steve Hansen faces competition from at least two other applicants for the role of All Blacks coach according to the New Zealand Herald.

"Applications for the role of Graham Henry's successor closed on Friday night and while Hansen is seen as a shoo-in for the role, it is understood that at least two others are keen on it too.

"Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel including New Zealand Rugby Union high performance manager Don Tricker during the week beginning December 12. Following the initial interview up to two candidates will be interviewed by the NZRU board. A decision is likely to be made by December 22."

The New Zealand Herald reports that the Black Ferns are keen to secure some input from former All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

"The Ferns are going through something of a rebuilding phase, which is common the year after a World Cup. They have a new coach (Grant Hansen), new captain (Victoria Grant) and eight new players in the 26-strong squad.

"Hansen has named three new caps in his starting side to face England along with two more likely to earn their first cap off the bench. Lock Eloise Blackwell, wing Shakira Baker and flanker Amanda Murphy will all debut and Rawinia Everitt and Hazel Tubic will start on the bench.

"For most, however, it will be their first game in three months since the NPC final in August and they will also need to back up by playing three tests against the world's second-ranked side in just seven days.

"It's going to be a mission going from no games to three in a week," Grant said. "We will use our full squad of 26 players and see how we come out of each test match, really, and see what we have left. The last test will be the last ones standing because it's going to be a bruising encounter."

The Dominion Post's Marc Hinton questions whether Mick Byrne has the required credentials to join the All Blacks' coaching staff.

"Is New Zealand rugby ready for a revolution? Or more to the point are the All Blacks?

That’s the firming prospect as new coach-in-waiting Steve Hansen assembles his support crew for 2012 and beyond.

Hansen will be the new All Blacks coach. We all know that. Never mind the nonsense of wasting everybody’s time with an interview process for a job that’s already been decided.

But it’s Hansen’s assistant coaches where it gets interesting.

Current skills coach Mick Byrne has the inside running for promotion to an assistant’s job as he looks to take the next step in his career.

But people, are we ready for this?"

The New Zealand Herald reports as All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter prepares for his wedding to Honor Dillon with a stag do in Queenstown.

"All Black Dan Carter marked his final days of singledom on Saturday night with a big evening of partying during his stag do in Queenstown - less than a month before his wedding to long-time girlfriend Honor Dillon.

"The high-profile couple are due to tie the knot early next month at a secret location. Carter and a group of friends marked his last days as a single man before the upcoming nuptials by spending the evening bar-hopping - and were still out at 8am, said one local.

"The group are understood to have spent a large part of the night at Barmuda bar before they were sighted at Bar Up and later headed to Mini Bar where Carter is reported to have tested out his DJ-ing in front of a large crowd."

A schoolboy, two brothers and a lack of a halfback are features of the list of Otago contracted players announced yesterday. The Otago Daily Times' Steve Hepburn reports.

"The squad will begin training next month in preparation for the ITM Cup, due to start in mid August next year.

"Otago Boys' High School First XV captain Michael Collins has been signed by Otago for three years and named in the squad, the first player to be signed at that level straight from school.

"We're thrilled to have contracted him,'' Otago Rugby Football Union chairman Wayne Graham said. "He is obviously an Otago boy and we are glad to be able to keep him here. To be able to secure him when there were a few after him is great. He is a talented player who we feel has the skills and talent to play at this level.''

"Collins, a midfield back, was the only South Islander selected in this year's New Zealand Secondary Schools side."

With Zac Guildford in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, Mark Reason, of the Dominion Post, looks at the rugby public's perception of alcohol.

"Sebastian Flyte, his body pierced by a variety of wines, leans in through the open window of Charles Ryder's college rooms and is violently sick. If only Zac Guildford had been born a fictional aristocrat.

Then he could have quaffed and chundered for New Zealand, strolled around with a disobedient teddy bear and generally had a good time without anyone caring too much.

But Guildford, despite his prettiness, is not from the Arcadian world of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited. He cannot ask: "Ought we to be drunk every night?" and receive the rather languid reply: "Yes, I think so." Guildford is an All Black, a professional athlete. Guildford is a role model. It's a holy trinity that comes with a very confusing creed for a young man.

It's a creed that glorifies drinking and then says: "Thou shalt not". Up and down the country rugby clubs challenge each other to drinking games. Prizes are frequently spent behind the bar. You're a wimp if you can't down your pint in one. But we turn to our young All Blacks and say: "Thou shalt not"."

Marc Hinton, writing for the Dominion Post, claims Zac Guildford needs help and one more chance.

"Rugby will not - and should not - wash its hands of Zac Guildford. To hang the young man out to dry right now would be to desert him in his moment of need.

Guildford is clearly a troubled individual who may or may not have just hit rock bottom. If he hasn't reached ground zero, he has certainly plunged pretty near it after his latest series of incidents in Rarotonga.

There are those out there who believe he should be sacked from his job as an employee of the New Zealand Rugby Union and its franchise offshoot the Crusaders because of his unacceptable behaviour while on holiday in the Cook Islands."

The Dominion Post's Ian Anderson calls on All Blacks winger Zac Guildford to get the sack following his latest misdemeanour.

"It's time to give Zac the sack.

Zac Guildford's inexcusable behaviour last week in Rarotonga should be the final straw for his employers in dealing with a man who has drunkenly stumbled his way over the dead-ball line.

The All Blacks and Crusaders wing has been "called to account" three times in the past 18 months for alcohol-related incidents. If he was a professional baseball player he'd have been struck out.

Guildford's Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said that his wayward charge was a "bloody good boy, he's a good kid".

Therein lies part of the problem – at 22, Guildford needs to grow up.

I can sympathise that Guildford may have had problems dealing with the death of his father. I know from experience that losing a parent when you're not mature enough to deal with the hurt and void takes time and growth to overcome.

But eventually excuses grow tired."

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Cleaver reports on All Blacks winger Zac Guildford's latest drunken antics.

"Every regular on the Hawkes Bay social scene has their own Zac Guildford story and they all involve the combustible ingredients of his latest disgrace: alcohol and obnoxious, sometimes violent, behaviour.

This cannot have escaped the attention of Hawkes Bay, Crusader or New Zealand rugby bosses, but so far none have been able to impress upon the wayward wing just what he is on the verge of throwing away.

"That's the fascinating part of this story, not Guildford's behaviour per se. We can summarise that simply by saying he has a binge-drinking problem that does not differentiate him from thousands of "normal" young New Zealand males - the incongruity being that his skills as a rugby player and the rewards that bring means he does not qualify as a "normal" young New Zealander.

"In recent years, rugby officials have assumed that the sport can play a big role in helping those with anti-social issues. That's why they kept giving guys like Sione Lauaki and Jimmy Cowan second and third chances. They believe that professional rugby, by and large, provides a positive environment for young men."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Paul Gregor asserts that, though talented, Zac Guildford - compared to his team-mate Israel Dagg - is not a world class talent worth special treatment, following further accusations of the All Blacks winger being involved in drink-fuelled bad behaviour.

"The best hope for Guildford now is that he's on his last chance - that he will, possibly against all better judgement, be allowed to prove he's not a lost cause.

"But sadly he probably is. He's a recidivist offender and that's a concern for the New Zealand Rugby Union; trust is hard to build when it's broken so easily and so regularly.

"The national body already knows that Dagg is most definitely worth saving. His star shone brightly throughout the World Cup and he's got the goods to be a player of memorable significance. And maybe this is coming down to something of a Sophie's choice - maybe only one of Guildford or Dagg can be managed through to a better life."

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray argues the IRB need to step up after they failed to take action amid allegations of foul play in the World Cup final.

"Almost three weeks have elapsed since the World Cup final. Granted, it's not a great deal of time, even for such a progressive organisation as the International Rugby Board, to accept they messed up in the wake of the tournament conclusion.

They did have other critical issues to sort out, like shifting the election of their next chairman from Auckland to the UK then on to Los Angeles next month. Sounds like Disneyland is a perfect setting.

Most IRB functionaries seem to operate in that sort of never-never land.

Send all the councillors to Space Mountain and scare the hell out of them to make some decisions when they take their troupe to LA."

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie, talking to Aaron Goile of the Dominion Post, looks at casting his net even wider as he scours the planet for new talent.

"New Zealand rugby followers will get a closer look at Argentina next year when they join the Rugby Championship, but it might not be too long before their players are involved in our domestic competitions, too, thanks in part to new Chiefs coach Dave Rennie.

The man formerly in charge of Manawatu and New Zealand Under-20 has just returned from a week in the South American country where he, with Blues coach Pat Lam and Northland coach Adrian Ferris, ran a two-day coaching course at a Buenos Aires club for more than 200 locals.

The reason for the trip was two-fold, Rennie said. Through a contact Ferris had from way back, the trio were able to go over and impart their knowledge and help grow the game, and have a look at the Argentinian setup."

Former All Blacks are fuming over allegations of steroid taking in the 1990s. The New Zealand Herald reports.

"Jack Ralston, who was New Zealand Rugby Union's head of sales and marketing between 1997 and 1999, made the allegation in his yet-to-be-released biography, The Sports Insider.

"People might be stunned by this but I know at least two All Blacks in the 1990s who responded to demands that they bulk up by taking steroids," he wrote.

"Ralston would not name the two players, who he said had told him in confidence, telling Fairfax Media they were "smaller guys who needed to put on muscle and bulk who were under pressure".

"He said the players may now feel they can speak publicly about taking the performance enhancing substances."

Richard Knowler, writing for the Dominion Post, reflects on the Crusaders' return back to Christchurch.

"Now Richie McCaw can enter his summer vacation in an even more peaceful state.

Although McCaw's mood will have been inflated by winning the World Cup last month Todd Blackadder still detected a touch of anxiety in the All Blacks captain's voice when he recently queried whether the Crusaders would have a home ground next year.

Crusaders coach Blackadder had wanted to know the state of his skipper's injured right foot. In return, McCaw was eager for an update of his own.

"It was one of the first things Richie McCaw asked me last week," Blackadder said yesterday after it was confirmed the Crusaders will play at Addington's Rugby League Park next season.

"It is very significant that our players know where their home ground is going to be. Home ground advantage, if anything, is just psychological but is just so important. What this means now is certainty."

Graham Henry looks a prime candidate for a knighthood after their World Cup success © Getty Images

Duncan Johnstone, of the Dominion Post, believes Graham Henry should be knighted but the honouring of Richie McCaw should wait.

"It's too early to be thinking about knighting Richie McCaw - give the gong to Graham Henry instead.

We wait to see if Prime Minister John Key was speaking in jest when he said McCaw would be Sir Richie if the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup. But there have already been suggestions that move is in the pipeline for the New Year honours list.

At the age of 30 and with a new four-year contract set to begin, it seems awkward to knight him while he's still running around with sprigs on.

I reckon McCaw might think the same way."

Former New Zealand international Matthew Cooper has leant his backing to Jonny Wilkinson in the New Zealand Herald as the debate over the match balls used in the World Cup rages on.

"Former All Black Matthew Cooper has backed Jonny Wilkinson's criticism of the balls used at the recent World Cup, saying he also noticed problems with them during the tournament.

England first-five Wilkinson has slated the Gilbert balls as a "joke" and said the organisers of the tournament were "horribly unprofessional" for providing them.

He kicked only 50 per cent of his goals at the World Cup, the worst ratio of his career, and had some embarrassing misses at Dunedin's new enclosed and windless stadium."

Taine Randall of the Dominion Post looks at where next for the All Blacks after their World Cup win.

"The big question mark hanging over the world champion All Blacks is succession – where do things go from here?

The World Cup winners have joined the ranks of New Zealand's iconic rugby teams. They will be mentioned in the same breath as their 1987 cup-winning counterparts and great sides like the 1924 Invincibles and the 1956 and 1996 Bok Busters.

Graham Henry's squad confirmed that status by carrying out a pressure-cooker assignment to break a 24-year bogey, sealing their greatness by holding on in a cliff-hanger final.

The first major transitional change has happened, with Henry sensibly deciding to bow out a winner and retiring at the very peak of performance. Assistant coach Wayne Smith goes with him, ending a long and successful association with the side."

The New Zealand Herald's Andrew Alderson calls on Jarrod Hoeata to step into the void left by Brad Thorn in the All Blacks' second-row.

"Now that Brad Thorn has set off to Japan, closing his All Black career, one of the key questions for next season is whether the new All Black regime will want a Thorn-style enforcer or another lineout ball winner at lock.

At 27, Jarrad Hoeata shapes as a starting XV successor to Thorn if the former role is required. He is an uncompromising, direct individual who can add vigour to a pack potentially still including Jerome Kaino, Owen and Ben Franks, Kieran Read, Victor Vito and Sam Whitelock at the next World Cup."

With the street parties only just dispersing following the All Blacks World Cup triumph, Paul Lewis is already looking ahead to the class of 2015 in the New Zealand Herald.

MIDFIELD

Perhaps the most competitive area when one looks at the firm hold Nonu and Smith have had on the All Black midfield for years.

Robbie Fruean (Canterbury) Still only 23, was told by Graham Henry he had to increase his work rate to get into the All Blacks. If he does that, watch out - he is 1.9m and 105kg of brute and can punch large holes in defences.

Charlie Ngatai (Wellington) Another big man, this Wellington starlet had a reverse last year with injuries to a broken ankle and eye socket and missed much of the year. Only 21, he has time on his side but has already been paired with Fruean (when the latter played for Wellington) in a massive midfield.

Tom Taylor (Canterbury) Son of 1987 World Cup winner Warwick, he displays a similar cool head, awareness of space and distribution skills, plus the knack of making correct decisions. In the Crusaders' squad this season but will battle for game time with Fruean and Ryan Crotty. Can play 10 and is a reliable goalkicker, notching 20 points on his ITM Cup debut.

As the southern hemisphere contemplates a four-month break from rugby, Wynne Gray cannot resist looking ahead to next season's schedule in the New Zealand Herald

Just as we are being encouraged to reach a peak of spectator enthusiasm we will be parked on the sidelines. Most of us who follow rugby still have a warm glow about that Sunday night a few weeks ago, and 8-7 still looks and sounds pretty good, especially to those who suffered in Cardiff four years ago.

Then you take a deep breath and see what the oval-ball game offers after we all get a rest from rugby for four months.

We get an elongated Super 15 series which pauses in early June while the All Blacks play three tests against Ireland.

Then the Super 15 has three more rounds before the finals series.

Ireland showed strong qualities in the World Cup and if they repeat that, after a long season in Europe, they will give the new All Black squad a tickle-up.

The problem is series interruptus. It has always been a dangerous habit. Now Sanzar is promoting the concept.

After the announcement of next year's squads for the Super Rugby, the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the Kiwi sides.

"Blues - The inclusion of internationals Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu and Rudi Wulf boosts the back division which looks to be heavy on talent out wide but leaner on the directors.

"...Chiefs - New coach Dave Rennie seems able to conjure up performances from less-fancied groups so he should be a strong fit for his first year at this level, with a side that finished last in the NZ pool.

"...Hurricanes - Take a deep breath Hurricanes followers and pray that Mark Hammett can find some magic bullets amongst his squad.

"Crusaders - They can put out an entirely All Black pack and a backline only without test players at second, centre and wing. It is hard to argue against that spread of talent and a squad which will have a home ground to service after the earthquake dramas of last season.

"...Highlanders - If there was a feelgood story in 2011, it was the Highlanders who finished third out of the New Zealand sides under new leader Jamie Joseph. They kicked out of the gates hard and fast, beating the Hurricanes, Chiefs and then the Bulls away."

The rugby career of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will be prolonged by going under the surgeon's knife later this month according to Kurt Bayer in the New Zealand Herald.

"Team management announced today that the Rugby World Cup-winning skipper will have a screw removed from his injured right foot in an operation in Christchurch.

"All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said surgery would mean the inspirational leader would be able to continue his career at the top level. "The best option for him is to have surgery to have the screw removed, he will also have some bone grafting done and then his foot will be left alone to heal.''

Dr Robinson would not put a time-frame on his return to competitive rugby, saying: "It's a long time away and to put a date on it is silly - you can only get it wrong. But most fractures take six weeks to heal. Following the surgery, Richie will be in plaster for two weeks and then a moonboot for a month. After around 10 to 12 weeks he will be able to start running and then will gradually return to rugby training."

Crusaders boss and former New Zealand captain Todd Blackadder wants to coach the All Blacks – but not just yet. Richard Knowler reports for The Press.

"Blackadder has dismissed speculation he will apply for the vacant All Blacks head coach's job after Graham Henry yesterday stood down.

"Despite taking over from Robbie Deans as Crusaders coach in 2009 and taking the side to this year's final against the Queensland Reds after making the semis in the previous two seasons he still believes he needs to prove himself as a Super Rugby coach.

"I'm keen to do it one day ... but the time is probably not quite right at the moment. I think I'm still learning a bit."

"Following the All Blacks' World Cup win it is expected Henry's assistant Steve Hansen, who has confirmed he wants Henry's spot, will be the New Zealand Rugby Union's choice. Henry's other assistant, Wayne Smith, has already confirmed he will join Dave Rennie and Tom Coventry at the Chiefs."

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Grey looks at the next move for departing All Blacks head coach Graham Henry.

"His immediate plans revolved around family, friends and fishing as he assesses the next stage of his working life. There will not be a fullstop, his rugby choices were many, open and varied.

"When he gets back into business, Henry is keen on mentoring coaches in New Zealand, acting as a consultant, working on his rugby coaching website and dealing with an import-export business in China.

"He looked weary, as he should, after the procession of partying which followed the All Blacks' 8-7 victory against France to claim the World Cup. Henry knew it was time to call it quits.

"That moment came a week ago when the squad reached Wellington on their nationwide celebrations. Sometime during the evening at an informal meeting in the hotel which lasted several hours, Henry made a "little speech and told them I loved them and was moving on".

All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has signed a one-year contract extension with the NZRU © Getty Images

Duncan Johnstone of The Dominion Post believes that Sonny Bill Williams' decision to move to Hamilton makes sense for all concerned.

"It's good to see Sonny Bill Williams is staying in New Zealand. And it's just as good to see him going to play for the Chiefs.

"The last thing New Zealand's Super Rugby franchises needed was a stacking of talent at the Blues, his other touted destination in recent times.

"With Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu having moved north from the Hurricanes to the Blues, Williams would have been an absolute luxury there.

"He might even have found himself fighting for playing time like he has over the past three months with the All Blacks. He will be guaranteed his jersey at the Chiefs."

Dylan Cleaver of the New Zealand Herald wonders what the future holds for the outgoing All Blacks boss after his Rugby World Cup success.

"Graham Henry once said that the simple act of dropping a fishing line over the side of a boat was the only thing that enabled him to forget about rugby.

"As he switches into hunter-gatherer mode on the Hauraki Gulf, he might find it harder than usual to switch off. As a rugby coach he is sated, but as a professional he wants more.

"Not for him the simple life - he wants a job, he's just not sure what."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, former All Black Richard Loe says Steve Hansen is the man to replace outgoing All Blacks coach Graham Henry

I would be keen to use Graham Henry in the future - but not as some sort of "director of rugby" where he would oversee the new All Black coach and new selection panel.

Better instead to use him with coaches who need the help - like Pat Lam and Mark Hammett. Henry and Lam are already close and he has ties with the Blues from previous years. Hammett's problems with the Hurricanes made headlines this year and, with only Victor Vito, Cory Jane and Conrad Smith left from their star-studded line-up, he clearly needs help.

Steve Hansen is the obvious choice as the next All Black coach but his pick of running mates is vital. I don't think it's all that smart having Henry overlooking the trio that many feel is weak - Hansen, former Chiefs coach Ian Foster and All Black kicking coach Mick Byrne. Surely it's better to have a strong panel in its own right.

Steve Hansen is the clear favourite to replace Graham Henry as All Blacks coach © Getty Images

In the New Zealand Herald, Paul Gregor hails the fulfilment of talent after Jerome Kaino's influential role in the All Blacks' World Cup triumph.

Just as there were plenty of people who wondered whether New Zealand would ever win another World Cup, so many feared that Jerome Kaino would flicker, then fade.

He's been a great player in waiting since he won the IRB Under-21 Player of the Year in 2004. That was the year he was taken on tour with the All Blacks, despite the fact he was yet to play Super Rugby.

He went for the experience, to be indoctrinated in the ways of the national team, because coach Graham Henry could see that Kaino was going to be spending a considerable period of his future in the test arena.

But the path that Henry and others felt Kaino would follow suddenly became hard to find. From looking sensational for the All Blacks against the Barbarians in 2004, Kaino soon became lost.

Richie McCaw lifts the Rugby World Cup for New Zealand © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald Wynne Gray looks into the future and imagines a World Cup without Richie McCaw, and sees a young contender coming into view.

"As All Black captain Richie McCaw saunters away for some surgery, gliding and downtime after the World Cup glories, the selectors will ponder how best to safeguard his future.

"He's heading towards his 31st birthday and while he remains near the apex of global stars in his openside flanker role, McCaw's best years are not in front of him.

"His rugby smarts and indomitable spirit suggest McCaw can stay at his current prime level of performance for a few seasons yet. Surgery on his right foot should sort out the pain which inhibited his training during the World Cup and would have lowered a lesser athlete.

"But seeing young Crusaders' flanker Matt Todd at training during the World Cup raised the interest on a variety of fronts."

An editorial piece in the New Zealand Herald says it is time to stop demonising referees following the All Blacks World Cup triumph.

"Listening to reaction from France to the World Cup final, we wince. Did we sound like this four years ago? Yes, sadly.

"We almost convinced ourselves the All Blacks lost to France because the referee missed a forward pass. Well, he also sin-binned our most penetrative player that day but a team with a man short can still be competitive, as Wales proved against France at this World Cup.

"Did we hear Welsh fans blame the ref? Did we ever. If Wales had to blame someone that day it was their goalkicker, just as the All Blacks of 2007 were to blame for their own demise. The referee is one of many variables teams must contend with.

"The rules of the game are so numerous and some so open to subjective judgment that interpretations are bound to vary.

"All that can be said with certainty is that the international referee is not partisan. He is a professional these days, with pride in his performance and the need to retain the respect of his peers."

Richie McCaw fulfilled his destiny by getting his hands on the Webb Ellis Cup © Getty Images

Wynne Gray of the New Zealand Herald profiles the glider enthusiast who has piloted the All Blacks to the heights of world rugby.

"National treasures are kept in museums, looked at, admired and critiqued.

"Richard Hugh McCaw is a rugby jewel, an automatic inclusion in a Sports Hall of Fame and in the top bracket of All Black greats. His place is assured. He has been the best All Black in his position for more than 100 tests since his 2001 debut.

"The 30-year-old flanker is an uncommon man, a freakish package of intellectual muscle and courage who never knows when he is beaten. It was close on Sunday and he was mighty near his limits.

"When they take all the tape off McCaw back in the dressing room, you suspect parts have to be glued back on before he heads off for the captaincy demands in the public arenas."

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw powers forward against the Wallabies © Getty Images

Robert Kitson looks at the love affair between New Zealanders and All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw in The Guardian.

"New Zealand has changed substantially over the past two decades. Farewell the long white cloud; welcome to the land of the long flat white. What will forever remain is the pressure on the serving All Black captain. Richie McCaw, the present keeper of the flame, is required to be a simultaneous mix of Sir Edmund Hillary, Colin "Pine Tree" Meads and Mother Theresa. He has done a sterling job; you could travel to the furthest corners of the North and South Islands and still find not a soul with a bad word to say about him.

"Because McCaw is the embodiment of how most Kiwis like to see themselves: uncomplaining, modest, durable and resourceful. "He's very, very bright, he's brave and he's talented," said Graham Henry . "It's not a bad combination." Wayne Smith, the All Blacks's backs coach, is similarly fulsome. "Probably the same things characterise him as a player and a leader. He's bright, he's humble, he comes from a rural background so he's tough, he never gets too far ahead of himself and he's hugely resilient." McCaw on one leg, in other words, is better than most players on two."

Jonathan Davies sounds a note of caution for the All Blacks in The Independent.

"They don't award the trophy until all the rugby's been played. In the rush to crown New Zealand many people have seemingly forgotten this sporting truth. Certainly, the All Blacks would write off France at their peril.

"The bookies have the Kiwis heavily odds-on – and so they should. But there is a chance, however small, that France could become the most outrageous party-poopers in the history of rugby union. Indeed, the very fact Eden Park will be crammed with fans so ready to pop the bubbly after their first World Cup in 24 years should increase France's hopes. Mr Unbearable Tension could be their 16th man."

David Leggat flirts with the jitters prior to the All Blacks' big day in The New Zealand Herald.

"If France start well, get early points and arrive at halftime in touch, or even in front, watch out. Before last weekend's semifinal against Australia, the air was thick with tension at Eden Park.

"Normally sound, unflappable people were jittery. Was the dream to be dashed once more? This, remember, is a road well travelled by the All Blacks."

Former All Blacks scrum-half Justin Marshall offers some simple advice to the class of 2011 prior to the Rugby World Cup Final on stuff.co.nz.

"I have a simple message of encouragement for the All Blacks about tomorrow night's World Cup final. Stay hungry. It's as simple as that, I reckon. If they reproduce the intensity and passion from last Sunday I'm sure the rest will take care of itself against a French team that so far has looked a long way from its best.

"The All Blacks, as we know, have the best winning record of any sporting team in the world, and there's a reason for that. When I played, and I'm sure it's still the same now, we never talked about the outcome. What the All Blacks seek is perfection - and that's based around all sorts of events in the game."

In the New Zealand Herald Wynne Gray wades through the long list of All Blacks who have come and gone as Graham Henry settled on his squad to secure the World Cup.

"The All Black selectors have sifted through a stack of talent since the 2007 World Cup.

"A number have not been All Blacks for much time at all, such as John Schwalger, Kevin O'Neill, Bryn Evans, Lelia Masaga, Tamati Ellison, Mike Delany, Benson Stanley, George Whitelock, Jamie Mackintosh, Alby Mathewson and Hika Elliot."

Wynne Gray pays tribute to New Zealand's new go-to guy Piri Weepu in the New Zealand Herald.

"Next thing we know Piri Weepu will be driving the All Black bus to the semifinal.

"The halfback probably has his HT licence and even if that detail has passed him by, he'd be able to navigate the Auckland streets with a motorcycle police escort.

"Talk about multi-tasking, the founding member of the extra-donut club has been in recent overdrive."

Former All Blacks skipper Taine Randell argues in the Sydney Morning Herald that the All Blacks should be targetting Quade Cooper ahead of their World Cup semi-final.

"A lot is being made of the All Blacks' supposed crisis at No.10 - but I think the Wallabies have their own problems there with Quade Cooper.

"And it's a fairly big problem, too, if you consider the way his form has fallen away during the World Cup.

Cooper is an enigma. He can be outstanding one game and an absolute ghost the next."

In the Sydney Morning Herald, Mike Robinson talks with Stephen Dods who coached Dan Carter and Colin Slade at schoolboy level and believes that Slade could be even better than his predecessor.

"Once Colin is settled into a team and a pattern, he's a very intelligent player, almost a perfectionist," he said. "He likes things to be just the way they should be and until they are sorted he can be hesitant. But once he feels part of the system, he never has a bad game. His only bad performances ever are at the start of his tenure.

"When he first came into the first XI cricket team here I moved him from the middle order to opening bat. He struggled for a while, but then he got so good he nearly gave away rugby for cricket. He is good enough to have played cricket for New Zealand at first or second wicket down.

"Colin could be better than Dan and then Dan might not get back in. When Grant Fox's time was coming to an end, people said what now? Then Andrew Mehrtens came along. When he went wonky Dan showed up. People come along."

The New Zealand's Gregor Paul believes the All Blacks must throw the dice and gamble with Israel Dagg as Dan Carter's successor.

"The radical but potentially inspired selection at No 10 would be Israel Dagg. It reeks a little of madness to play him there but there is always that fine line between genius and insanity.

"Dagg has a booming boot; he is quick off the mark and can attack the line from unconventional angles. He can tackle; he can drop into backfield to play fullback and he can pass. He's never played there before but that excites more than it concerns. He's such a gifted player, gifted sportsman with such a good temperament for the big stage, he's not likely to be thrown by the switch.

"The coaches would have to be prepared to be hammered and accused of losing it - but hey, All Black fullbacks have little history of playing at fullback at World Cups."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Gregor Paul rates Graham Henry as the best head coach of the professional era, controversially dismissing the claims of World Cup winning coaches Clive Woodward, Jake White and Rod MacQueen.

When it comes to appointing international coaches, no administrative panel looks beyond experience and success. On those two critical measures, Graham Henry is not only the most successful All Black coach of the professional era - he is world rugby's most successful coach.

Contemporaries who have enjoyed time in the sun, earned respect and global reputations - Clive Woodward, Bernard Laporte, Robbie Deans, Warren Gatland, Nick Mallett, Rod MacQueen, Jake White - don't even get close.

Graham Henry has mellowed during his time as All Blacks coach, according to Tana Umaga © Getty Images

Former All Blacks skipper Tana Umaga hails his former coach Graham Henry ahead of his 100th game in charge of New Zealand in the New Zealand Herald.

My first encounters with Graham Henry left me a little uncertain. He was autocratic, sure of his ability, he knew what he wanted and how he was going to get there. But he has changed, he has made big shifts in the way he leads the All Blacks, in how he works and what he delivers to the team.

Henry has a reservoir of knowledge but is always looking to build on that, he is relentless in his pursuit of the next level and he has a compassionate side the players enjoy.

Stacking up 100 tests coaching the All Blacks tomorrow is a massive achievement and along the way he has received great support from wife Raewyn, other members of his family and the wider All Blacks group.

In the Sydney Morning Herald Spiro Zavos attacks fellow hack and Sunday Times rugby writer Stephen Jones for his "damaging" reporting on the game.

The Basil Fawlty of British rugby writing, Stephen Jones, has blundered into the row between the New Zealand Rugby Union and the International Rugby Board with a typical silly-walks piece of writing. According to Jones, the chief executive of the NZRU, Steve Tew, is "barking up the wrong tree" in suggesting that the business model of the World Cup tournament penalises New Zealand and Australian rugby by more than $30 million each cup year, and that the model must be changed....

Jones is influential because he is the rugby correspondent of The Sunday Times. For decades this splendid newspaper has featured intelligent writing by giants of the rugby press benches such as Vivian Jenkins. Jones has consistently demeaned this bully pulpit with his attacks on New Zealand and Australian rugby. His fellow rugby writers around the world have explained away this perpetual ranting by saying that he doesn't really mean what he says, that he is just "revving up" the New Zealand and Australian rugby public. This does not wash with me. The rants cannot be justified. He is damaging the world game.

Former All Blacks scrum-half Justin Marshall, in the Dominion Post, questions whether Cory Jane should be in the New Zealand line-up to face France

"Some people might find this a bit harsh but I reckon Cory Jane is under pressure going into tomorrow night's Pool A decider against France at Eden Park.

New Zealand have picked a good team, but I still have my doubts about the back three. To be blunt, I just don't think Jane is firing. He's played one good test match, and though he hasn't had a lot of opportunities since, I haven't seen him make an impact."

Chris Rattue looks at some of the most anticipated Rugby World Cup clashes in the New Zealand Herald.

"Nervous, nervous, nervous. Forget the Webb Ellis - this is our Rugby World Cup. Just kidding, but Saturday night's game has an aura beyond all others. There is an assumption that all those dastardly past injustices will be put right.

"All Blacks v Wayne Barnes
Or will they be kept apart?

"Ireland v the tryline
And the tryline won.

"The new-look Springboks v their stereotype
And the Springboks won."

Follow the revelations of Zac Guildford's excessive drinking, Paul Gregor argues that the All Blacks winger deserves empathy not disdain in the New Zealand Herald.

"Condemnation of Zac Guildford would have been instant and widespread yesterday.

"The headlines would have been skimmed, the first few paragraphs digested and wham - almost as one - Guildford would have been called an 'idiot. Maybe a 'boof-head', but whatever the terminology, sympathy would have been conspicuously absent.

"That's the easy route. The path of the righteous which we are all; readily willing to write a young man off - to talk with a confused sense of why Guildford, who has an opportunity of a lifetime, is willing to almost blow it all for the sake of a good night out.

"Highly paid and with the world at his feet - he has to be a 'boof-head' if he can't say no to alcohol?

"But maybe he's just a 22-year-old poorly equipped to deal with the enormous demands of his job. He's good at rugby and why we believe that should also somehow make him the paragon of virtue is plain crazy."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald Chris Rattue argues that Robbie Deans' job is on the line after Australia's defeat to Ireland at the weekend.

"Call it the green revolution, Ireland swarmed into the spotlight by overwhelming the underwhelming Australians, but events in Wellington - where the Springboks played like no Springbok team many of us can remember - were more significant.

"Australia were gutless to the point that Robbie Deans' future as the Wallabies' coach will become untenable if there is a repeat or no dramatic turnaround. Deans looked shattered and confused, afterwards. He is heading towards the same situation, but on the other side of the fence, as four years ago when overlooked by Steve Tew's NZRU for the All Black coaching job.

"This time, Deans is the underperforming incumbent with a friend in a high place. First Samoa, and now this. If the Woeful Wallies flop again, Deans should do the right thing and seriously consider resigning. He has a contract extension, but contracts are made to be broken and Ewen McKenzie is a high-class rival ... and Australian."

Former All Blacks playmaker Andrew Mehrtens backs Piri Weepu, and not Colin Slade, to act as back-up to New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter in the New Zealand Herald.

"There has been lot of speculation as to who will cover Dan Carter as we come (hopefully) to the business end of the World Cup.

"I felt Colin Slade deserved to be the heir apparent in the selection for this tournament and to me, he appears, admittedly at this early stage of his career, to be the long-term successor in the position, although he will no doubt have enormous competition from the talented Aaron Cruden as both players mature.

"But for right now, Piri Weepu is being touted by many to play a role much greater than that of a fringe player in this set-up - and he gets my vote as back-up to Carter for the sharp end of this tournament."

Sean Fitzpatrick airs his concern over the All Blacks' World Cup campaign in the New Zealand Herald.

"It was a good win for the All Blacks, a notch up from their Tongan performance, but I still have a few concerns.

"The injuries aren't helpful and they have highlighted just how much we depend on three individuals in particular - Daniel Carter, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. Because of the injury to Read, we won't be getting them back in full until the final Rugby World Cup pool match or the quarter-final.

"Read's and McCaw's injuries highlight the dilemma at loose forward. For the second time in as many matches, Victor Vito was quiet and it did not escape attention that he was substituted pretty early in the piece."

Conrad Smith racked up his 50th cap against Japan © Getty Images

Former All Blacks centre Tana Umaga hails Conrad Smith following his 50th cap for New Zealand in the New Zealand Herald.

"Recognition of Conrad Smith's milestone match for the All Blacks last night would have slipped away if Richie McCaw had been fit for his 100th test.

"Instead, the rash of injuries gave us a chance to focus on the contribution Smith has made to the All Blacks since he played the first of his 50 tests against Italy at the Stadio Flaminio in 2004. Fittingly, Smith scored the All Blacks' first try last night.

"I played with and against him in Wellington. Maybe the first time was in club rugby when his Old Boys University side played our Petone team and he put one over me and the ref. We were on defence and I tackled him in front of our posts and he did not release the ball. Somehow he won the penalty and they kicked the goal to win the match."

Richie McCaw is one of a host of All Blacks that will not be risked against Japan © Getty Images

"Conspiracy, they all hissed. All Blacks McCaw, Carter, Muliaina and Dagg aren't hurt.

"It's just Graham Henry and his cronies protecting their best cattle for the big game against France in the Rugby World Cup.

"Oh really? Why on earth would they want to protect a quartet who have had precious little matchplay recently and need to get in the groove for their pivotal game at Eden Park next week."

In the New Zealand Herald, Richard Loe believes the All Blacks may have revealed one of their biggest weaknesses in their opening Rugby World Cup match against Tonga - the scrum.

"I wouldn't be too hard on the All Blacks for that rather disappointing second half, the handling errors and so on. They did do a lot of things right and showed that if they can get the ball out wide they are capable of scoring almost at will.

"But what was really disappointing for me was the set pieces and the scrum in particular. When have we ever seen Tonga deliberately choose to pack down a scrum against the All Black pack? What's more, they eventually scored from it.

"The disappointment is that the All Blacks have sent a signal to their World Cup opponents that does them no favours. They have basically said to rivals: if you want to beat the All Blacks, have a go at them up front, retain the ball and attack in close. Believe me, they will all have noticed that."

The All Blacks talk tactics in training ahead of their clash with Tonga © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, former All Blacks skipper Wayne Shelford says New Zealand must strike fear into all contenders at the Rugby World Cup with a ferocious showing against Tonga.

"Blowing powerful Tongans off park will send clear message to other contenders The All Blacks should send an immediate message to the other World Cup contenders, one which is delivered by their forwards against Tonga in what is likely to be quite a brutal game tonight.

"The All Blacks will probably go for a wider game but that's not what the plan should be. I'd really like them to concentrate on using more forward play and have a real crack at the Tongans up front. For a start, this will prepare them for major forward challenges against a team like England. It will also prevent our players being opened up to big hits against Tonga, a team that will thrive if they can get a few heavy shots in."

The Independent's chief sports writer James Lawton reveals a soft spot for New Zealand's quest of becoming World Champions 24 years after lifting the trophy in the inaugral World Cup.

"However England perform over the next few weeks there is surely a compelling case to say that, if they cannot turn back the tides of probability on a third straight occasion, an All Black success would bring an exhilaration all of its own.

"It would, within the parameters of sport, even up the ledger somewhat, and give excellence and consistent striving their day in all the years of sore disappointment and sometimes unfathomable underachievement, which stretch back through every World Cup except their first and only victory in the inaugural tournament on home soil in 1987.

"It would also bring, it is maybe not too fanciful to imagine when you remember quite how deeply the average New Zealander, one of just four million of them of course, identifies with the prowess of his rugby team, a degree of aid and comfort to that embattled stretch of country that used to run with such implacable certainty from the now earthquake-ravaged Christchurch into the plains of Canterbury."

All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has delayed a decision on his sporting future © Getty Images

Writing in the Herald on Sunday, Gregor Paul ponders the career choices faced by All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams.

"He has one year left to serve on a five-year NRL ban and Williams, should he decide against spending another year in New Zealand, may be left to focus exclusively on his boxing career for at least six months.

"Maybe that will suit him just fine. He's never specifically said it but there has always been a sense that, one day in the not too distant future, he would drift back to league.

"Rugby has always felt like a flirtation, a box to tick. The game is not in his blood and while he's had sensational bursts and could become something extraordinary if he sticks around, it is apparently not his style to dig in when things aren't going his way.

"League is the game that comes most naturally to him. He needn't stray out of his comfort zone in the 13-man game.

"He may have to sit out the 2012 season but, with the league salary cap set to almost double, he'd happily serve his penance, picking up some bumper pay days with a few fights before returning in 2013."

In a country where rugby is a means of national self-expression, the All Blacks' failures since 1987 have become an obsession. The Guardian's Toby Manhire reports.

"For the last couple of years, the man in charge of the 2011 Rugby World Cup has been preparing the host nation for defeat. "I have been keeping a public debate bubbling along, along the lines of: 'What's more important to us – the All Blacks winning the trophy, or us successfully hosting the tournament?'" says Martin Snedden, a former New Zealand cricketer. "The All Blacks, yes, haven't won it in 24 years, but if we don't win it this time, we'll get another chance in 2015 and 2019 and so on. We'll never get another chance to host the thing."

"Fine words. But chances are most New Zealanders stopped listening after "24 years". Not since the last time the Webb Ellis Cup was contested in New Zealand, in the first tournament back in 1987, have the All Blacks triumphed.

"And with every World Cup that goes by, 1987 becomes to New Zealand rugby what 1966 is to English football – if anything with more anguish, given the smaller pool of nations at the top level and the inescapable difference that New Zealand typically enters the tournament as one of the most fancied sides, if not the most.

"In 2011, with home advantage again, the All Blacks are favourites again, despite losses in the final two games of the Tri-Nations. The first of those defeats, with a weakened side away to South Africa, was tolerated. The second, a 25-20 defeat in Brisbane that handed the trophy to Australia, burned. Yes, the All Blacks came close to pegging back the Wallabies early onslaught, outscoring them by 12 points in the second half. But it was, all the same, a "wake-up call" or a "reality check", in the rasps of the country's lumpen media."

Daniel Richardson, of the The New Zealand Herald, talks to a confident Stephen Donald despite the former All Blacks fly-half missing out on World Cup selection.

"Stephen Donald doesn't feel as if he needs to silence his critics ahead of his final game in New Zealand before he heads to England to take up a three-year contract with Bath.

The 27-year-old playmaker has often been the subject of negative feedback from New Zealand's demanding rugby public, after some inconsistent performances in the All Black jersey over the past two years. Rarely before has a fringe international been the subject of so much debate that he might enjoy a more anonymous existence in Britain.

But Donald has been a very good player at domestic level and will leave New Zealand as one of the most prolific points scorers. He topped the Super 14 list in 2007 and was second behind Dan Carter in 2008, and played 22 tests for the All Blacks after his debut against England in 2008."

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue provides his view on the ongoing Sonny Bill Williams saga.

"The All Blacks are crazy if they shut the door on Sonny Bill Williams should he choose to play rugby overseas.

The apparent shift in public opinion against Williams is staggering considering the magical effect he has had on the game, not to mention that Blind Freddy could see what New Zealand was getting.

Empowered by his aggressive management and stablemates, and through surviving the Bulldogs scandal quite nicely, he can be a law unto himself."

Mark Reason, in the Dominion Post, believes the All Blacks will only have themselves to blame if they fail to win the imminent World Cup.

"If New Zealand go out of a consecutive World Cup because of another dodgy refereeing decision, they will have no one to blame but themselves. The All Blacks no longer even bother to bend the laws. They set out to deliberately cheat.

For only one piffling syllable, CHEAT is an awfully big word. "Who are you calling a cheat?" demands the card-playing gunslinger, just before the mandatory murder and the five aces sliding from the sleeve.

The All Blacks cheat in spades. Half of their tries in the Tri- Nations have been set up by blatant cheating.

Go back to the first South Africa game just before Wyatt Crockett scored in the corner. It is hard to believe that Richie McCaw could be four yards offside and get away with it, but there he is holding back the South African lock."

Sir Colin Meads has been honoured by his home town of Te Kuiti © Getty Images

The small King Country town of Te Kuiti has been re-named Meadsville for the duration of the Rugby World Cup in honour its two favourite sons and their rugby exploits. The New Zealand Herald's James Ihaka reports.

"Yesterday the Meads brothers [Sir Colin and his younger brother Stan] were honoured in a renaming ceremony for the town that Te Kuiti locals hope will draw people to their town to visit during the Rugby World Cup.

"...In the centre of town on Rora St stands an outdoor picture gallery with several life-sized vintage photographs chronicling the brothers' playing days, when they locked the All Black scrum together in 11 matches.

"Across the road, the local hairdresser has called itself "Pinetree Trimmers", the BNZ "Pinetree's Piggybank" and the Te Kuiti Pharmacy now promotes itself as the place to get your "Meadicine".

"The Meads brothers, who were at yesterday's ceremony with their families, were clearly humbled by the ceremony."

Writing for the New Zealand Herald, Michael Brown reports from the official unveiling of the All Blacks' World Cup squad.

"Graham Henry quipped when announcing the All Blacks World Cup squad last week that he didn't remember the 2007 tournament.

"He was being disingenuous, because Henry well remembers what happened four years ago and admitted yesterday their failure in Cardiff has shaped a lot of how they will approach the World Cup this time around.

"Henry is in a unique position. He is the only All Blacks coach to get two shots at a World Cup. Previous coaches have been jettisoned or walked away but Henry was given another chance by his NZRU paymasters.

"He was known as the Great Redeemer during his time as Wales coach and would love nothing more than to be viewed in a similar light in eight weeks. He will be joined by 10 players who also took part four years ago and they are determined to learn from history."

In his column for the Daily Telegraph, Brian Moore believes sounds of choking are coming from the southern hemisphere.

"The rest of the rugby world has every incentive to add fuel to the fires of psychological uncertainty that have recently ignited in the All Black camp, but New Zealand remain, for good reason, favourites for the tournament on home soil. However, Australia’s 25-20 win on Saturday, gave hope to a rugby world that was becoming disillusioned over the inevitability of All Black supremacy.

A superb display by Aussie openside flanker David Pocock, showed just how important it is to have a specialist in the No 7 role. Meanwhile, Will Genia proved that he is every inch the heir to the crown of world’s best scrum-half, held previously by his Australian predecessors, Nick Farr-Jones and George Gregan. Improvements need to be made in their forwards, but of all sides, Australia have fewer hang-ups about playing New Zealand and look the value for money bet for the Webb Ellis Trophy."

The Dominion Post's Toby Robson believes Victor Vito is hitting form at the right time.

"Victor Vito has been thrust into a potentially leading role ending any doubt about the fickle nature of the All Blacks upcoming World Cup campaign.

Incumbent test No 8 Kieran Read's cup hopes hung in the balance last night as he flew back to Christchurch for scans on a high ankle sprain suffered early in the 25-20 loss to the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

With utility Adam Thomson's hyper-extended elbow in a similarly precarious state, Vito has bolted in terms of both prominence and importance less than a week after leapfrogging Liam Messam into the 30-man cup squad.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry remains hopeful Read can still play at the cup, but it appears he may not be ready for the opening match against Tonga in Auckland on September 9."

The New Zealand's Herald's resident stats expert Tracey Nelson reveals that Richie McCaw missed the most tackles during the All Blacks loss to the Wallabies.

"There were signs of what was to come in the first half when, with almost their first touch of the ball, the All Blacks were counter-rucked and conceded a penalty within the first minute of play.

The All Blacks had to defend for long periods in the first half, making a total of 84 tackles and 16 assists - which was 67 per cent of the total tackles and assists they had to make in the entire game.

Top tackler was Victor Vito with 15 tackles and two assists. Dan Carter made the least number of tackles with just one successful attempt and two misses."

The Dominion Post's Marc Hinton believes it is time for a reality check in the All Blacks' ranks.

"It was a glaring admission from classy All Blacks centre Conrad Smith in the wake of the shock Suncorp defeat to the Wallabies. Maybe, he shrugged, New Zealand fans should be worried.

Smith had been asked following the 25-20 defeat that handed the Wallabies their first Tri-Nations title in a decade why, less than a fortnight out from the World Cup kickoff, All Blacks fans should not be worried.

But the midfield marvel surprised with his answer after the All Blacks had wasted a stirring comeback from 3-20 down to level at 20-20 heading into the final quarter. Maybe, he figured, a second straight defeat to take into the global tournament should have a few alarm bells ringing.

"Maybe they should be [worried]," said the 29-year-old who scored one try and laid on the other in the second-half fightback. "I think they need to realise its going to be a good contest which isn't a bad thing. I'm sure there will be a bit of panic."

Gregor Paul, writing for the New Zealand Herald, reflects on a Tri-Nations display which he argues showed complacency on the part of the All Blacks.

"Graham Henry's fears that his players could take an unconscious dose of complacency into the All Blacks have all but dissolved.

For the first time in the professional era, the All Blacks will come into a World Cup having not won the Tri Nations. Australia are the side with all the momentum; the team that many observers will pick as the favourites; the team who are maybe coming good at exactly the right time.

Neither Henry nor his players will have enjoyed defeat in Brisbane. Given their record over the last eight years, losing has hardly been a habit. Victory would have been nice. It would have kept the foot on the throat of the Wallabies, netted a Tri Nations and sent another ripple of confidence through the squad."

Sonny Bill Williams will sit out Saturday's Tri-Nations decider with Australia © Getty Images

The Dominion Post's Richard Knowler calls for Sonny Bill Williams to sign up before the World Cup or risk derailing his and the All Blacks' campaign.

"The longer the Sonny Bill Williams contract saga drags on, the worse it looks for the tattooed behemoth.

One thing appears certain: Williams wants to sign with the New Zealand Rugby Union and they are eager to have him.

Then it gets murky. Williams' agent Khoder Nasser wants a one-year deal that allows his player to keep boxing and also represent a rival sponsor of the New Zealand Rugby Union.

This revelation followed the admission Williams had not signed a contract – earlier comments to the media were lost in translation when it was believed he had committed – and that Nasser had offered the All Black's services to the Waratahs.

So negotiations have stalled.

This week Graham Henry said he was confident the big midfielder would re-sign but, in a telling comment, he noted the decision was not just down to the player.

He then added that maybe he had yapped too much and his comments should not be published."

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray insists the All Blacks must rediscover the winning habit this weekend.

"This could be the All Blacks' last serious hit-out before the World Cup quarter-finals and a broad examination of all their technical, physical and mental skills.

"They do meet France in their tournament pool, but French form fluctuates while Tonga, Japan and Canada offer solid segments to their games.

"But nothing to match what the Wallabies should bring tomorrow, a side on their own dungheap who have toned up their selections, beaten the Springboks away and had time to think and address the issues they had at Eden Park.

"The All Blacks will be edgy. They are carrying even more burdens of salvation after being beaten by the Boks last weekend.

"Twin defeats going into the World Cup will not only nibble at their confidence but pump up those who are looking to hobble them in the playoffs.

"So performance and victory are the targets tomorrow when the All Blacks go hunting for a repeat Wallaby scalp to nail the Tri-Nations title once more."

Sonny Bill Williams was all set to be a star of the Rugby World Cup in his homeland, but he could be restricted to a watching brief in New Zealand, writes Duncan Johnstone in the Sydney Morning Herald.

"All Blacks fans mightn't get to see too much of Sonny Bill Williams at the Rugby World Cup. The latest selection to play the Wallabies in the Tri Nations finale in Brisbane on Saturday night is another pointer to that. This isn't quite the All Blacks' top side but it's pretty close to it.

"Halfback Jimmy Cowan and top-rated No 6 Jerome Kaino get a bit of a breather after handling senior duties against South Africa last weekend and utility Israel Dagg won't be backing up either after his sensational return to test rugby after more than a year out. But there's no room for Williams in the 22 to play Australia in a match that will decide the Tri Nations title and provide both teams to stamp their authority on the eve of the World Cup. And that could be a sign of the future."

Carl Hayman turned his back on the All Blacks when he signed for big spending Toulon © Getty Images

Chris Rattue, writing for the New Zealand Herald, looks at those who failed to make the cut for the All Blacks

"All Blacks coach Graham Henry obsessed about sending thoughts to the blokes who missed out on World Cup selection when the squad was announced in Brisbane. So in a twist on that, these are the blokes I thought were needed for such a daunting, historic, nation-saving mission.

Carl Hayman (for John Afoa)

They're mad going into a World Cup without Hayman. Bugger the overseas rule, which the NZRU ignores anyway. Did they actually watch that test in Port Elizabeth? The All Black scrum went back quicker than Luke McAlister to Europe. Ben Franks covers the utility role, leaving the way clear to whistle up tighthead Hayman to back up mighty Owen Franks. If Owen the Ogre stays fit, they'll get away with this. If he doesn't, trouble beckons."

The Independent's Chris Hewett looks at the All Blacks squad and expresses his disbelief at the omission of star wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Hosea Gear.

"Everyone capable of distinguishing a rugby ball from an omelette knew the All Blacks hierarchy would omit some spectacularly good wings in finalising their squad for next month's World Cup on home soil, but when the deed was done – when Graham Henry and the rest of the New Zealand coaching staff finally revealed their hand a few hours before deadline – it was still hard to believe there was a team on earth capable of ignoring players as sensational as Hosea Gear and Sitiveni Sivivatu. Their demise made Matt Giteau's rejection by the neighbouring Australians seem humdrum.

Chris Ashton, the most talked-about wing in England, will be more than happy to see the back of Gear, against whom he experienced a seriously uncomfortable half-hour or so at Twickenham last autumn. Yet Henry, utterly ruthless when it comes to selection, had questioned the Wellington player's application in the weeks before that tour and while he was made to eat at least some of his words during the course of it, a series of lukewarm performances just lately resurrected the coach's suspicions."

The New Zealand Herald's Hayden Donnell talks to All Blacks legends Wayne Shelford and Colin Meads following the announcement of the 30-man squad for the tournament.

"Rugby greats have hit out at a decision to include veteran lock Ali Williams in All Blacks squad for the Rugby World Cup, but they are applauding a decision to include wing Zac Guildford at in the squad at the expense of Sitiveni Sivivatu and Hosea Gear.

Iconic former All Black captain and lock Colin Meads said he worried about the match fitness of experienced players such as Williams and prop Tony Woodcock, who are both coming back from long injury layoffs.

In-form young players such as Canterbury prop Wyatt Crockett were unlucky to miss out on selection, Mr Meads said."

Who will make the grade in Graham Henry's Rugby World Cup squad? © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Michael Brown previews the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup squad announcement.

"Some All Blacks aspiring to play in next month's World Cup have come up short and will be notably absent when the squad is revealed tomorrow.

"Hosea Gear, Liam Messam, Wyatt Crockett and Zac Guildford appear to be the biggest casualties in the 30-man All Blacks squad, with Sitiveni Sivivatu, Victor Vito and John Afoa tipped to make the final cut.

"The back three was always going to be one of the most contentious areas with a wealth of resources and two of Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Sivivatu, Gear and Guildford were due to be jettisoned.

"Dagg was excellent in his comeback from injury against South Africa on Sunday morning and will provide backup to Mils Muliaina, while Jane has proven to be a big-game player. Gear provided speed, explosiveness and surety under the high ball but the selectors are expected to go for the experienced Sivivatu, who was in good form earlier in the Tri Nations."

Former All Blacks hooker Sean Fitzpatrick, writing for the New Zealand Herald , reflects on a week where the seemingly invincible All Blacks were finally defeated.

"First of all I just what to say thanks for all the advice this past week - and it's probably best if I stick to the rugby!

I was in Johannesburg during the week and experienced first-hand how passionate and desperate the fans in the Republic are to see their team get back to winning ways before the start of the Rugby World Cup.

By the time you read this you will probably know the result, but whatever happens this is a crucial game for both teams.

The Boks have gone down a different road from the All Blacks with their preparation.

Their first game at the RWC is against a Welsh team that is growing in confidence after their win against a below-par English team in Cardiff last week.

The selection of Bismarck du Plessis at No 2 in place of captain John Smit was the main talking-point in South Africa. For me it was the right rugby decision, given that du Plessis is one of the standout hookers in world rugby."

David Long, writing for the Dominion Post, reflects on more bizarre happenings in New Zealand ahead of the World Cup.

"There will be Champagne corks popping at the offices of adidas this morning.

They'll be relieved that they're no longer the All Blacks sponsor everyone loves to hate and they can now happily - and quietly - get on with their business of charging extortionate money for All Blacks jerseys and forcing their coloured boots on our players.

Telecom's "Abstain for the All Blacks" campaign has rightly been slammed by all and sundry. It's a terrible idea and will have Kiwis mocked around the world if it goes ahead.

Not surprisingly Graham Henry and the All Blacks players saw sense and refused to have any part in the advertising campaign.

It's unfortunate that the players have become the gate keepers to some of the ridiculous ideas exploiting our most famous brand.

They are the ones who've refused to allow the haka to become a marketing gimmick and thankfully, they see the black jersey for what it is, a symbol of New Zealand, that belongs to all of New Zealand."

McAlister will now leave New Zealand and join his new side Toulouse immediately © Getty Images

David Long, writing for the Dominion Post, gives his view on Luke McAlister's time in New Zealand following the news the centre has secured his early release from the NZRU.

"And so the curtain comes down on one of the most disappointing and unfulfilled rugby careers in New Zealand.

There will be few tears shed when Luke McAlister heads through the departure gates at Auckland Airport.

There won't be a campaign for a statue to be built outside North Harbour Stadium, or a stand named in his honour.

And I'm sure most people's initial thoughts on hearing he has been released early from his contract to join Toulouse straight away would have been 'good riddance'.

From the moment McAlister arrived back in New Zealand from his two-year stint at Sale Sharks, his career has been an unmitigated flop.

The NZRU broke, not bent, their eligibility rules to allow him to be rushed straight into the All Blacks, despite not playing in a domestic competition that year."

In his latest piece for the New Zealand Herald, Adrian Hyland visits New Plymouth Boys' High School to investigate its role in the history of schoolboy rugby.

"Remove New Plymouth Boys' High School from the story of New Zealand schools rugby and the whole narrative would unravel. They, along with schools like Auckland Grammar, Te Aute and Palmerston North Boys' were the progenitors of the Moascar Cup tradition, and New Plymouth Boys' held the Cup - schools rugby's equivalent of the Ranfurly Shield - between 1923 and 1927.

This unbeaten run wasn't to be the last: 1st XV coach JJ Stewart, later to become a revered figure in All Black rugby, took his boys to 55 games without defeat in the late 1950s. During his tenure, which lasted from 1950 until 1964, the dormitories of this most traditional boys' boarding school were so well stocked with Taranaki farmboys that there were at one point 32 rugby teams running out every week."

Dan Carter hugs it out after victory over Australia © Getty Images

Former All Black fly-half Grant Fox dismisses Australian confidence as New Zealand continue their march to the Rugby World Cup in The Sunday Star Times.

"The All Blacks typically need very little psychological goading when they play the Wallabies anyhow. So for so many Australians to get so carried away off the back of the win in Hong Kong last October and the Reds' successful Super 15 campaign was folly.

"Their former players are often their worst offenders. With the exception of Nick Farr-Jones, who consistently sounded a sober note of warning about Australia's inexperienced forward pack, the ex-Wallabies lined up to pontificate about the virtues of the youthful Australians versus the supposed failings of the ageing All Blacks. It was grist to the mill for Graham Henry."

Nicolas Jones reacts with derision in the New Zealand Herald nto calls from some Australian commentators for the haka to be banned.

"It has become the echo which follows each crashing Wallabies defeat - the haka should be banned because it gives the All Blacks an advantage over rivals.

"The latest mouthpiece for the claim is Australian Fox Sports commentator Greg Martin, who claimed the haka gave the All Blacks an "unfair physical advantage".

There will be no Jonah Lomu-esque surprise selections in this year's 30-man World Cup squad © Getty Images

Wynne Gray, of the New Zealand Herald, speculates that there will be no surprise packages in the New Zealand World Cup squad.

"The All Black squad for the World Cup is just weeks from being announced.

The selectors settled on the core of the group last year and this season have been whittling away at others needed to round the squad out to the 30.

There is no chance a Jason Hewett, Jonah Lomu, Rhys Duggan or Ben Atiga will slip in this time.

The 2007 squad carried no surprise choices although there were several players, like halfback Andy Ellis, whose selection got some fairly extensive public debate.

This time? Hard to see any surprise faces unless there is a rethink at hooker, a loose forward shuffle and Matt Todd, Victor Vito or Luke Braid is picked to make up the quintet, or someone is injured in South Africa."

All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock, talking to the Dominion Post's Liam Napier, claims he is confident in his match fitness.

"Tony Woodcock admits to doubts, but is now confident he is ready to play his first match for All Blacks this year after just 40 minutes of rugby in over three months.

Woodcock, who conceded he was carrying "a couple" of extra kilograms, will go into next week's clash against the battle-hardened, refreshed and full-strength Springboks in Port Elizabeth after just half a game for North Harbour.

The world's premier loosehead and most-capped All Black prop has endured a frustrating and prolonged recovery from his curious mid-foot ligament sprain, and then picked up a hamstring twinge in his brief outing for Harbour.

That limited preparation is hardly ideal for the physical test match intensity and combative nature of the front-row, but with two matches before the World Cup, the big and brutal Boks are set to provide a measuring stick as to whether Woodcock is up to the task."

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will hope to lift the elusive World Cup come October © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray has called for Richie McCaw to be the first man to reach the elusive 100 caps mark for New Zealand.

"Whatever plans the All Black selectors have, I hope they allow captain Richie McCaw to become the first player to play 100 tests for New Zealand.

A shade sentimental, perhaps, but he is the longest-serving All Black, he is the captain and, fitness permitting, it would be an extra mark of respect to the revered loose forward.

That outcome may not be possible as the selectors juggle their squad through the overseas tests against the Boks and Wallabies before the World Cup. Injury may take the decision away from the panel but it would seem hollow if McCaw was not first or at least equal first to that honour.

Maybe the selectors will dodge the emotion and just plough on, but somehow I doubt it."

Marc Hinton, writing for Dominion Post, believes the All Blacks supporters should boycott the overpriced jersey.

"Here's an idea fellow Kiwis: just don't buy the damn overpriced All Blacks jersey. Ignore it, like it's the outcast it's fast becoming.

It seems to me that a mass boycott by all New Zealanders is the only way to get the message through to a company that clearly doesn't give a toss about the people who support the national team it sponsors.

So the only solution is the blindingly obvious one. Vote with your hands. Keep your ziz-zaps zipped.

If every New Zealander refuses to part with the extortionate amount that All Blacks sponsor adidas are now asking them to pay for what is really nothing more than a glorified T-shirt, and the stock just sits on the shelves, well they'll soon get the message, won't they?

Though I wonder. It would seem this German-headquartered organisation would rather eat the meagre profits it makes in the tiny New Zealand market than admit they were wrong and back down."

The New Zealand Herald's Steve Deane believes the tide may be turning in the relationship between the NRL and the NZRU.

"Hopefully when Santa comes slithering down Rene Ranger's chimney this Christmas he's holding a massive contract offer from the Warriors.

Okay, so just another job offer for a player so outrageously gifted he's been dubbed Superman might not be an ideal present, but for Warriors fans a superhero centre signing would be a gratefully accepted offering.

It's time for league to take back the initiative when it comes to cross-code talent poaching.

With the amount of money in the game widely tipped for a big increase when the next broadcasting deal is struck, NRL clubs may soon have the means to not only halt a player drain to rugby that changed directions in 1995, but re-reverse it."

All Blacks wing Cory Jane will be hoping for another try-scoring performance against the Wallabies © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald,, Wynne Gray lists those within the All Blacks starting line-up for Saturday's Tri-Nations clash with Australia in Auckland that are under pressure to perform.

"One side will leave the World Cup final venue tonight with renewed confidence they can repeat in 79 days.

"Victory in the opening Bledisloe Cup duel at Eden Park will be another notch in the confidence belt, a boost in self-belief about the pathway to the global tournament.

"That psychological reinforcement cannot be overlooked as the transtasman foes will have a mere two tests left before the seventh global event starts.

"For some this match may be their last chance, a final audition for All Blacks wanting to make the cut when 30 players are named for the tournament. It gets even tighter next week when the All Blacks trim their squad to 26 for their last offshore matches in Port Elizabeth and Brisbane against the Boks and Wallabies.

"Who fits in that category?"

All Blacks lock Brad Thorn could not inspire the Crusaders to victory in their Super Rugby showdown with the Reds © Getty Images

New Zealand's Brad Thorn tells Wayne Smith of The Australian how he was left emotionally drained after his club's recent defeat by the Reds.

"What happens when you've lived the fairytale and championed the righteous cause but the ending turned out to be anything but happy?

"In the case of All Blacks second-rower Brad Thorn, the result has been gloomy days and sleepless nights.

"When Christchurch was devastated by a massive earthquake in late February, it brought an already close Crusaders side even closer. From that moment on, they were engaged not just in a Super Rugby campaign but instead on an almost holy crusade to bring hope again to the traumatised people of Canterbury."

The Sydney Morning Herald's Tom Cary provides his view on England's all-black kit debate

"World Cup favourites must be worryingly fragile if they are letting England's away kit get under their skin, says Tom Cary.

Nike's marketing men must be chuckling into their skinny lattes. The launch of England's new 'all black' change strip for the Rugby World Cup has suckered in just enough people to have gone viral.

England have been variously accused of being "a bunch of wannabes", of "disrespecting the legacy of past players" and of "psychological warfare" by plumping for a colour universally associated with the New Zealand team."

Cory Jane impressed against South Africa on Saturday but will that be enough to secure a start for the Kiwi's come September? © Getty Images

The Dominion Post's Marc Hinton has a look at the fearsome battle for the All Blacks wing berth.

"This gets more interesting by the week. Which All Black wing is going to be the first to blink?

Can Hosea Gear hold his nerve against what some are calling the best backline in world rugby? As pre-World Cup storylines go, you can't beat the long division nightmare that is Graham Henry's back three equation.

It really has emerged as the compelling theme of the first two tests of the pre-World Cup campaign.

There are eight contenders - nine if you count crocked utility Richard Kahui - going for five, maybe six spots. Hopefuls are so far lighting it up. No one's playing their way out, and in fact at least two have stormed into World Cup calculations. Something is going to have to give somewhere."

Peter Bills, writing for The New Zealand Herald, ponders whether All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina could be their weak link going into the 2011 World Cup.

"Call it churlish, if you wish, or blinkered partisanship if you must. But the fact is, there were areas of the All Blacks game against South Africa last weekend that still need polishing ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

When you are shooting for the stars you can never be satisfied just to reach the sky. We can be sure that the three wise men, aka the All Blacks coaching triumvirate, are not men prone to premature celebration.

To win any game by six tries to one is a huge encouragement. But only by setting standards that are close to the stratosphere can sports teams truly deliver. They may not quite hit the peak every time but if they are trained to aim that high often enough they should perform at a pretty lofty level.

Mils Muliaina did not have a bad game against the South Africans' apology for a Test team in Wellington. He dealt competently with the ball whenever it found him, carried it back efficiently enough and covered diligently, albeit without ever really being seriously tested. Such was the nature of a totally one-sided contest."

All Blacks legend Colin Meads takes the No.1 spot in the Herald's Top 20 Great All Blacks - post 1956. © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald reveals who made the grade in their list of the 20 Greatest All Blacks - post 1956.

"Television was still in the distance as New Zealand prepared for a three-month invasion from the country's greatest rugby rivals.

The national cricket side had claimed their first test victory, now it was time for a first series scalp against the Springboks.

It was 1956 and New Zealand readied for the first great tour after World War II. The national sport was about to be tested against the traditional enemy.

New Zealand's most celebrated player, Colin Meads, was on the cusp of international selection - so it seemed a good starting point to sift the 20 greatest All Blacks.

That cutoff date eliminates legends such as George Nepia, the Nicolls and Brownlie brothers, Bert Cooke, Billy Wallace, J.B. Smith and many more. But it did not make the selection any easier."

Cory Jane speaks to The Dominion Post about his hopes of securing a place in New Zealand's World Cup squad.

"If someone had told Cory Jane six weeks ago that he would be playing for the All Blacks in a Tri-Nations rugby test against the Springboks this Saturday he would have laughed in their face.

"Such was Jane's lacklustre form for the Hurricanes in the Super 15 campaign that the fullback-cum-wing was considered to be lucky to be selected when the extended 34-man squad was named for the Tri-Nations series.

"Even then, he was only in the squad as an injury replacement, and had the misfortune to be ruled out of the All Blacks test against Fiji when he was himself injured after badly dislocating his ring finger in a provincial match for Wellington.

"He was today handed a rugby World Cup lifeline by the All Blacks selectors to start on the right wing in his 23rd test as one of four changes to the side which romped past Fiji 60-14 in Dunedin last Friday and said his head was in the right space to produce his best for the first time this year."

Following South Africa bringing a weakened side to New Zealand - All Blacks head coach Graham Henry has delayed picking his strongest XV © Getty Images

Writing for The Dominion Post Marc Hinton looks at All Blacks boss Graham Henry's decision to delay unveiling the All Blacks strongest XV.

"The moment the Springbok touring squad for the away-leg of the Tri-Nations was announced we knew that the team was going to struggle against their Antipodean rivals.

"Smart guy that Graham Henry. The All Blacks coach recognises this week for what it is - another glorified trial against opponents of limited ability.

Thus the weary get another week to recuperate and the scratchy get another game to search for that form. And some key fringe men - I'm thinking of Adam Thomson, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Ali Williams to name but three - get another chance to not only press their claims, but gain much-needed test experience.

That's the upshot of this Springboks "B" team that Peter de Villiers has elected to bring out for the away leg of their Tri-Nations. Never mind what he says this week, this is a team full of tackle dummies, few of whom will see the light of the World Cup from anywhere but their couches."

All Blacks great Jonah Lomu tells the Sydney Morning Herald he was left "dumbfounded" after the RFU announced they would wear an all-black strip in the forthcoming World Cup.

"England's decision to wear a controversial black strip during the upcoming World Cup has left New Zealand great Jonah Lomu "dumbfounded" with the former winger questioning the motives of the decision.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) released a statement on Friday saying the England team would wear the new second strip for the home international against Wales on August 6 and then for their opening World Cup match against Argentina on September 10."

Former Springboks coach Jake White tells Duncan Johnstone of the Dominion Post that he believes Sonny Bill Williams will start his World Cup campaign for the All Blacks on the bench.

"World Cup winning coach Jake White is a big fan of Sonny Bill Williams but doesn't believe he will be able to break into the All Blacks starting side when it matters most.

White predicts an impact role for Williams behind the proven midfield combination of Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith.

White used his personal website to pass comment on Williams' game and influence on rugby since successfully switching from league.

"Sonny Bill is a sensation, which is great for rugby. The more people talk about him, the more people watch the game and that's great for the sport globally," White said in a question and answer session on the internet."

Former New Zealand skipper Sean Fitzpatrick tells Peter Bills of the New Zealand Herald that Australia's ruthless and rampant form will cause a stir in New Zealand.

"There were things from the Wallabies that will definitely raise an eyebrow or two in New Zealand," Fitzpatrick said. "Very much so. If you give them an opportunity, like if you kick badly, you are going to get punished.

"We saw this in Super rugby and they have carried it over. I think they look quite ominous when they play their best 15. They are quite dangerous. They sent out a warning here. They said, give us an opportunity and we will nail it."

New Zealand Herald's Adrian Hyland finds an inpressive standard of grass-roots rugby in New Zealand's schools.

"About 11 minutes are left on the clock and Mt Albert Grammar, who have just missed their sixth place kick, are finding it hard to put Hamilton Boys away in last year's school rugby showpiece, the national final.

"They may have scored three tries and done it playing fluid, largely error-free rugby, with width and intelligence, but they trail 15-17. In the defending champions they face not only one of the few teams that outweigh them, but also a team well-versed in the art of securing possession and winding the clock down.

"From the restart MAGS fullback Albert Nikoro leaps and gathers cleanly, then accelerates into the heart of the Hamilton defence. His forwards swarm around him as they have done all game, the ball is recycled quickly, and the process begins again.

"MAGS edge forward, their runners targeting the fringes and eliminating defenders, until lock Sean Brookman is turned in a tackle and goes to ground facing the wrong way. He twists himself so his team-mates can access the ball, but in a high-tempo game like this a few seconds are precious. The momentum is lost ..."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald Gregor Paul is dismayed to see the All Blacks take the field against Fiji with an assortment of different coloured boots.

"For the All Black coaches, it was the breakdown. For many others, it would have been the unwelcome appearance of white and orange boots that was the most concerning aspect of the performance against Fiji.

"Despite the infiltration of garishly coloured boots into Super Rugby over the last decade, the All Blacks have preserved the tradition of their players wearing black and only black on their feet.

"That was until now and the greatest surprise in Dunedin was the shiny, entirely distracting array of coloured feet. Black jerseys, black shorts, black socks and then wham ... a handful of players were wearing white boots or, in the case of Ma'a Nonu, luminous orange. Even Dan Carter came off the bench resplendent in white boots."

The All Blacks put Fiji to the sword but were still some way from their usual imperious best © Getty Images

Tony Smith picks through New Zealand's win over Fiji in The Dominion Post.

"All Blacks coach Graham Henry admits the All Blacks will have to lift their intensity, execution and accuracy for the Tri-Nations after a fits-and-start 60-14 win over Fiji.

Henry said it was "pleasing'' to score 60 points, the team "played well in patches'' and some individuals had strong games - notably wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and pivot Colin Slade.

He thought the All Blacks were "inconsistent in our execution'' in their last test at Carisbrook but it was "a good step'' towards next Saturday's clash with the Springboks in Wellington.

"Playing the Springboks will heighten the intensity, and we're going to have to be, because... if we don't increase our intensity and accuracy, especially at the breakdown, we'll be in trouble.'"

Sean Martin, writing for the New Zealand Herald, talks to a very happy Jarrod Hoeata following his debut for the All Blacks.

"A knee strain which forced Jarrad Hoeata from the field in his debut test could not wipe the smile from the Taranaki lock's face after helping the All Blacks to a 60-14 defeat of Fiji in Dunedin last night.

The 27-year-old left the field 15 minutes after the halftime break after tweaking his knee after landing awkwardly in a tackle early in the first half, but the disappointment of being forced from the field was softened by a performance in his first test that he could be proud of."

Toby Robson reviews the All Blacks' opening Test of the year - against Fiji - and finds cause for concern in the performance of Ali Williams on stuff.co.nz.

"Graham Henry would have had as many crosses as ticks in his notepad after the All Blacks' first test match of the season.

"The highlighter should have gone through the names of first five-eighth Colin Slade, flanker Adam Thomson, wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and halfback Piri Weepu.

"Those four grabbed their opportunities with both hands during a 60-14 win over Fiji that gave little away about any revolutionary tactical changes that may be in store in World Cup season.

"It's only a start, but Henry will have been less enthused about kick-off receptions and lineouts or the untidy comeback test of lock Ali Williams."

All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu talks to Marc Hinton, of The Dominion Post, about proving a point on Friday against Fiji.

"Sitiveni Sivivatu may be on the ropes, but the experienced All Blacks wing sounds like he's determined to come out swinging.

The 29-year-old Sivivatu was a notable omission from Graham Henry's initial squad of 30 for Friday's clash against Fiji leading into the abbreviated Tri-Nations which kicks off for the All Blacks just a week later.

But the Waikato flyer earned a stay of execution when he was included among a quartet of injury replacements to cover for, among others, crocked back-three men Hosea Gear, Israel Dagg and Isaia Toeava."

Wynne Gray of the New Zealand Herald casts his eye over the case of All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett.

"In many ways Wyatt Crockett is in an awkward position.

He does not fit the standard physical description for a loosehead prop and is one of the standby quartet involved in the All Black squad preparations.

But tomorrow night at Carisbrook he steps out in the No 1 jersey for his fourth test appearance against Fiji after a year of outstanding form for the Crusaders.

When the side was revealed yesterday, other key features were the inclusion of Jarrad Hoeata for his debut, at lock, alongside the repaired Ali Williams and the start at five-eighths for Colin Slade."

Duncan Johnstone, of The Dominion Post, believes there is no chance of Fiji repeating Samoa's heroics against the All Blacks on Friday.

Rest easy - the All Blacks won't do a Wallabies on Friday night. They have given Fiji far more respect than the Aussies afforded Samoa last weekend.

Graham Henry and his selectors look to have come up with a good blend for the opening test of the year.

Yes, some stars are rested, but not the wholesale approach that Robbie Deans came up with.

Of course Henry has the luxury of far more depth and that is apparent in the side who will take the field at Carisbrook.

The starting XV have 531 test caps amongst them and there's the insurance of another 216 test caps on the bench, including Dan Carter to help right any wrongs if things go haywire.

Not that they should. This isn't a first choice All Blacks side by any means - but it's still a pretty fine looking side."

Even Pedgen of the Dominion Post looks at the mystery of where All Blacks fly-half Stephen Donald will end up.

"Just where Stephen Donald is heading to play his rugby becomes more like an unfolding mystery novel the longer he leaves his announcement of his plans.

The latest revelation from a Sunday paper that he is heading to the Blues in Auckland for next year's Super Rugby season has been met by denials so vigorous from the Blues and the Chiefs that it seems the story is way off beam.

But if Donald is heading to Britain or Ireland to play his professional rugby at the end of the year it seems curious a deal has not yet been done, or at least announced.We can't ask him because for the last couple of weeks the Waikato first five-eighth has put himself off limits to the media."

Dylan Cleaver of the New Zealand Herald looks at the sky-high prices visitors to New Zealand will experience during the World Cup.

"Ticket sales for the Rugby World Cup have soared past one million, but the boss of world rugby says he is disappointed some New Zealanders are price gouging.

International Rugby Board chief Mike Miller warns that if visitors to the country for the cup feel they have been taken advantage of, they will not come back.

Mr Miller, who is visiting from Dublin, says this will almost certainly be the last time NZ hosts the World Cup in a lifetime."

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue tries to get to the bottom of Stephen Donald's on-off move from the Chiefs to Bath to the Blues.

"A player like Donald might perfectly complement [Gareth] Anscombe as he takes the early steps in his Super 15 career, but his presence could also be an impediment if the coaches keep leaning on experience and the young player continually feels insecure about his position.

The Super 15 should not be regarded in an overly exalted way. It is a physically arduous tournament, yes, and one which will test a rookie's endurance and concentration. But the standard this season was often very ordinary.

The real story concerning the development of Gareth Anscombe is the Blues' outright failure to establish a star No 10, relying instead on the fly-by-nighters Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister this year. Brett was a Cantabrian through and through who fell out of their queue. McAlister's idea of dedication to any cause was summed up by his North Harbour no-show last week."

Marc Hinton of The Dominion Post believes that All Blacks head coach Graham Henry has now realised that, when it comes to this year's World Cup, winning is all that matters.

"For the first time in his eight years in charge of the All Blacks, Graham Henry appears ready to embrace the art of winning ugly.

"Not before time, some would suggest, no doubt with a roll of the eyes. Finally, it would appear the penny has dropped when it comes to the demands of the quadrennial test of fortitude known as the Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks have long preferred expression over pragmatism, and many would argue that it has been the major contributor to a 24-year world cup drought.

"Where Australia, England and South Africa have all grasped the need to be prosaic rather than pretty in the white-hot atmosphere of a world cup, All Blacks sides ever since 1987 have ignored it to their cost. It has even seemed in the past that the All Blacks would rather not win at all than win ugly."

In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, Derren Witcombe talks about his long road to recovery after a career-ending neck injury.

"Derren Witcombe didn't know what he was going to do. His rugby career went down with him after his neck injury in a collapsed scrum during Auckland's opening game of the 2007 Air New Zealand Cup campaign.

"The former All Blacks hooker had always been told his rugby career could be over at any time but Witcombe had hoped it might be years later than 28. His neck, however, dealt to those thoughts. He had spent time in forestry before becoming a professional rugby player but didn't have many options.

"Four years later, Witcombe is very clear about what he wants to do. Yesterday, he was back where his professional career started, this time coaching the Northland forward pack in their ITM Cup season opener against Tasman. At 32, he is one of the youngest professional coaches in the country. It's been an incredible and somewhat fortuitous journey."

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith, talking to the Dominion Post, hints at a change in New Zealand's tactics ahead of the World Cup.

"There will be as much intrigue in the All Blacks' ulterior tactics as the first players chosen to implement them in next week's opening test against Fiji.

With many of the extended 34-man squad suffering from fatigue and disrepair, the two-day camp in Auckland this week consisted of classroom lessons, rather than outdoor preparations.

Clarity of game plan was the focal message delivered by former headmaster Graham Henry and his assistants as the squad were schooled on how best to adjust their skills from Super Rugby to the international arena.

All three All Blacks coaches have sat back, for six months, analysing the ever-changing rugby landscape across both hemispheres."

Duncan Johnstone, of the Dominion Post, writes about the All Blacks' decision to visit Christchurch on Sunday.

"A group of All Blacks will visit Christchurch tomorrow to hand out tickets to next week's All Blacks test against Fiji, meet residents of some of the hardest-hit parts of the city and personally thank the city's emergency services.

Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Adam Thomson will present specially designed jerseys to representatives from Canterbury's emergency services as the All Blacks kick off a week of activity ahead of Friday's test in Dunedin which is a fundraiser for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

The players will also hand out tickets - donated by All Blacks sponsors adidas, Air New Zealand and Telecom - to young rippa rugby teams from Burnside and New Brighton Rugby clubs and to earthquake affected Christchurch residents."

TheNew Zealand Herald looks at the fallout from the RFU's decision to release an all-black kit for the World Cup.

"No, that's not New Zealand playing boring 10-man rugby, just England wearing black.

The England rugby team's reported plans to wear a black strip at the Rugby World Cup haven't bothered the All Blacks much but fans have voiced their outrage on a Facebook protest page called Get Our Gear Off.

The 2003 world champions, who traditionally wear white, will open their tournament by wearing a black jersey and shorts combination against Argentina in Dunedin on September 10, the Daily Mail reports."

TheNew Zealand Herald's Dylan Cleaver previews the ITM Cup.

"The timing, in every sense, is a long way from ideal.

"The national provincial championship, known for the past two seasons as the ITM Cup, this year undergoes a radical overhaul while being shoehorned into the narrow window between the Super 15 and the World Cup.

"Over the next seven days 11 matches will be played. By the time you get your heads around the intricacies of the new format, it will be over and we'll have moved on to our quadrennial anxiety attack.

"This much we can tell you. Last year's 14-team ITM Cup has been split into a seven-team Premiership and seven-team Championship, based on the finishing position in 2010. The top seven - Canterbury, Waikato, Auckland, Wellington, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and Southland - make up the Premiership. "

Dylan Cleaver, writing for the New Zealand Herald, begins the search for Dan Carter's replacement.

"It's time to start scratching a seven-year itch.

"Since Daniel Carter made the No 10 jersey his own at the end of 2004, the search for an heir apparent has been long and largely fruitless.

"Nick Evans came closest to establishing himself as a genuine world-class back-up, but he left post-'07 World Cup for a more lucrative life with the Harlequins of London having never fully felt the love of the national panel.

"In the intervening years, Carter has for the most part held firm, while Stephen Donald, Luke McAlister, Mike Delany and Aaron Cruden have been given opportunities to start tests wearing the No 10. "

Wellington's Jeremy Thrush, talking to The Dominion Post's Hamish Bidwell, is determined to make the 2011 ITM Cup a successful campaign.

"Sounds like the Hurricanes' younger brigade have finally found their voice.

Having watched askance, as the senior members of their Super Rugby squad tore the franchise apart this year, their would-be successors have cried "no more".

Yesterday was meant to be the launch of Wellington's season, but it turned into the final scuttling of the Hurricanes' ill-fated 2011 voyage.

Having had his captaincy of the Lions confirmed, Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush used yesterday as an opportunity to put some distance between his team and the events of the past Super Rugby season."

Steve Hepburn, of the New Zealand Herald , looks at the slow ticket sales for New Zealand's clash with Fiji.

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

Just over 10,000 tickets have been sold for the test between the All Blacks and Fiji at Carisbrook on July 22, well short of the capacity 28,000 crowd that has filled Carisbrook for the past three tests.

Tew believed there were various reasons for the slow ticket sales."

The All Blacks at the forthcoming World Cup may have an older average age than England did in 2003 © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue looks at the average age of the All Blacks ahead of the World Cup.

"Looking for a World Cup omen?

"Here's one - the All Blacks' top starting side might be older than the English team which won the 2003 World Cup final in Australia.

"Yes folks, Ted's Army will be older than Dad's Army, the nickname given to Clive Woodward's victorious mob. His English troops were allegedly so well aged that youngsters gave up their seats for them on the bus. Well, that was the image, if not the reality.

"By my calculations, the England team which started against Australia in the final averaged a touch over 28. The following is a lineup Graham Henry might have in mind: Mils Muliaina, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. If this team happened to start the World Cup final in late October, the average age would be close to 29."

The Dominion Post's Liam Napier looks into the bizarre no-show of North Harbour's New Zealand international Luke McAlister.

"Luke McAlister is in hot water after seemingly walking out on North Harbour.

The 30-test All Black failed to front for training on Monday and hasn't returned frantic calls from Harbour management.

He has subsequently been scratched from tomorrow's ITM Cup opener against Otago.

McAlister failed to make the 30-man All Black squad on Sunday and there is a belief at Harbour that he has done a runner to French club Toulouse, which he is contracted to at the end of the season.

Charlie McAlister, Luke's father, has weighed into the debate, saying the reason his son missed training was because of a sick child."

The New Zealand Herald's Michael Dickison believes the New Zealand public will prefer to watch the World Cup on TV rather than live.

"Only one in 10 New Zealanders plan to attend more than one Rugby World Cup game, a new poll shows.

"The latest Fly Buys/Colmar Brunton Mood of the New Zealand Traveller Survey, released by the Tourism Industry Association, found that 70 per cent of Kiwis plan to watch games on television and 15 per cent plan to go to stadiums.

"Fly Buys chief executive Lance Walker said the poll showed New Zealanders did not want to miss the historic event."

Dylan Cleaver, writing for the New Zealand Herald, analyses All Blacks coach Graham Henry's test 30.

"This much is true of the All Blacks squad in 2011: the coaches are not interested in "projects" in a World Cup year.

"Graham Henry has chosen to go down a safe route in his 30-man squad and few would blame him in such a high-stakes year.

"The coach and his cohorts Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith are in the envious position of being able to pick a very good side and a very safe one all at once.

"Even the squad's one uncapped player is a relatively sound bet.

"There's no rush to burnish the rough edges off Jarrad Hoeata because his selection is down to the fact that his game is one giant rough edge - he's Brad Thorn when Thorn is not there."

Marc Hinton, writing for the Dominion Post, looks at where the Crusaders go from here after their Super Rugby defeat.

"It's rest, not tests that overloaded Crusaders players need in the next few weeks, although All Blacks coach Graham Henry has made it clear that he does not see Richie McCaw in that category.

Henry understands as well as anyone the need to manage the workloads of Crusaders players who have been through not only a gruelling Super Rugby and extended playoff run, but also the unprecedented demand of having to travel for every match.

Throw in the emotional turmoil of the earthquake and its reverberations and Henry has himself a pretty unique situation with a group of players comprising over a third of his expanded 34-man squad.

So the kid gloves will come out for Crusaders players who can expect to be on light duties as the pre-World Cup season gets up and running with a training camp in Auckland later this week. A test against Fiji will follow in Dunedin on July 22, followed quickly by the Tri-Nations kickoff against the Springboks in Wellington eight days later."

Lock Ali Williams had known about his All Black restoration for a while but he looked and acted like a "nervous rookie" at the announcement of the latest New Zealand squad. The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray reports.

"Normally the 30-year-old bounces around, taking the mickey out of others and interacting with fervour.

Perhaps it was the 31-month international interlude that coach Graham Henry referred to, but he was unusually twitchy.

He has not worn the black jersey since late 2008 because of injury and there were hamstring and form strains this season.

"For the first time I don't really know what to say, to be honest," he admitted as he thought about adding to his 61 caps.

It was rewarding to reach his initial squad selection target and to conquer the doubts and confirm the inner beliefs he had about his ability."

The New Zealand Herald's Celeste Gorrell Anstiss has an awkward run in with All Blacks international Ali Williams.

"Ali Williams is doing the publicity rounds for his new book but he appears to have the blues when it comes to talking. Celeste Gorrell Anstiss discovers the former All Black is indeed utterly unreliable as an interview subject.

"It's quite obvious from the outset that Ali Williams doesn't really want to be in this interview about his new book, Ali's Utterly Unreliable Guide to the 2011 World Cup.

"After wandering through the eerily dark and empty corridors of Eden Park with the book publicist to find the right suite, I'm excited at the prospect of an hour's chat, including time for a photo session, with the great man of rugby."

Former New Zealand international Taine Randall, writing in The Dominion Post, picks his All Blacks squad for the Tri-Nations.

"The All Blacks squad to be named today is a complex – and on-going – 30-piece jigsaw. While experience will be the focus, there will be plenty of opportunity for improving players to move into the mix.

"Experience will provide the backbone of the All Blacks squad named today but there should be room for form players to push their way into the mix.

"Graham Henry and his selectors will rely heavily on the players who have helped their team dominate the test landscape in recent years. With this first squad of the year forming the basis of the World Cup ensemble they will look to the players that got them out of tight situations like Soweto and Sydney last year – those who showed calm heads in pressure-cooker situations."

The New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul believes Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder is the All Blacks supremo in waiting, but reckons he will have to wait for his chance.

"It's a matter of when, not if, Todd Blackadder will be All Blacks coach - but 2013 is likely to be the earliest he'll have a crack.

"The undoubted people's favourite has conducted himself with the quiet dignity and poise he maintained when All Black captain.

"Thrown the near-impossible task of following Robbie Deans into the Crusaders coaching job, Blackadder has consolidated and even enhanced Super Rugby's greatest team.

"They are unquestionably his side now - tough up front, inventive out wide and, if anything, more entrenched in the community than they were under Deans. With the All Black job to be opened to tender after the World Cup, Blackadder could be swept into the post by public opinion."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Richard Loe selects his World Cup 30 and hopes for consistency from the All Blacks coaches.

"There's no surprises in my All Black squad of 30 for the Tri Nations - even though I am usually of the mind to pick from form, rather than reputation.

"To me, this is a fairly straightforward selection, with little room left for major drama. Form has been consistent, most of the players have been consistent and so selection becomes consistent, too.

"This season has mostly been about consolidating those who have been selected before - and there is very little room for some to force their way in.

"Having said that, there is nothing to stop the selectors sending some who haven't had much rugby or who haven't shown much form lately off to the ITM Cup - and then seeing if they rate highly enough to make the final World Cup squad.”

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Paul Lewis argues that Colin Slade and Sitiveni Sivivatu should be given a chance by All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

"You'd have to say - quietly, mind you - that pretty much every step taken on the path to the Rugby World Cup this year by Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith has been firm, correct and is setting up the All Blacks for their best shot at (hush, now ... whisper it) a World Cup title since 1987.

"The All Black squad for the Tri Nations is due out today and it will contain few, if any, surprises.

"Henry has reduced the "bolter" dimension to almost zero in past years - even before the advent of the recent training camps which pre-announced such things as the dropping of Stephen Donald and faith in Aaron Cruden.”

The Dominion Post's Duncan Johnstone has sought scientific confirmation that the Crusaders will not be affected by their extensive travels this season as they prepare for Saturday's Super Rugby final clash with the Reds.

"Don't write off the Crusaders in tomorrow's Super Rugby final because of the travel factor - that's the word from a sports science expert.

"The Crusaders have had to fly from Cape Town to Brisbane for the final against the Reds, taking their total travel in this competition beyond 100,000km. That figure is inflated because of their inability to play home matches due to earthquake damage in Christchurch.

"Their ability to cope with constant long-haul air travel has stunned many."

The Crusaders' fans unite behind their team in the New Zealand Herald.

"The Crusaders may have appeared in an unprecedented nine Super Rugby finals, but their 10th trip to the tournament decider is arguably the most important for the franchise's legion of fans.

"The team's amazing run to the final - without playing a single game at their home ground after AMI Stadium was damaged in the February 22 earthquake - has provided a reprieve to Canterbury's rugby-mad residents."

Stuff's, Richard Knowler reckons Crusaders' head coach Todd Blackadder will avoid the pub prior to the Super Rugby final.

"Insiders say Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder won't be flogging any ideas from Ricky Stuart's pre-match routines ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Queensland Reds.

"That's probably a good thing if he doesn't want to wake up with his mouth feeling like a busy barber's floor on match day.

"If Stuart looked a bit jaded in the NSW Blues coaching box last night, he maybe could have blamed someone for tipping alcohol into his wine goblet on the eve of Origin III.

"The Blues coach was sighted by several New Zealand reporters in the same venue burning off his pre-match jitters with friends at an inner-city hotel bar."

All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter goes back to his Christchurch Boys High roots alongside the DailyTelegraph's Mark Reason.

"It is almost impossible to understand how big rugby is in this long and lovely land. Boys High has 125 sports coaches. The match against local rivals Christ College is televised and the parents are breathalysed before being allowed into the ground.

Andrew Mehrtens, Aaron Mauger, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett, almost every recent New Zealand fly-half went to Boys High, including, of course, Carter. But, in 1999-2000 season, he was a loser. That was the last time Boys High were beaten by Christ's College and Carter still feels the pain.

He ranks the anguish of the defeat not far behind New Zealand’s World Cup losses in 2003 and 2007. “I was devastated,” he says. “Some of my my team-mates were in tears. They were distraught. It was hard to go back to school the next day.”

Writing in the Sunday Herald, Taylor Mosen chats to New Zealand U20s fly-half Gareth Anscombe following their IRB Junior World Championship triumph.

"Anscombe, like any 20-year-old, loves heading out with his mates for things like a round of golf or going fishing - but he's not interested in participating. Whatever it is, he's there to win.

"That competitive attitude has helped Anscombe earn a two-year contract with the Blues, signed in February. With Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister heading abroad after the World Cup, the opportunity to nail down a spot on the field is looking promising.

"He also signed on for three years with his adopted province Auckland in November last year, after moving from North Harbour."

Current assistant coach Steve Hansen is favourite to take the All Blacks' top job after the World Cup © Getty Images

Steve Hansen has drawn the inside lane in the race to be next All Blacks coach, a position that will be filled "before Christmas", according to the New Zealand Herald's Dylan Cleaver.

"Hansen is understood to have been assembling a team that he will put in front of the New Zealand Rugby Union board at the conclusion of the World Cup review, win or lose.

That team is understood to involve Ian Foster as his right-hand man and current kicking and skills coach Mick Byrne in a broader role.

Foster, who ended his eight-year reign at the Chiefs last month, has put opportunities in the United Kingdom on hold as he waits to see how the World Cup pans out. His fate, essentially, is tied to Hansen and the All Blacks.

Byrne has been working as forwards coach under John Kirwan with the Japanese national team to bolster his portfolio.

At least one senior player was told during the spate of recent contract negotiations that Hansen and Foster, who are respected among the players even if they have never been fully embraced by the public, were well-placed to take the All Blacks into 2012 and beyond."

Duncan Johnstone looks at Ma'a Nonu's high profile move to the Blues in The Dominion Post

"Ma'a Nonu will be a good fit with the Blues and coach Pat Lam will back himself to get the best out of a player who was forced to leave the Hurricanes under a cloud.

Nonu's outrageous talents were too good to be ignored.

He still has plenty to offer plenty to top teams and rugby fans in New Zealand should applaud the ability of the national body to keep him here with another clever flexible contract.

With Sonny Bill Williams yet to commit, the NZRU have got in first and nailed down Nonu for a couple of years."

Hamish Bidwell runs his eye over what he saw as an average Wellington performance in the The Dominion Post.

"How does the saying go? If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all?

Well, as tempting as it is to simply say that Wellington beat Manawatu 10-7 in yesterday's pre-season rugby clash in Palmerston North, and leave it at that, custom dictates that we must write on.

The bad? There was plenty. But let's concentrate on the bright side.

The bulk of yesterday's team won't be selected for next week's final pre-season match against Canterbury. Wellington's Super Rugby stars will return and largely make what happened at FMG Stadium redundant."

Toby Robson looks at the growing trend in New Zealand of people staying away from the stadium's in favour of watching the game on the TV The Dominion Post

"Kiwi rugby fans are glued to their couches despite the efforts of New Zealand rugby's Super Rugby franchises to entice them through the gates.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew has described crowds this season as "disappointing" across the country's five franchises and admits administrators are scratching for answers to fan apathy.

Though television viewership is expected to be up on last year, Super Rugby's inaugural top-six playoff matches in Nelson (12,000) and Auckland (16,000) failed to get close to sellouts last weekend, continuing a general malaise. "

Mark Reason, inThe Dominion Post argues that it's time for supporters to get off the referee's backs

"Ah, the silence of the lambs. All across New Zealand there was scarcely a bleat all weekend.

Even commentator Tony Johnson, a man whose giant one eye is seen as a delicacy in some countries, didn't stick his fork into the refs too often. Could this possibly be because the Blues and the Crusaders got the best of nearly every decision?

And yet just a few weeks earlier referee Stu Dickinson had been the subject of national phone-ins. The poor man was vilified. Sure, he made one big mistake early on in the game between the Crusaders and the Reds, but was that reason enough to serve an extradition order?

The Aussies and Kiwis call me and my countrymen 'whingeing Poms' and with good reason. But I am starting to think that the Brits are second division compared to the average Kiwi rugby fan. Even the 30 million sheep were drowned out by the sounds of the supporters' bleating after the last World Cup. "

Ed Smith looks at the multitude of options available to the TV watching public during the Rugby World Cup in The New Zealand Herald

"Can't stand the verbal tics or catchphrases of a certain rugby commentator?

Rest easy in the knowledge viewers will be able to choose between five different commentary teams during the Rugby World Cup.

Fans will be spoilt for choice with TVNZ, TV3, Sky TV, Maori TV and its Te Reo channel all broadcasting Rugby World Cup matches called by separate commentary teams. "

Peter Bills writes in The Independent of the enormity of the task facing anyone who is hoping to overturn the All Blacks on their home patch.

"It didn’t work long enough to be crucial in terms of the outcome of the game. After all, you can’t really suggest a whole lot went right when you have lost 36-8.

Nevertheless, I suspect we glimpsed the tactic many sides will try to employ to muzzle New Zealand in the World Cup, in last weekend’s Super 15 game between the Crusaders and the Sharks.

The fact that the Sharks still led, albeit only by 5 points to 3, until just nine minutes before half time will, I’m quite sure, be studied closely by future opponents of the All Blacks in this year’s Rugby World Cup which begins in just over eight weeks’ time. "

New Chiefs assistant Wayne Smith, talking to Duncan Johnstone, vows not to bring all the out-of-contract Hurricanes players over to the Waikato franchise in The Dominion Post

"Hurricanes fans can relax – All Blacks coach Wayne Smith says he will not be recruiting their stars to come with him to the Chiefs next year.

Smith confirmed yesterday that he will step down from the All Blacks' setup after the World Cup and return to Super Rugby with a two-year stint at the Chiefs as Dave Rennie's backline assistant. Tom Coventry will look after the forwards.

That raised the prospect of Smith, with his influence and connections, helping lure major talent to the Chiefs, especially with Stephen Donald, Mike Delany, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina and Dwayne Sweeney all heading overseas and Tana Umaga's future at Super Rugby level in question. "

Is Dan Carter facing an alarming loss of form ahead of the Rugby World Cup? © Getty Images

Chris Rattue asks the aliens to bring back the Dan Carter the New Zealand public know and love, in the The New Zealand Herald

"A message to those nasty aliens from outer space - take us to your leader immediately so we can demand the return of the real Dan Carter.

There's a big tournament this year and while the Carter clone you left down here almost had us fooled, the game is up and we need the real one back pronto. The Crusaders could also do with him this week, when they take on the Stormers - and the travel factor - at Newlands. "

Isaac Davidson, writing in The New Zealand Herald, looks at the problem stadium of Eden Park.

"Eden Park is defending its lack of protection for spectators from bad weather and the hotch-potch appearance of the stadium ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

"Supporters of Super rugby have criticised the stadium's poor coverage from winter conditions, which they feel dampens the atmosphere for Auckland Blues matches.

"World Cup spectators paying up to $358 a seat will be exposed to the worst of Auckland's changeable September and October weather."

Following the appointment of Wayne Smith at the Chiefs, Duncan Johnstone, writing in The Dominion Post, believes it could herald a new era for the Waikato side with the arrival of some well known nameswho will draw the fans to the Waratahs' stadium next season due to their lack of a marquee player.

"Wayne Smith's arrival at the Chiefs could be the catalyst to snaring some major talent - Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams and Aaron Cruden are certainly contenders.

Smith joins the Chiefs as Dave Rennie's backline maestro. It's a major coup for the franchise, bringing a world-class coach into the mix and returning him to his homeland.

There will surely be a spin-off for the Chiefs as they look to rebuild a backline that has been decimated by an exodus of talent.

Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Mike Delany, Dwayne Sweeny have all confirmed they are leaving to take up lucrative deals overseas. Stephen Donald looks certain to join the offshore drift and Tana Umaga's place in the squad must be tenuous at best given his age and increasing injuries. "

Should Ma'a Nonu still be eligible for the All Blacks if he moves overseas to another Super Rugby club? © Getty Images

Taine Randall writes in The Dominion Post that he believes it is time for the All Blacks to select those who have decided to pursue their careers in the other SANZAR countries.

"The All Blacks should be able to select New Zealand players involved in Super Rugby franchises in Australia and South Africa.

I see this as a possible solution to Ma'a Nonu's dilemma and maybe Andrew Hore's as well.

It was interesting to hear the Western Force raise interest in Nonu and Cory Jane as they look to replace golden boy James O'Connor. It was even more interesting to hear Nonu's old Wellington coach John Plumtree say he'd be delighted to have the blockbusting midfielder in the Sharks team he now coaches.

It got me thinking. Why shouldn't we have Kiwi players involved in a competition New Zealand teams participate in made eligible for selection for the All Blacks, even if they are playing for our opponents? "

Gregor Paul slates Eden Park inThe New Zealand Herald ahead of the stadium's role in the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.

"World Cup boss Martin Snedden is confident the world will be surprised by Eden Park. He's right, they will be; surprised at just how awful it is; surprised that even some who have forked out $460 run the risk of being drenched.

Eden Park will be the worst stadium to host a World Cup final since ... Eden Park hosted the 1987 final.

All that bickering in 2006 whether to build at the waterfront or Eden Park was shameful enough back then. But it is only now that the true horror of that failure is becoming apparent.

At the cost of $240 million, New Zealand has built an utter dog of a stadium and one that will taint the World Cup. "

Israel Dagg talks to Michael Brown inThe New Zealand Herald about living in fear after the February Christchurch earthquake.

"Israel Dagg often tells himself to harden up after an earthquake rocks Christchurch.

It's not easy. There have, after all, been thousands since September's 7.1 magnitude earthquake and the mind can leave even deeper scars than those which have disfigured the Canterbury landscape.

There have been many times when Dagg and team-mate and close friend Zac Guildford have wanted to flee. Just last week, they packed their bags and were thinking about escaping to Kaikoura before coach Todd Blackadder convinced them to stay. "

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray ponders a new-look All Blacks squad for the Tri-Nations and Rugby World Cup.

"In his initial coaching days with Auckland, Henry made a number of strong selection and playing decisions. Culling great players was necessary but galling.

"Job done, Henry preferred to delegate the next stage of telling the players - it was almost too personal for him. His sentiments may have changed now, he may have hardened, but it's unlikely.

"Squeezing players into a World Cup squad will provide him with some serious torment, although injury will determine some of the choices. "Fresh is best" might be a handy mantra as the selectors look at optimum methods to rekindle some snap, crackle and pop into some jaded senior players."

Marc Hinton is not surprised by the omission of Stephen Donald and tells stuff.co.nz why

"When Stephen Donald fluffed his lines badly in his 20-minute cameo off the bench in Hong Kong last October, his All Blacks career was for all intents and purposes at an end.

"That's why it's hard to work out why there was so much surprise around the confirmation this week that Donald is not part of Graham Henry's plans for 2011. If you didn't see that coming -- Henry's Donald duck, as it were -- then you haven't been following the All Blacks coach's career closely enough.

"Donald was effectively on his "last chance" when he was included on the 2010 tour north. He'd played erratically for the All Blacks in 2009 when they lost three tests in a row against South Africa and the Waikato stalwart was the fill-in pivot while Dan Carter got over his Achilles problem. "

Wynne Gray takes a look at the All Blacks' fly-half conundrum in The New Zealand Herald.

"The All Blacks five-eighths carousel whirls on with Aaron Cruden and Colin Slade back in favour and Stephen Donald flung off into the unwanted pile.

The pair are among a group of 25 players from the Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders invited to two national training camps in Wellington in the next fortnight as part of the assessments before the first All Black squad is revealed on July 10. "

Wynne Gray picks an All Blacks XV based on Super Rugby form in the New Zealand Herald.

"A host of borderline All Blacks have earned repeat chances to assert their test claims through the Blues and Crusaders in this weekend's start to the extended Super 15 playoffs.

The Blues have two cast-iron All Blacks - captain Keven Mealamu and Jerome Kaino - still playing while 12 others are grouped in the fringe prospects pool. Usual national squad certainties Tony Woodcock and Isaia Toeava remain in the casualty ward, and as with Rene Ranger have little or no chance of being available even if the Blues make the final.

Top New Zealand qualifier the Crusaders have eight All Black certainties and another seven players on the fringes who are pushing to make the Tri-Nations and World Cup groups."

John Afoa chats to Wynne Gray in the New Zealand Herald as the Blues get ready for their 'mini-World Cup.'

"Timing counts for much in rugby and the Blues and tighthead prop John Afoa have got their schedules in sync for their upcoming mini-World Cup.

They are heading into the sudden-death section of the Super 15, three games away from a rare title shot or one match from an exit this Friday against the Waratahs at Eden Park.

The Blues have staunched their losing streak as they focus on a game which doubles as Afoa's 100th for the franchise.

His Hall of Fame entry completes the front row set as captain Keven Mealamu and loosehead prop Tony Woodcock are the only other members of the special club."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Richard Loe believes the All Blacks should not be concerned by those departing their shores in big-money moves.

"So more than 180 former Super rugby players from this country are earning a living overseas. That's 12 complete teams of senior players lost to New Zealand. Twelve ... !

"It's enough to make you start demanding that the All Blacks select overseas-based players. Or is it?

"Certainly, finding Dan Carter's back-up is a troublesome enough task and might tempt you to turn to Nick Evans. But I still believe that the NZRU should stick to its guns and keep trusting in the quality coming through.

"Look at the Carl Hayman example. A year or two ago, we would all have sold our grandmothers to get him back. Now he can't even get a start for his French club; ousted by a prop from Georgia."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Gregor Paul reflects on the Super Rugby season and highlights those players who have played their way into World cup contention - and those who haven't.

"1. Ali Williams (Blues) - A hamstring tear in the middle of the campaign left everyone, even Williams, wondering whether he would be able to haul his way back to All Black form. It has been a slog but he's getting there. The last few weeks have seen Williams become a significant factor at the lineout, kickoffs and around the fringes. He is back to making tackles that hurt defenders and his confidence has returned to encourage him to venture into space. He is timing his return to form superbly and if he can deliver at least one big performance in the playoffs, he'll be almost certain of a recall.

"...1. Rene Ranger (Blues) He was the hottest property in Super Rugby last year with his incredible ability to turn nothing into something. That ability has rarely been seen this year - the odd flash at the start of the season and then a neat try against the Crusaders in Timaru before he blew his hamstring. He hasn't looked as confident or as certain, as if he is playing with conscious thoughts rather than running on instinct. With so many others in the back three in form, Ranger is a fair way down the pecking order now."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Gregor Paul reflects on the Super Rugby season and highlights those players who have played their way into World cup contention - and those who haven't.

"1. Ali Williams (Blues) - A hamstring tear in the middle of the campaign left everyone, even Williams, wondering whether he would be able to haul his way back to All Black form. It has been a slog but he's getting there. The last few weeks have seen Williams become a significant factor at the lineout, kickoffs and around the fringes. He is back to making tackles that hurt defenders and his confidence has returned to encourage him to venture into space. He is timing his return to form superbly and if he can deliver at least one big performance in the playoffs, he'll be almost certain of a recall.

"...1. Rene Ranger (Blues) He was the hottest property in Super Rugby last year with his incredible ability to turn nothing into something. That ability has rarely been seen this year - the odd flash at the start of the season and then a neat try against the Crusaders in Timaru before he blew his hamstring. He hasn't looked as confident or as certain, as if he is playing with conscious thoughts rather than running on instinct. With so many others in the back three in form, Ranger is a fair way down the pecking order now."

Wynne Gray of The New Zealand Herald hedges his bets and believes Stephen Donald will be the back-up fly-half to Dan Carter come September.

"Lend me a fiver Ted and I'll plonk that on Stephen Donald being the backup All Black five-eighths at the World Cup.

Punting is not my thing as anyone would understand and advise after looking at my Super 15 tips.

But if asked for a selection hunch, a feeling in my bones, an inkling about the All Black selection intentions, my tip is they are pointing towards Waiuku's finest ahead of Aaron Cruden."

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Clever believes that rugby could learn a thing or two from the 13-man code's State of Origin series.

"All Black trials became farcical once the panel manipulated them beyond recognition, so make the Island of Origin an independent entity with separate coaching staffs.

"If the All Black panel doesn't like that, too bad. It could be a commercial sensation and it's not as if the NZRU couldn't do with the cash.

"Sell the broadcasting rights outside the existing Sanzar bundle. Why not ESPN? It's on the Sky platform and could be used as a vehicle to push the game into new markets."

In his regular column in the New Zealand Herald, Chris Rattue offers a pessimistic view on the state the All Blacks find themselves with the World Cup just around the corner.

"The All Blacks and New Zealand rugby have hit the ground crawling in World Cup year.

"Sonny Bill Williams' latest injury only adds to the staggering number of question marks over the leading lights for the World Cup squad, from the Blues fading and missing front row veteran Tony Woodcock to Mils Muliaina's insipid form for the Chiefs. Even the injury-prone Richard Kahui managed to get injured again last weekend.

"For a team with an undisputed world No 1 ranking, and a brilliant post-2007 World Cup record, there is a strange air of uncertainty around this impending All Black campaign. With so many doubts around Richie McCaw's fitness and preparation, the All Blacks actually look like a heavyweight ripe for knocking down. They should have dropped to only very slight World Cup favourites for now."

Writing in the The New Zealand Herald, John Mitchell issues Peter Bills with a note of caution.

"Eighty-seven days to go to the Rugby World Cup, and John Mitchell issues a blunt warning.

"The World Cup may be a try-fest in some of the pool matches," he says. "But after that it will be back to normal. In some senses, we are going to get a different World Cup.

"But it is still going to come down to some crucial issues - who handles the breakdown best in attack and defence, who kicks most successfully for territory, who kicks most often and best between the poles.

"The tighter breakdown area will certainly allow for other aspects to become crucial. Like accuracy of goal kicking, accuracy at the restarts, accuracy of the kick out of hand and for territory, accuracy in terms of placement of the kick." "

With just one week left for some New Zealand hopefuls to impress Graham Henry, Wynne Jones in the New Zealand Herald looks to who may benefit from injuries elsewhere.

"A mass of All Black hopefuls have one game to convince the selectors as the Crusaders and Blues swapped places in the run to the Super 15 playoffs.

This week will be a series wrap for 13 players from the Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders who went on last season's end-of-year tour.

They will miss the extended finals format, while captain Richie McCaw, Isaia Toeava, Daniel Braid and Tony Woodcock are uncertain starters after lengthy injuries.

More than half a prospective test squad could be game-rusty for a month before they are called to meet Fiji in Dunedin on July 22."

In the New Zealand Herald, Peter Bills asks whether the All Blacks should perhaps go easier on each other ahead of the World Cup.

"In the cafes of Toulouse, the pubs of Gloucester and the Indian restaurants of Leicester, they watched with increasing amazement. The rugby men of the Northern Hemisphere have one question in their minds.

Are New Zealand's top rugby players bashing each other to pulp just in time for the World Cup?

It is normally the British and French players who arrive at a World Cup in pieces. They play so much rugby in the Northern Hemisphere we're used to seeing guys who can hardly raise a gallop failing to measure up come World Cup time."

Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, Duncan Johnstone looks toward this weekend's titanic clash between the two contenders for the All Blacks 12 spot - Sonny Bill and Nonu.

"Let's hope Sonny Bill Williams' hip injury doesn't prevent him from finally matching up against Ma'a Nonu this weekend - a personal clash that has had plenty of spice added to it over the past week and one that the All Blacks selectors will take huge interest in.

Both players look All Blacks certainties for the Tri-Nations and World Cup.

But who starts at No 12 is far less certain."

New Zeland's Jonah Lomu runs over England's Mike Catt during a memorable encounter at the 1995 Rugby World Cup © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Gregor Paul reflects on a major day in the history of the sport.

"Ian Jones, all 2m of him, fell into his business class seat and suddenly the scale of achievement hit him. Happily ensconced at the front of the plane, Jones and his All Black team-mates could only smile as the English team they had crushed the day before trooped past.

"Seeing the enormous Martins - Bayfield and Johnson - squeeze down the aisle to the cheap seats was the highlight of the 1995 World Cup for the All Blacks. Both teams had been booked on the same flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg after the semifinal. The winners flew business; the losers didn't. The All Blacks had won in a performance that was not only one of the best in World Cup history but one that changed the landscape of test rugby.

"It was the game that Jonah Lomu became a household name; the game that Zinzan Brooke dropped the most outrageous goal; the game that pushed rugby into the arms of broadcast moguls and professionalism; the game that has served as a blueprint for All Black teams ever since and the game that saw the All Blacks take revenge on a team that had hurt them two years previously."

The New Zealand Rugby Union's general manager of community rugby, Brent Anderson, explains why officials try to level the playing field. Read his thoughts in the New Zealand Herald.

"Among the things we tell our coaches is that they should ensure every child gets at least half a game. We also tell them that where a score blowout looks likely (such as more than 35 points), the coaches must get together at halftime to look at ways to create a more even contest.

"Some suggestions on how they can do this are changing players around, swapping forwards and backs, replacing or swapping a player who might be dominating the game, doing some in-game coaching or setting some challenges for one or other of the teams and - for the very brave - swapping the coaches.

"The aim is to try to ensure the rugby experience is fun for both teams because it's no big leap to work out that if a team is getting beaten by big scores every week, the children in that team will start to lose interest in the game, as will the players in a team that wins big week-in, week-out.

"Capping scores is not something the NZRU has imposed or requires. It was an initiative from the Auckland junior rugby committee, which was finding that some coaches in the under-12 and under-13 club competitions were not endeavouring to manage score blowouts at halftime, therefore ignoring the guidelines of the Small Blacks development model."

Phil Gifford runs the rule over All Black hopeful Luke McAlister in The Sunday Star Times.

"An easy way to start an argument among Auckland rugby fans is to suggest that Luke McAlister is either (a) a dead cert for World Cup selection or (b) over-rated and likely to fold under pressure.

"Last night, playing at first five-eighths was a great chance for him to make a claim for for a world cup spot, given that he faces substantial roadblocks at second five-eighths in the shape of a revitalised Ma'a Nonu and, if he can regain early season form, Sonny Bill Williams.

"How did it work out? The amateur judges on both sides won't be short of ammunition. There were a couple of sensational strikes with the wind for penalty goals, but also a string of misses. He tackled Liam Messam head-on, not a task for a player without courage and technique, then slipped off a tackle of Stephen Donald."

Stephen Donald is currently battling for a spot in the All Blacks squad © Getty Images

Michael Brown draws a line under the international career of Stephen Donald following a poor showing by the Chiefs playmaker against the Blues in The Herald on Sunday.

"There's little pleasure in watching any player disintegrate, and even less when he happens to be an All Black.

"If Stephen Donald had any chance of making the World Cup squad before last night - and it's unlikely he did - it disappeared in his opening 20 minutes against the Blues.

"It started when he overcooked the kickoff and continued as he missed two easy penalty kicks from in front of goal, kicked a chip well over the intended target as well as the touch judge, threw two forward passes (one dreadfully so) and heaved another over the sideline with the Chiefs in a promising position. It was horrible and left many thanking the rugby gods for Dan Carter."

All Blacks legend Andrew Mehrtens tells Wynne Gray in the New Zealand Herald that injured Highlanders fly-half Colin Slade is the man to act as back-up to Dan Carter for New Zealand's World Cup campaign.

"I judge 10s on the feel you get for them," said Mehrtens, a 70-test All Black. "I really think it is an advantage for Slade that he has played in other positions like fullback and wing, because you can use your energy and read the game with a bit less pressure from those areas.

"The games from 10 and 15 go a wee bit hand in hand. He has played fullback and played well there.

"He has got gas, he is courageous, he has a good feel about him. He will be back soon."

Dylan Cleaver in the New Zealand Herald argues the Crusaders' Super Rugby campaign this season is not faltering as the figures would suggest.

"Since 1998 they have picked up the title seven times, finished runners-up twice and failed to make the semifinals only once.

"So this season's bald figures - nine wins and a draw from 14 matches and a tenuous fourth on the ladder - would suggest, even taking into account the competition's reformatting, a fairly ho-hum campaign by their standards.

"Far from it.If anything, what the Crusaders have done in 2011 under Todd Blackadder surpasses anything they have achieved before, with the exception of their unbeaten 2002."

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue believes Dan Carter's lucrative new contract was money well spent by the New Zealand Rugby Union.

"He had to be kept in New Zealand rugby, even if the lack of evenhandedness in the NZRU's treatment of players sticks in the craw on a number of levels.

"The union plays favourites with a golden few without offering any degree of flexibility to other players, many of whom have been faithful servants - to use the old parlance - to the game.

"By controlling every last cent of the player contract money, the NZRU also denies individual franchises the chance to do innovative deals that suit them rather than the almighty overlords. This central office dictatorship has squashed the tribalism out of New Zealand rugby, diluting the very emotions vital to making sport meaningful in the first place. Maybe that is why the grandstands are often near empty.

"Okay, so the NZRU did what they had to do under the current circumstances. But the circumstances are at least partly of their own making. And special deals to keep Carter and Richie McCaw allow the strong to get stronger while franchises with players not deemed upper class get no extra help to retain anyone they prize."

New Zealand rugby must braces itself for a renewed attack from rugby league with the National Rugby League set to increase it's salary cap and therefore purchasing power, says Paul Gregor in the New Zealand Herald.

"An old conflict rugby bosses thought they had won is set to flare again now that the NRL will almost double its salary cap on the back of a massively improved broadcast deal.

"From 2013, NRL clubs are likely to have a new budget of $7m to spend on players-almost double the $4.3m they have at the moment.

"For the first time in almost 20 years, league will have the financial clout to not only hold its best players but to also lure the biggest names in world rugby.

"Already under siege from Europe and Japan, the last thing the New Zealand Rugby Union needed was another predator in its own territory."

Writing on www.stuff.co.nz Richard Knowler contemplates what the future holds for All Blacks head coach after the World Cup

"What does a rugby junkie do when the roar of the crowd and the match-day highs are just a lingering memory?

"That may be a point Graham Henry ponders after he qualifies for superannuation when he turns 65 next month.

"This year the All Blacks coach has to seriously consider whether life outside the rugby bubble is really to his taste when his New Zealand Rugby Union contract expires after the World Cup. Can fishing for snapper, sampling Auckland's coffee baristas' finest beans and speaking on the celebrity circuit really substitute for the adrenaline rush of being the boss of the world's best rugby team?

"That Henry will retire after the cup seems to be widely accepted as a fait accompli. Well, if the All Blacks fail it undoubtedly will be – and he has probably booked his ticket to Nauru as an emergency escape plan.

But what if they win?"

Dan Carter and NZRU boss Steve Tew seal the deal © Getty Images

Wynne Gray argues that Dan Carter's new contract with the All Blacks is a bad thing for his understudies and a break from tradition in The New Zealand Herald.

"One unwritten clause for All Blacks is that no player is bigger than the game. The Rugby Union and Daniel William Carter proved that wrong yesterday with their latest four-year deal. Apparently there are all sorts of clauses which the five-eighths can activate if he wants a break from the game in New Zealand or needs to take another sporting sabbatical.

"Nothing against Carter, he's the best All Black five-eighths I've seen. He's great to watch, a superbly gifted rugby player and in my dealings, a thoroughly decent human being. His advisers and agents have undoubtedly done a fine job for their client as well."

Carter has committed his future to New Zealand rugby but left the door open to a return to Europe © Getty Images

All Blacks fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief today with the announcement that star first five-eighth Dan Carter has signed on for another four years with the New Zealand Rugby Union.. The New Zealand Herald reports.

"Last month the Herald on Sunday reported that Carter and All Black captain Richie McCaw had been offered four-year contracts by the NZRU to stay in New Zealand with unprecedented levels of flexibility and payment.

"According to the paper both players were offered the chance to take sabbaticals, either playing or non-playing, would be allowed to leave New Zealand at any stage of the contract and pick up around $850,000 a season.

"McCaw has yet to re-sign with the NZRU."

In the New Zealand Herald Gregor Paul ponders what the rise of Sonny Bill Williams means for the All Blacks other midfield cannonball.

"He's lost ground, maybe even conceded his All Black No 12 jersey to Sonny Bill Williams at least for the opening tests, but Ma'a Nonu, despite rash claims to the contrary, is unlikely to run off to France after the World Cup.

"Even if Williams stays in New Zealand next year, as seems increasingly likely, Nonu isn't going to shirk the battle.

"He's grown rather fond of his All Black No 12 shirt these past few years. A classic rivalry isn't going to spook him and the claim by Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal last weekend that Montpellier had already signed Nonu is wrong."

Highlanders utility back Ben Smith is putting forward a strong case for inclusion in the All Blacks World Cup squad, according to Marc Hinton on www.stuff.co.nz

"On the 2009 All Blacks tour he was, by his own admission, a fish out of water. It was too soon for a young man clearly dazzled by the superstar company he was keeping. So the under- sized Ben Smith was thrown back into rugby's proverbial ocean.

"Just look what the net's dragged up now. Less than two years later the minnow has grown into the ultimate predator, performing so consistently and outstandingly for the Highlanders in Super Rugby that he is demanding some fairly close scrutiny from the national selectors as they eye their World Cup options."

Mark Reason looks at the Hurricanes' poor season to date and admits that he can't 'get behind the boys' on stuff.co.nz.

"Mea culpa. In 1990 the British government minister Norman Tebbit called it the 'cricket test' when questioning whether immigrants would support their adopted land. For me it is the rugby test and I have failed with dishonours. I have spoiled the examination paper and left the room in shame.

"I wanted to fit in, I wanted to be accepted, I wanted to be part of the community, but every time I tried to cheer on the boys, all that came out was a hideous high-pitched laugh of pity. It turned out that my would-be heroes weren't so much Hurricanes as a bad case of wind.

"In the first match of the season Ma'a Nonu, an experienced All Black, managed to get himself sin-binned. Twice. Oh well, he seems a good guy I reasoned, the sort of bloke who visits cancer hospitals, so I gave him a third chance."

Who will provide back-up to Dan Carter at the World Cup? © Getty Images

Daniel Gilhooly runs through his current picks for the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup squad on stuff.co.nz.

"Who are the certainties to make the cut for coach Graham Henry's squad of 30? Who are battling for contentious spots and what are their odds of selection?

"And how much will their prospects fluctuate as we monitor form, injuries and statistics, dissect the occasional Henry utterance and stay alert for inside oil."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has been tipped to step down after the Rugby World Cup © Getty Images

Former All Blacks skipper Taine Randell believes that there should be a change in coaching staff for New Zealand regardless of their performance at the Rugby World Cup in The Sunday News.

"The All Blacks need a completely fresh coaching set-up next year, regardless of what happens at the World Cup.

"Another Cup disaster would surely sweep a broom through the current trio. But there has been plenty of speculation that if the All Blacks win the tournament Graham Henry will head off as a happy hero and his assistant Steve Hansen will get the top job.

I don't think that would be a good thing for New Zealand rugby. After eight years in charge – and don't forget Wayne Smith goes back even longer – it's time for a fresh approach."

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray reflects on the plight of winger Joe Rokocoko.

"Fact: Joe Rokocoko is the most capped All Black wing.

"Fact: He has scored 46 tries in his 68 tests.

"Fact: He made his debut in 2003 and is only 27.

"Fact: His place at a third World Cup is uncertain.

"He has been to two World Cups where he starred with 11 tries in his combined eight matches in Australia in 2003, France and the United Kingdom in 2007.

"But in 21 tests since, that scoring rate has slowed to a trickle with Rokocoko crossing the stripe just four times."

Wynne Gray ponders the murky tackle laws as the spectre of the Rugby World Cup grows ever larger in The New Zealand Herald.

"Golf might be self-policed while in rugby you just play to the whistle. Until then or an assistant intervenes, you just plough on.

"Which is what Sonny Bill Williams and Corey Flynn did at Perth in the latest round of the Super 15. In the same movement, both players were brought to their knees but neither released the ball. They carried on, Williams squirming forward to set a ruck, then Flynn picking himself up again and ploughing across the tryline to give the Crusaders the lead. The only whistle from Christchurch referee Vinny Munro came for a try. It was perplexing."

Chris Rattue ponders the All Blacks' options at fullback - Isreal Dagg or Mils Muliaina - in The New Zealand Herald.

"The more you watch the Crusaders the more you feel inclined to conjure up an All Black battle within a battle - Mils Muliaina versus Israel Dagg for the World Cup fullback spot.

"Whether the national selectors see it that way is another matter, so this could be hypothetical. Who knows if Crusader Dagg will get many chances to press his claims.

"But the whirl with the curls is a startling runner, and the leading candidate - by my reckoning - to be the All Blacks' World Cup X-factor. Muliaina is a wonderful test fullback and has been virtually faultless for much of his nearly 100 test career."

Gregor Paul analyses the impact that the post-World Cup player drain will have on New Zealand rugby in The New Zealand Herald.

"Players everywhere will be on the move later this year.Most of the traffic will be flowing into France, with big numbers also heading to Japan.

"South Africa and Australia will be net exporters but, as always, the country that will lose the most players will be New Zealand. Already, the Chiefs and Blues are staring at massive holes in their 2012 playing squads. The other three will have them as well - maybe not as extensively but they will be there."

Eden Park will host the Rugby World Cup final © Getty Images

Brian Rudman analyses the financial implications of New Zealand hosting this year's RugbyWorld Cup in The New Zealand Herald.

"A year ago, organisers of the 2011 Rugby World Cup were admitting they faced losses of $39.3 million on the tournament. The political cheer leaders chose to duck this cold dose of reality, preferring to deal in the hard-to-define currency of "wider economic benefit". At the time, $500 million.

"This week, a Herald investigation has calculated the real costs to New Zealand of hosting this sporting extravaganza.

"For expenditure of $1.2 billion, much it from the public purse, World Cup Minister Murray McCully is claiming New Zealand will gain direct economic returns of $700 million."

Chris Rattue, writing in the New Zealand Herald, looks at reports that New Zealand are facing a NZ$500 million shortfall in hosting this year's World Cup

"A simple and sincere "thanks" would help. Because that's what the rugby chiefs owe the rate and taxpayers of New Zealand. Big time.

A New Zealand Herald story estimates that New Zealand will spend $1.2 billion on investments for this year's World Cup, and reap $700m in return.

The validity of these numbers is open to question of course, especially the one involving the returns. There are many ways to evaluate the returns, ways that would produce many different returns. An argument could be mounted that the long-term gains will be higher, or not. An economics professor puts the gain at a paltry $150 million. One thing is certain - we were sold a pup so massive that it is a dog."

Gregor Paul analyses the recent form of Crusaders lock Chris Jack, who is pushing hard for an All Blacks recall, in The New Zealand Herald.

"Chris Jack is making a spirited bid to regain his All Black jersey and a place in the World Cup squad.

"This time last year it felt like the Crusaders had made a mistake in bringing Chris Jack back to Christchurch. Now, it looks a smart piece of business with the 32-year-old having re-invented himself as a set piece man; a gruntman.

"He has a new found desire to put himself about, play in the darker, more crowded parts of the field where glamour is in short supply. The man who appeared to be a spent force last year now looks anything but. An All Black recall, while still a long shot, is by no means out of the question."

Graham Henry and Carisbrook began their All Black life together and they are set to resume their relationship later this year. The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray writes.

"Henry survived the 2007 World Cup fallout while Carisbrook has received several final test tributes without the fatal curtain call.

"Protection of the new stadium surface in Dunedin has given Carisbrook another reprieve while Henry will suit up for his 92nd test in charge of the men in black.

"Since he began as All Black coach in 2004 at the 'Brook, Henry has taken the side through 78 victories and just 13 defeats.

"Nine men who were involved in Henry's first All Black test, the 36-3 triumph against England, are still playing in New Zealand.

"Several like captain Tana Umaga, wing Joe Rokocoko and lock Chris Jack are World Cup outsiders, the rest are strongly in the frame.

"That group contains Mils Muliaina, Daniel Carter, Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore and Tony Woodcock."

Mark Reason, writing for stuff.co.nz, looks at the lack of action taken in ridding the game of high tackles.

"Slade, who had the other side of his face broken in a preseason "friendly", was depicted as having a glass jaw, as if somehow the injury was down to his own lack of manliness. Heaven help the antipodes if that is what passes for macho culture over here.

"Highlanders assistant coach Simon Culhane said: "It's a little bit unlucky for him." General manager Roger Clark said: "It was just one of those freak things you couldn't do anything about."

"In what way was the tackle freaky? How could you not do anything about breaking another man's jaw? Thinking I might have taken one too many to the head myself, I asked a few other people to scrutinise the replay. Not one thought it was an accident and all agreed that the initial head clash was followed up with a punch."

Irish rugby is managing to defy the country's broken economy to become the latest serious threat to New Zealand's player base, writes theSunday Herald's Gregor Paul.

"The offers made to John Afoa and Jared Payne to join Ulster were at never-before-seen remuneration levels.

"It is thought both deals were in excess of €400,000 ($750,000) a season and the New Zealand Rugby Union is nervous there will be more defections to Ireland in coming weeks.

"Matt Berquist has already signed a deal with Leinster and speculation is strong that Cory Jane could yet end up at Ulster as well. Sam Tuitupou is unexpectedly leaving Munster and they are in the market for a midfield replacement. Benson Stanley has been touted as a possibility.

"The NZRU is long used to foreign predators shopping for talent but the threat now posed by Ireland has taken them by surprise. Ireland had to accept an €85 billion bail-out late last year to keep the country solvent as the entire banking system was on the verge of collapse."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Wynne Gray floats the idea of a trial match ahead of this year's Tri-Nations.

"Forget about Fiji and don't worry about getting Argentina to play the All Blacks at Carisbrook.

"Politically, logistically and financially, those July 22 proposals don't cut it for an All Black test which doubles as a Tri-Nations warmup and fundraiser for earthquake-stricken Christchurch.

"Looking at the Pumas is now the fourth choice after Samoa withdrew, Fiji produced government objections and Tonga was bypassed because they open this year's World Cup against the All Blacks.

"Assembling the Pumas from various parts of the globe to travel to Dunedin for a one-off test in mid-winter will bump up costs without any likely merits.

"So here's a few thoughts for the NZRU to chew on. Pitch the All Blacks against the Rest, put them up against NZ Maori or make it a Probables v Possibles match."

Peter Bills argues that the All Blacks' reliance on Dan Carter could come back to bite them at the Rugby World Cup in The Independent.

"South Africa can’t get anywhere near matching that quartet of skill and quality. If either Jean de Villiers or Jaque Fourie loses form or fitness, the gap will be felt in the Springboks side. Juan de Jongh is an immensely talented young player but he lacks experience.

"But there is one position where, in my view, the South Africans have been much smarter than the New Zealanders. The Springboks have a proven back up to Morne Steyn in the No. 10 jersey. New Zealand doesn’t have, for Dan Carter in the All Blacks’ side."

Dylan Cleaver looks at the anointing of Colin Slade as back-up to All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter in The New Zealand Herald.

"Sometimes you can want something so badly you talk yourself into it happening. It's a phenomenon so common they've got a term for it - self-fulfilling prophecy. And so it seems to be with the rugby media and Highlanders star recruit Colin Slade.

"There's a sense that, with the dearth of credible contenders, we're prepared to overlook anything to anoint Slade as the back-up to Daniel Carter - even the facts.

"The 23-year-old wasn't awful against the Cheetahs on Friday night, but he wasn't very good either. If you were awarding marks out of 10 and were being totally objective, your finger would be hovering over numbers four and five."

Writing in the Sunday Herald, Richard Loe picks his New Zealand squad for this year's World Cup.

"I'd take five locks, as I think this is potentially a problem area for us if injuries intervene. Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock are certainties, with Anthony Boric third choice at present.

"However, provided they play plenty of rugby and come up the scale, I'd also have Ali Williams and Tom Donnelly in the squad, as I think we can make do with five loosies. Specifically, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson and Matt Todd. I don't think Liam Messam, Victor Vito or any of the other candidates are putting up their hands yet and that loose combination can easily cover all three spots.

"I'd also make a special case for halfbacks - three of them. That's only because of the big problems we have at first five-eighths. Jimmy Cowan is No1. I'd pick Piri Weepu even though he isn't playing and assuming he comes back from injury well enough - because he can play 10, has a cool head, good tactical appreciation and can kick pressure goals.

"The third choice would be Alby Mathewson, who nudges Andy Ellis out because of his running game and what he might add as a substitute."

Crusaders flanker Matt Todd in action against The Sharks during their recent clash at Twickenham © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray charts the rise of Crusaders flanker Matt Todd.

"The Christchurch rugby club is the oldest in New Zealand with 32 All Blacks including five captains on their honours board.

"Their last inscription came a decade ago when a young Richie McCaw was added in gold lettering. Club members and many others who've followed Matt Todd's progress believe his name will soon follow the national captain.

"Ask at the club or provincial observers and they have no doubt, 23-year-old Todd is destined for the black jersey, the only argument is when. They believe they saw into the future a few years back when McCaw and Todd played a rare club game together against Lincoln University."

A bronze sculpture of All Black great Michael Jones has been given the go-ahead for Eden Park - but its subject may be too shy to have a close-up look. The New Zealand Herald's Isaac Davison reports.

"The 1.5 scale statue, constructed by fine arts graduate Natalie Stamilla, has finally been confirmed for the Rugby World Cup's base.

"It captures one of the most famous images in the tournament's history - Jones diving across the try-line against Italy in the 1987 Cup. Jones said he was completely humbled by a statue in his likeness.

"I might be avoiding that particular entrance to the stadium," he joked. "It's very flattering. But it's not so much a statue depicting me, it symbolises the first World Cup and the first try - it embodies everything that was wonderful about the 87 team.

"I could think of several other images which are just as important."

The Bulls were able to smother the Hurricanes © Getty Images

Wynne Gray ponders the respective World Cup styles of the All Blacks and Springboks after the Bulls' win over the Hurricanes in The New Zealand Herald.

"Fast forward to October. The All Blacks want to play a fast-paced, ball-in-hand style of rugby at the World Cup.

"The Springboks will favour muscular confrontation and an aerial bombardment if they adhere to recent comments from coach Peter de Villiers, who wondered why his side should vary much from the attritional, combative style the Springboks had used with success in annexing two World Cups.

"Late-night kickoffs, greasy conditions, rugby under increased sudden-death pressure and lights - they are conditions favouring a kicking game unless your interplay is spot-on."

Auckland's Daniel Braid is in danger of being left out of New Zealand's World Cup squad © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Gregor Paul analyses which current All Blacks are most at risk of missing out on inclusion in the squad for this year's World Cup.

"There is a special kind of agony felt by those who get so close. The pain of being an All Black regular, a virtual World Cup certainty, then coming up short carries an element of humiliation. To be dumped two years out hurts. To be dumped two weeks out hurts much more.

"There will be more men than usual feeling that unique pain this year as several players, regularly involved with the All Blacks last year, won't be this year. Of the men who toured the UK in November, Daniel Braid, Joe Rokocoko, John Afoa, Alby Mathewson, Tom Donnelly, Liam Messam and Cory Jane are the most vulnerable."

Will Colin Slade be Dan Carter's deputy at this year's Rugby World Cup? © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Clever reports as All Blacks hopeful Colin Slade prepares for his season bow.

"The Highlanders meet the Brumbies in Invercargill in a match between two franchises seemingly headed in different directions.

"The feature of the game will be the Super rugby debut of Colin Slade for the Highlanders. The first five-eighth broke his jaw in the opening pre-season hit-out against the Blues in Balclutha, Slade's first run in Highlanders' colours since making the shift south from the Crusaders.

"Since then Slade has been forced to eat meals straight from the blender while watching the likes of Lima Sopoaga, Robbie Robinson - prior to his late-night run-in with a can of pepper spray - and a blue-rinsed Tony Brown swan around at No10.

"It has been a frustrating time for the 23-year-old, who is hoping to push for the honour of being Dan Carter's back-up in the World Cup squad later this year, adding to the one cap he won as a replacement at Sydney during last year's Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup.

"He can take some comfort in the knowledge that nobody has made any gains in his absence."

Sonny Bill Williams has made a massive impact on the international stage © Getty Images

In the Sunday Telegraph Ian Chadband talks to Crusaders and All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams about boxing, rugby and the controversy that filled his early years.

"Sonny Bill Williams was once named the most hated man in Australia – “Money Bill” – when he walked out on the ARL (Australian Rugby League) and took the Toulon Euro, but he still ended up smiling. He’s been caught up in all manner of controversy, from his admission of a drink problem in his younger days to his infamous tryst in a Sydney loo with an Aussie ‘ironwoman’ triathlete, but everyone ends up forgiving him everything. That’s because he seems likeable, irrepressible and exudes, well, a whiff of superstar quality.

“There are a lot of things I want to achieve in rugby and boxing and if I just sit here and think about those times when I was more hated than the Bali bomber, I am not going to get anywhere in life,” he says, his melodramatic comparison drawing laughter from his audience. The Bali bomber?"

Wynne Gray in the New Zealand Herald runs his rule over New Zealand's selection options beyond the issue of who should be No.2 to Dan Carter.

"Much of the musing midway through the Super 15 has been about how the All Black selectors will squeeze their midfield talent into a World Cup squad. It is a luxury at this stage but it only takes an injury or two to shake some of that surplus security. And damage will surely happen.

If players like Richie McCaw, Piri Weepu and Colin Slade in New Zealand, Rocky Elsom, Peter Hynes, Stephen Hoiles in Australia, Juan Smith and Tiaan Liebenberg in South Africa have yet to start their Super 15 engines, there will be others who conk out before the World Cup."

In the New Zealand Herald Paul Gregor weighs up the options for the All Blacks should Dan Carter succumb to injury prior to the World Cup.

"Implicit in the conjecture about who is the right choice to back up Daniel Carter is the conviction that whoever gets the nod will actually be up to the job.

What if it turns out that those aspiring to be his deputy just aren't good enough to play test football?

Which is why Luke McAlister, the longer the season goes on, looks more and more like the best of the aspiring bunch. He has 30 test caps. He can kick goals and he can break from a standing start. His kicking game is there and he has the confidence to back himself."

Wynne Gray evaluates the Crusaders' decision to take a Super Rugby match to Twickenham in The New Zealand Herald.

"The Crusaders have always been the red-and-blacks. Even more so now as matches in Christchurch are farmed out from their earthquake-ruined stadium.

"Figuring out a solution to their disrupted Super 15 campaign is about finding a balance between holding matches for their supporters and making a profit, seeing the figures in the black column swamp those in the red.

"So if chief executive Hamish Riach and his advisers figure the best deal for the Crusaders is to play their sixth-round clash against the Sharks at Twickenham, rather than say Nelson, Timaru or Eden Park, they should go for it."

Marc Hinton hopes that the NZRU are able to re-sign one of the All Blacks' biggest characters, Cory Jane, on stuff.co.nz.

"Now whether that's to allow the New Zealand Rugby Union to upsize their offer to him, or genuinely because Jane can't make up his mind, well that's for the popular Hurricanes and All Blacks back utility to know, and for us to speculate on.

"But here's one thing I do know: New Zealand rugby may save some much-needed cash if Jane is allowed to join the overseas drift but it will be the poorer in so many other ways.

"Jane is a wickedly talented player who flits between fullback (for the Canes) and wing (for the All Blacks) with ease. I thought he was terribly hard done by to lose his spot in the national pecking order on last year's northern tour, and couldn't help but figure that it had to be some sort of a motivational ploy by Graham Henry."

Jamie Mackintosh halted the Bulls to keep the Highlanders' unbeaten run alive © Getty Images

Wynne Gray enjoys the Highlanders' recent resurgence and the light-fingered work of prop Jamie Mackintosh in The New Zealand Herald.

"Chalk it up as the day Mac's Mitt went into southern rugby folklore. When his paw joined others in that Hall of Hands like Kevin Skinner's sledgehammer dukes and David Latta's light-fingered fatality in a Ranfurly Shield challenge.

"Just in case you missed it, Big Mac aka Jamie Mackintosh, the Highlanders' captain, took a chance and knocked the ball out of the grasp of Bulls halfback Fourie du Preez as the South Africans pressed for a try in the death throes of their match at Pretoria."

Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean fends off the Waratahs' defence © Getty Images

The latest round of Super 15 matches highlighted the remarkable talent which keeps emerging from New Zealand rugby according to the New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue.

"The Crusaders, mustering all their strength in heartbreaking times, beat the Waratahs by beating them up in the middle stanza of the match. They crushed the Waratahs' scrum and spirit when it mattered.

"Robbie Fruean has to be in the World Cup frame. Alongside him, Sonny Bill Williams is unstoppable when his team is on the front foot, although awkward in neutral or reverse.

"Williams was less than a stunning advertisement for C-grade boxing careers as rugby training devices. Williams may be lighter on the feet, to his mind, but he initially passed as if he still had boxing gloves on.

"Fruean is not only a midfield monster but has a deft touch, going on his twirling intercept try against the Waratahs. Compared to the current selectors' almost deliberately dubious All Black picks such as David Hill and Ben Smith, Fruean should have been a stone cold certainty for last year's All Black end-of-year tour."

If fate has a heart, New Zealand will be spared a major casualty toll in the build up to the World Cup, according to the New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul.

"Serious injury is never easy for professional players to deal with. But there is greater mental anguish when injury strikes so close to a World Cup. It feels much crueller to be in the selection frame and only months away from what will be the highlight of any career - and then robbed.

"It's hard to imagine the emotions swirling through a player left to watch the big event he so desperately wanted to be part of. No one had to do that tougher than Andy Dalton in 1987. Originally selected as the All Black captain, Dalton pulled a hamstring just weeks before the event and had to watch David Kirk lift the Webb Ellis trophy aloft. Kirk is the iconic image etched in every brain, while Dalton is in the shadows of history - the tale of the unlucky man.

"The experience of seeing his team win without him is often described as bittersweet. Over the years, Dalton has given the impression it was more bitter than sweet."

Richard Knowler reflects on an important evening for the Crusaders following their win over the Waratahs in The Press.

"Never in the history of the New Zealand rugby has a match been charged with so much sorrow as when the Crusaders faced the Waratahs at Trafalgar Park last night and, appropriately, tears dropped from the heavens.

"This week Brad Thorn said it was rugby that helped clear the skies during the bad times and for 80 minutes it helped Crusaders fans think about something else in Nelson.

"The Crusaders 33-18 triumph against the Waratahs was the tonic they needed. It almost defies belief that the Crusaders were able to muster the courage to win this, having watched their fellow Cantabrians experience so much grief after the February 22 earthquake that savaged Christchurch."

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew has not had an easy ride © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul reflects on Steve Tew's tenure as chief executuve of the New Zealand Rugby Union and believes the positives outweigh the negatives.

"A holistic evaluation of the Tew era comes out favourably, though. There has been more good than bad.

"Expenditure has risen but look at the key reason why - the bulk of the best players have opted to stay here.

"Retaining Dan Carter and Richie McCaw came at a price but surely it's better to have them here and be dipping into reserves - there precisely to be dipped into in times of need. The All Blacks continue to be a hugely successful rugby team and even their worst recent year, 2009, saw them record a win ratio of almost 75 per cent.

"Total playing numbers have risen every year since 2007, as have the numbers of coaches, referees and volunteers.

"While the overall picture could possibly look better, it absolutely could be worse and the game here is stable, solvent, successful and potentially ready to capitalise from hosting the World Cup."

Rubble covers cars at the foot of the collapsed CTV building in Christchurch © Getty Images

Christchurch-based journalist Kip Brook offers a first-hand account of the devastation wreaked on the city by an earthquake in The Press.

"This is a war zone; but no sign of the enemy. People crushed to death; people trapped; people missing. Friends are missing. People's lives shattered forever.

"Christchurch's latest earthquake just before 1pm yesterday is New Zealand's worst natural disaster. The mood and atmosphere around the streets and suburbs of Christchurch is one of anxiety, fear and shock.

"The first I knew about what was to come was an ascending and violent rumbling noise. A 1.8 metre high wall to wall bookcase behind my desk tumbled down on me. Brook flew right across the room like paper darts. I was trapped for a time but in between the jolts managed to squeeze under a desk before being thrown to the other side of the room."

Chris Rattue criticises the lenient sentence handed to All Black Ma'a Nonu following his late hit on Jimmy Cowan in The New Zealand Herald.

"How sweet. All Black teammates Ma'a Nonu and Jimmy Cowan's love-in may have worked a trick at the rugby judiciary but it's done nothing to remove the image that our rugby rivalries are merely spats between branch offices of the New Zealand Rugby Union.

"Nonu knew the score, virtually admitting he got off lightly when Nigel Hampton, QC, gave him a one-week suspension for what amounted to a flying head-butt on Cowan, who reportedly asked that Nonu be treated leniently.

"This case of victim providing support is where the independence and credibility of Sanzar and its judicial system takes a flying hit. Cowan wasn't so quick to put pen to paper after Bakkies Botha head-butted the prone All Black halfback during a test."

This year could be another big one for Richie McCaw's bank balance © Getty Images

Who are New Zealand rugby's big earners? the Sunday Herald's Gregor Paul details those thought to be the top 10 best paid and how that list might change after the World Cup.

"1. Richie McCaw - Estimated Retainer: $750,000

"There was an air of desperation in early 2008. The country was reeling from theWorld Cup disaster and senior figures were talking of leaving. The New Zealand Rugby Union wanted to make a definitive statement; showing they still had something to offer. McCaw was the man they had to lock in first. The skipper was revered by team-mates. The plan was to persuade McCaw to stay and then hope others would be tempted to follow suit, which is why the NZRU came up with an enormous package. His importance to the national team was impossible to overstate.

"2. Dan Carter - Estimated Retainer: $750,000

"The best first five in the world and the only genuine test-class No 10 in New Zealand, Carter is almost the sole reason the All Blacks have enjoyed a near 85 per cent win record in the last seven years. The All Blacks just aren't the same team without him - remember the early part of 2009 when he was injured?

"If he had left at the end of 2008, as he would have if the sabbatical option hadn't been presented, the All Blacks would have been in real trouble. While the NZRU couldn't pay him as much as the likes of Perpignan or Toulon, they had to make the best offer they could - and drive the pay scale to a new level."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Wynne Gray admits the Blues are an unknown force heading into this season's Super Rugby competition.

"Success is a fading art for the Blues. It has been seven years since Xavier Rush held the Super Rugby silverware aloft to salute the climax to a superb season.

"The Blues have the core of last year's squad returning for action this year and coach Pat Lam has made consistently strong noises about his confidence in the squad to perform and break the seven-year glitch. Lam believes his side can make the playoffs and for him to continue in a job he clung on to this season, he and his staff will need to make that sort of impact.

"Those who ask about the Blues chances this season may as well ask you for the Lotto numbers as well. Sure they have a clutch of highly credentialled players, many who will give the World Cup squad a shake. But they have had similar calibre men since 2003 and done little to suggest further honours."

The New Zealand Herald's Paul Gregor believes Australia's successful retention of their top stars could have positive effects across the Tasman.

"Australia's early retention of a number of Wallaby stars, including Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes and Stephen Moore, could have a major benefit on this side of the Tasman.

"The Wallabies are determined to build a new legacy in the coming years. Not since the likes of John Eales, Tim Horan and George Gregan led them to World Cup glory in 1999 have they really scared the rest of the world. The current crop, with players such as Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Ben McCalman and Kurtley Beale in their mix, believe they have the ability to win trophies, including the World Cup.

A triumphant announcement from across the ditch could be enough to nudge a few senior All Blacks towards extending their time here."

With the Rugby World Cup approaching, the New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul issues 10 Commandments required if the All Blacks are to complete their quest.

"...6 The Nonu/Williams conundrum - It's kind of lovely that the All Blacks have two world-class options at second five-eighths. But it's also a hindrance.

"This coaching panel have achieved plenty, shown themselves to be smart, innovative and flexible. They have, however, in the past shown a tendency to get in a selection muddle when they have genuine choice.

"Potentially Ma'a Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams have the ability to be the critical point of difference.

"The former is the best linebreaker in world rugby, the latter is the best off-loader; possibly the best ever seen. They can't both start. Nonu has an established relationship with Conrad Smith, the first choice centre.

"Williams could probably develop a relationship if he's given the chance - he's that type of player. Nonu can be sulky if he doesn't start. Williams could be sluggish to get into the game if he enters off the bench.

"There are pros and cons to both players and the selectors could tie themselves in knots deliberating on the best policy. Whatever choice they make, they have to be clear and honest with both Williams and Nonu when explaining why they made it."

Regardless of what happens at the World Cup or whether Graham Henry wants to stay on, the All Black coaching job will be opened to challengers at the end of this year, according to the Herald on Sunday's Gregor Paul.

"The New Zealand Rugby Union has decided to follow the recommendations made by the independent report into the 2007 World Cup failure and invite applications for arguably the country's toughest job. The move means that even if Henry steers the All Blacks to World Cup victory, he will have to apply to retain his job.

"We think this is the best way to go," says NZRU chief executive Steve Tew. "This was the recommendation made in the Tricker/Heron review [2007 independent report] and we want to have a fully transparent process, win or lose."

"While Henry has not given any public indication of his intentions, speculation is strong that he will move aside after the World Cup.

"Wayne Smith, one of his assistants, has been clear he doesn't covet the head role, having served in that post in 2000-01. He was close to shifting to Wales in 2008 to coach the Ospreys club and is open to an overseas shift.

"Steve Hansen is believed to be focused on succeeding Henry and will be one of the strongest candidates."

A New Zealand Herald editorial argues that the NZRU should change their stance on overseas-based players ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

"There is, indeed, plenty of justification for continuing with that rule. Equally, however, there is good reason to say it is too hard and fast, and that exceptions should be made for the likes of Hayman and, possibly, Nick Evans if it means the difference between winning and losing the World Cup.

"The policy of not picking overseas-based players for the All Blacks is essentially sound. It means that young players not much out of school or who have shown promise in provincial or Super rugby are not lured by the money on offer in Europe and Japan. Most schoolboys who play rugby dream of making the All Blacks. The union rule, therefore, is an effective incentive for them to play much of their best rugby in this country.

"But there seems little reason the policy should apply to Hayman, a veteran of 46 tests who is commonly regarded as among the best of tighthead props."

Australian boxing great Tony Mundine has made the extraordinary claim that Sonny Bill Williams can be the next Muhammad Ali. The Sydney Morning Herald's Josh Alston reports.

"His startling appraisal came after rugby star Williams' unanimous points decision victory over Sydney brawler Scott Lewis at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Saturday night.

Williams was impressive at times as he triumphed over six hectic rounds in his first real test in his three pro fights.

Advertisement: Story continues below A dual New Zealand international in both rugby league and union, Williams is also eager to make his mark in the boxing world.

Mundine, father of Williams' trainer Anthony Mundine, said he should think long and hard about making boxing his primary occupation following this year's Rugby World Cup.

"I said to (Williams) in 12 months time he could be the second Ali. He could be anything," Mundine said.

"I saw him about 12 months ago, I really thought he moved like Ali.

"He needs more fights ... If he keeps on boxing seriously, he will be the second Ali."

Carl Hayman chose Toulon over the All Blacks © Getty Images

Duncan Johnstone believes that the emergence of Owen Franks means that the All Blacks do not need Carl Hayman for the World Cup on stuff.co.nz.

"The All Blacks don't need Carl Hayman. Talk in France linking him to New Zealand's World Cup bid is way off the mark and the New Zealand Rugby Union have been quick to squash any suggestions they would get him back here on a short-term deal for the tournament.

"For a start the rules don't allow it and that is the biggest barrier. But secondly there is the burning question of whether Hayman is up to the job of slotting back into the All Blacks?

"He has carried the mantle of being the best tighthead in the world. But is that still relevant? Highly debatable I'd say."

Sonny Bill Williams with boxer Antony Mundine © Getty Images

Marc Hinton worries about recent decisions made by Sonny Bill Williams in the shadow of the Rugby World Cup on stuff.co.nz.

"Confession time: I like Sonny Bill Williams. It's hard not to – the guy is a fabulous athlete, has a raw enthusiasm for his sport, possesses wicked upside as a rugby player and still believes you can play two sports at a time.

"I like the way he plays his sport, I like his attitude, I like his X-factor and I reckon for all that innate ability he possesses he's actually a pretty humble bloke with it. If you can ever manage to cut through the hype and hoopla, you get a fairly consistent message of a young sportsman doing things for the right reasons.

"But sometimes I worry about his decisions. Or should I say the people in his life who make his decisions for him. I'm not convinced that Williams steers his own ship, as it were, and he seems content to leave pivotal calls in the hands of people he trusts."

Sonny Bill Williams doesn't know exactly what he'll be doing in 2013 - but he won't rule out linking with NRL club South Sydney. The Sydney Morning Herald's Joe Barton.

"After sweating his way through an hour-long sparring session in Redfern today, Williams admitted that a return to the NRL was something he thought about from time to time. The NRL will not register a Williams' contract until after the 2012 season, due to the former star backrower walking out on a five-year deal while at the Bulldogs in 2008.

And, just like he does every year, when 2013 comes around Williams will reassess his options as new opportunities arise. "Maybe (I would talk to South Sydney), it's definitely an option in a couple of years, maybe, after the (Rugby) World Cup," Williams told reporters.

"I don't think I'm allowed back until after 2012, so it's definitely an option. And ... it's definitely an option to stay in New Zealand (and continue playing rugby union). For me, especially the last couple of years I've set myself on small goals and concentrating on the next target."

Playmaker Stephen Brett is carrying a sensible mantra into his second season with the Blues, according to the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray.

"He might be in a group pushing to back up Daniel Carter at the World Cup but for Brett, his only emphasis is on getting the Blues into sync, into strong cohesion and into the playoffs.

"Brett's philosophy is a variation on the old theme of steady improvement, taking baby steps and when that occurs, higher honours will beckon.

"Brett played every game for the Blues in his debut year last season and, with competition from Luke McAlister, is poised to run the five-eighths role again for the team.

"He is in a group with Stephen Donald, Colin Slade, Mike Delany and Aaron Cruden, who are all looking for the right balance in their games to convince the national selectors they should go to the World Cup."

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue reflects on reports suggesting Rabittohs part-owner Russell Crowe is attempting to lure Sonny Bill Williams back to the 13-man code.

"The rugby mob may be oooohing and aaaahing over Williams, but for all of the plaudits he received after his All Black showing against the extraordinary might of Scotland, Williams was all at sea against Wales and he's unlikely to reach his league heights in union.

"If anyone can get Williams back to the game he was born to play and dominate, then Crowe is the man. They talk a similar language, rebels who like to wield their star power.

"Who knows - a flat white with Charlize Theron might seal the deal.

"You certainly wouldn't bet on the sad suits who run the NRL assisting or enticing the game's greatest drawcard back into their ranks."

The Dominion Post's Tony Robson drops in on the Hurricanes' preparations for the new Super Rugby season.

"Wrestling is an apt metaphor for many Super rugby players this time of year.

"Not just because it's an early taste of the physical confrontation preseason matches are about to bring, but because of the battle for places in the starting XV.

"Halfback's a case in point when it comes to the Hurricanes. With All Black Piri Weepu out till April, at least, with a broken leg, Tyson Keats and Chris Eaton are going head-to-head for the No 9 jersey.

"Though no player wishes injury on another there's no doubt Weepu's absence will have added a spring to his rivals' steps during the Hurricanes' long, hard summer training regime. They're different in dimensions, Eaton 92kg, Keats just 83kg, but they have a common goal."

The New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul picks six All Blacks that suggest it will be a good year for New Zealand rugby.

"...3. Sonny Bill Williams - There was an argument that he secured his World Cup place the second he signed his contract to play in New Zealand. Not so. Williams had to earn his selection, which he did with polished and improving performances in the Canterbury midfield; combining sweetly with Robbie Fruean.

"Even then, there was still some doubt as to whether he had the skills and rugby smarts to handle test football. It didn't take him long to prove he is an irresistible force. His offloading went to a new level against Scotland, where it became clear he is in possession of a skill that is almost impossible to defend against. He offers the All Blacks significant attacking options as they can charge him up the middle and then have runners coming off his shoulder - knowing the ball will come out of contact."

Gregor Paul believes that the All Blacks will be in good shape for 2012, even with an exodus of players, in The New Zealand Herald.

"There is normally an exodus of talent after World Cups that leaves the All Blacks short-handed in the following year. But Gregor Paul believes the All Blacks of 2012 could still be a fearsome unit."

New Zealand's provincial unions have struggled because of the recession but 2011 looms as one of the most difficult seasons yet, the New Zealand Herald's Michael Brown reports.

"The ITM Cup is being squeezed into an eight-week competition to ensure it doesn't affect the Rugby World Cup but the 'Big Show' means it will be even more difficult for unions to find sponsors.

"Last week it emerged Southland owed creditors $700,000 on top of estimated losses of as much as $478,000 for 2010. Taranaki are expected to post a loss of around $100,000.

"Southland and Taranaki aren't the only unions struggling and NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said they were keeping a "close watch" on at least three other unions.

"But the travails of the 2011 competition make it difficult to ascertain if the revamped ITM Cup format is sustainable."

There is normally an exodus of talent after World Cups that leaves the All Blacks short-handed in the following year. But the New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul believes the All Blacks of 2012 could still be a fearsome unit.

"3 Owen Franks - The New Zealand Rugby Union will do whatever it takes to keep Franks in New Zealand through to at least 2015.

"He has the potential to be one of the best props in New Zealand history. He's only 22 but has already anchored the All Black scrum 22 times. He is ferociously strong, technically good and improving, and has the attitude that he wants to be the best.

"His discipline and focus are exemplary and he's improving in his general play - particularly his tackling, where he has knocked a few big men down rather hard. By 2012, Franks will be recognised as one of the better tightheads in world rugby, and by 2015, if he can avoid injury, he'll be a frightening prospect.

"...10 Colin Slade - We still don't know what Daniel Carter is planning to do in 2012 but there's a growing belief he'll head to France for three years and maybe try to return to New Zealand ahead of the 2015 World Cup. Working on that premise, Slade will be the man to take over the All Black No 10 jersey.

"The current selection panel were convinced Aaron Cruden was the better long-term option at the start of this year and in time, that could prove correct.

"But things have changed since June. Not only has Cruden been found wanting a little at test level but Slade has committed his future to playing first five. He managed an impressive 20-minute test cameo as well as a solid campaign with Canterbury.

"He can kick off both feet, is quick enough to play on the wing and he tackles. He really tackles and, once he gets used to playing in the role every week, his navigation skills should come up to scratch."

Kiwi lock Ali Williams is plotting his international comeback after serious achilles injuries with a spell in the Championship with Nottingham. The Guardian's Mike Averis reports.

"Nottingham rugby club have done their bit for England down the years: Rob Andrew played there, as did Brian Moore. If a famous old boy lifts the World Cup next autumn, though, he is more likely to be dressed in black rather white and will owe the club a considerable debt for bump-starting a stalled international career.

"The player in question is Ali Williams, close on 6ft 8in of All Black lock forward, in the east Midlands exorcising a few mental demons as well as playing his first rugby for nearly two seasons. Williams is there for a month getting himself mentally and physically right before attempting to reclaim his place in the New Zealand side. So far he has managed only 20 minutes of game time, in his own words "shitting myself" before getting on against Moseley to test his repaired achilles tendon, an injury that had threatened to end his career after 61 Tests and two World Cups.

"Today at Meadow Lane, Williams will lace up his specially designed Adidas boots, warm up well, and step gingerly into his first home match when Nottingham play Bristol in the Championship, English rugby's second division. On Friday there is the more considerable challenge of Munster, and an old team-mate, Doug Howlett, before a final game against Rotherham.

Glenn McLean praises the handling of Taranaki's finances despite their losses on stuff.co.nz.

"The reasons behind the projected six-figure loss the Taranaki Rugby Football Union suffered last year will not be fully known publicly until their annual report is released in March.

"Union boss Mark Robinson was at pains this week, however, to stress that the required extra spending that sent the books so far into the red was not all related to player salaries.

"There will, of course, be some cost over-run in that department after their astute decision to draft, from Britain, Samoa captain Mahonri Schwalger after experienced rake Laurence Corlett's season-ending injury early on."

An editorial piece in the New Zealand Herald welcomes the dawn of Rugby World Cup year.

"If the success of this year's World Cup in New Zealand depends entirely on the success of the All Blacks then the event is a failure already. The All Blacks should win the Cup, they should win it whenever and wherever it is played. They are consistently the best in the world.

"If they win it this year it should be the icing on a cake we have baked and savoured for its own sake. Long before the tournament comes to its knock-out rounds this country could be enjoying the warm rewards of successful hospitality.

"Just about all parts of the country will be hosting teams during the pool phase that will run though September. Each of the visiting squads will be welcomed in a different town and some of them will be based in one place for periods of weeks.

"There is every prospect that local schools and rugby clubs will take a particular interest in their guest team and follow its fortunes through the tournament. The whole community will be encouraged to adopt it as their "second team"."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Chris Rattue takes a pessimistic view of 2011 from a New Zealand point of view.

"With crystal ball in hand, over to the 2011 sporting year...

5) Ali Williams gets All Black recall
Dip your hand into the hat and pick out whatever World Cup story you like here. There will be plenty. The Williams' comeback should be high on the list. Two Achilles injuries, two years with virtually no football, more than two years since his last test - this represents a tall order.

At his best, though, Williams was a star and maybe the best lock in world rugby. The stocks aren't too bad in this department but Williams is a teacher's favourite. Stranger things have happened - the last World Cup, Keith Robinson and all that.

Our prediction: Just a couple of decent Super games will get Williams into the squad and a shot at the World Cup, but after so much time out he won't be the Ali of old...

3) A nobody like Andy Murray wins a Grand Slam title
A Hail Mary prediction that the combined forces of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer won't clean up in the big tennis tournaments yet again. Everybody in world tennis is a nobody compared with those two but the time is right for a rare victory by someone else.

The fascinating Nadal-Federer duel will still dominate and if Nadal gets on a roll he might get within lobbing distance of Federer's Grand Slam record. There should be at least one classic Grand Slam tournament final between these two remarkable players. A good way to prepare for their fabulous duels is to snooze during the women's final, which is easy to do....

1)The All Blacks won't win the World Cup
This raises the tricky question of who does win the Webb Ellis, but that's not the point. Picking the All Blacks to win the World Cup is regarded in many circles as a wicked plot by a snarling media to bring our brave lads down. Picking them to win is apparently a crime that ranks alongside peaking too early.

The All Blacks have been disasters in the professional era, failing to even make a World Cup final since the ruling classes decided that rugby players could enjoy the delights of paying taxes and have more time to play golf. Only a crazy fool would pick the All Blacks to win on past tournament form.

As a rugby nation we don't actually have a recipe for success but that doesn't stop us from trying to make new ones up. The key ingredient is a national mood of dire pessimism. The game plan goes like this - with long faces everywhere, Richie McCaw and the troops ride to the rescue after adopting full battle mode. In keeping with this well-grounded approach, we suggest the team's vital pre-tournament swimming mission be conducted from the Onehunga wharf. But even the spectre of the old Mangere bridge may not be enough to save them. Fate has decreed we are sport's most enduring chokers.

Our first prediction: the quarter-finals will involve Australia v Samoa, England v France, South Africa v Ireland and New Zealand v Argentina. France beat Australia and South Africa beat New Zealand in the semifinals.

The final prediction: South Africa beat France and Peter de Villiers makes a memorable speech (very confident about that one)."

Chris Rattue dusts off the crystal ball and lays down some predictions for the next 12 months in The New Zealand Herald.

"And so the countdown begins. Rugby, rugby, rugby. But before we get to THE World Cup, there's the matter of a few other World Cups and bits and bobs in between. With crystal ball in hand, over to the 2011 sporting year..."

Southland's Ranfurly Shield run struck a chord with many © Getty Images

Nathan Burdon reviews his favourite rugby moment of the year - Southland's Ranfurly Shield defence against Otago - on stuff.co.nz.

"Southland's Ranfurly Shield defence against Otago on August 7 was one for the ages.

"Not an attractive game, not one they will use in fancy marketing campaigns of the future, but one that will live long in the memory. Perhaps it was the anticipation.

"Once the initial euphoria of winning the Shield off Canterbury in 2009 had simmered down and thoughts turned to the next season, there was only ever going to be one game."

Sonny Bill Williams announces his next fight alongside Anthony Mundine © Getty Images

Chris Rattue packs a punch in the New Zealand Herald as he delivers his verdict on the wisdom of Sonny Bill Williams’ return to boxing prior to the World Cup.

"The Sonny Bill Williams boxing story refuses to remain on the canvas and this column won't throw in the towel either. Encouraging your prime football talent into the murky world of professional boxing is plain stupid, especially on the eve of what you regard as the great World Cup mission.

I love boxing ... watching it, that is. But anybody who thinks boxing is run by squeaky-clean blokes who spend their waking hours swatting up on injury care is bonkers. Professional boxers know the dangers, dedicate at least some of their careers to minimising them, and hope for glory and riches in return.

Professional boxing causes brain damage to almost everyone who does it. The sport is an absolute winner though - for repairers of hand and eye injuries. As they say - it only takes one punch…

The All Blacks were none too pleased when Bakkies Botha head-butted Jimmy Cowan, yet are happy for Scott Lewis to belt the hobby boxer Williams on the noggin as often as he can….

Call me a powder puff, but don't pretend that professional boxing is akin to imitation boxing drills, or a sensible punt for a central figure in your World Cup plans."

All Black Sonny Bill Williams announces his next fight next to Aussie boxer Anthony Mundine © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue insists he will be in Scott Lewis' corner when he takes on All Black Sonny Bill Williams in the boxing ring next year.

"Even if Sonny Bill cops a decent punch from Lewis, it's unlikely to destroy his rugby career. Plenty of men have risen from the canvas after enduring more than Lewis can dish out.

"Williams is unnecessarily increasing his injury risk though, especially to the hands.

"And what of the damage that is impossible to measure? A sapping summer boxing regime could well take a toll around World Cup time. Boxing and the training required are incredibly draining, even at bum level.

"And Williams' NZRU boxing clause makes a joke of the rest, rotation and Mediterranean swimming policies of 2007.

"Is Williams really attempting to be the very best rugby player he can be? That's the question with the unfortunate answer here."

Kieran Read enjoyed a great 2010 © Getty Images

Marc Hinton believes that All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read deserves his share of the spoils following a brilliant international season on stuff.co.nz.

"With all due respect to Richie McCaw, surely it's Kieran Read's turn to get some of the love. Thursday's year-ending New Zealand rugby awards shape as the ideal place to start.

"Read is up against McCaw and ageless lock Brad Thorn for the game's supreme award, the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year.

"All three, of course, would be worthy winners, but as is the way with these things we've got to compare, contrast and concoct a winner."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Gregor Paul ponders life after the retirement of current All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

"If 2011 is going to be his last year at the helm, he's not rushing to confirm it. Giving up the All Blacks will be a massive wrench for Henry, even at 65. Even if they win the World Cup, he'll find it hard to let go.

"That's probably why he's not keen to make any statements about his future yet. Obviously if the All Blacks bomb again, then all this is rendered moot - he'll be gone. But if the All Blacks win the World Cup, is it ridiculous to believe Henry could be kept on for longer?

"He seems to have no problem evolving, moving with the times in terms of his management style. He remains one of the best strategists in the business and is it not possible that he's got more to come?

"Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be 70 next year and no one would be so stupid as to brand him a spent force."

All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina is snowed under with offers from European clubs who want him after the World Cup next year. David Long reports for the Sydney Morning Herald.

"It is understood Welsh club Ospreys are leading the chase for Muliaina, with the Swansea-based side looking at him as a replacement for Wales and Lions fullback Lee Byrne. Clermont coach Vern Cotter wants to take Byrne to France but the Ospreys will only allow that if they can find a suitable replacement for him and that's where Muliaina fits in.

"This week relations between the Ospreys and Byrne turned sour with the club threatening to fine him after he went AWOL for a scheduled doctor's appointment following a thumb injury picked up in last month's Test against the All Blacks. The incident is likely to hasten Byrne's departure and increase their desire to grab Muliaina.

"A number of other high-profile European clubs are in the hunt and it leaves the Invercargill-raised star in a great position when it comes to negotiating the best deal.

"Muliaina was in France last week on promotional duties for adidas and said he'd always been keen on the French lifestyle."

Chris Rattue offers a few helpful hints to aid your enjoyment of rugby in 2011 in The New Zealand Herald.

"'Tis the off-season to be jolly. The national obsession has a wee rest before things get scary next year.

"This World Cup journey will not click slowly through the gears. The game will start in fourth gear come February, and hit overdrive by about March. Hang on to your hats, folks.

"Anyway, rules are always the talking point in union, a sport that is only unified on one matter - being unhappy with the rules. So here are seven suggested rule changes to make the game better - and better still you don't need to leave home to try them."

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue suggests seven rule changes to make the game better - and better still you don't need to leave home to try them.

"FAST FORWARD BY REWIND - Get old rugby tapes and see how bad the game used to be. You don't even need to bother granddad for his home-made movies of the 1956 Bok tour. Video of the 2007 World Cup will do.

"CUT THE CLAPTRAP - Hit the off button as soon as you hear the final whistle. Post-match interviews with rugby players are an absolute killer.

"GET RADIO ACTIVE - Radio commentary allows you to do real life and rugby at the same time. Radio commentators tend to be very upbeat - they take life less seriously because they have to on their wages. Most television commentators sound as if they are trying to enjoy the game. Radio commentators sound as if they actually are.

"WORK HARDER ON SNACKS - Better snacks make better All Blacks."

Marc Hinton talks to new North Harbour coach Liam Barry about the challenges ahead for the province on stuff.co.nz

"Some would call it a poisoned chalice. But not new North Harbour rugby coach Liam Barry who's too much of an optimist to take that dim view.

"Either that or too much of a Harbour lifer to ever regard the chance to coach the province's finest with anything but relish and reverence. Barry, the one-test All Black flanker from the '90s and currently assistant coach with Pat Lam at the Blues, was announced yesterday as new coach of North Harbour for the next three years.

"He takes over from former All Black prop Craig Dowd who presided over two miserable seasons where Harbour finished 11th this year and 12th in '09, with 4-9 records in both campaigns."

Peter Bills laments the rip-off culteure set to grip New Zealand during next year's Rugby World Cup in The Irish Independent.

"Heading for New Zealand and the 2011 World Cup? Be prepared for a shock. The rugby-mad nation at the far end of the earth, isolated from just about everywhere, looks likely to become just another of the world's great rip-offs.

"The country that used to wear a warm smile on its face, welcome visitors and treat them like royalty, is sleep walking into acquiring such an unwanted reputation worldwide.

"The price of ordinary everyday articles and living costs horrified me on a trip there this year. I've been there, admired the place and loved the people since 1975. I wasn't even put off by my first ever weekend in New Zealand -- seven inches of rain in 24 hours and sitting shin-deep in water at Eden Park as the All Blacks aquaplaned past Scotland."

Writing in the Independent on Sunday, Bath prop David Flatman was bowled over by the the physicality of the recent autumn internationals with New Zealand again setting the standard.

"Southerners are supposed to be soft, right? Well, could somebody please contact the All Blacks and Springboks and request they relearn their roles? You see I'd hoped these men would step off the plane at Heathrow, be hit by a chilly southwesterly and immediately begin pining for home. Sadly, my hopes were not realised.

This series of autumn internationals were, to me, more interesting than any other Test matches we have seen since the last World Cup. The All Blacks arrived with their famous aura badly dented after a loss to Australia and the Boks only brought half a team. The Aussies, on the other hand, were still stinging from their defeat to England in Sydney last June. So for once, no team seemed unbeatable.

Predictably, though, the Kiwis rode roughshod over everyone. This isn't to say they crushed all before them – in England's case, far from it – but the ease with which they seemed able to knock it up a gear or two to get the job done was quite frightening….

So the All Blacks quietly boarded the plane home having won all four from four. We may have beaten the team that beat the All Blacks but, as yet, we haven't quite managed to beat them ourselves for a good while. This will need to change if our fortunes are to improve. The Boks tend to beat them with grunt, the Aussies with fleet of foot. I think I saw the makings of England's winning formula in the second half at Twickers: a good bit of northern grit should do the trick."

Nick Evans has been in scintilating form for Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Wynne Gray suggests that former All Blacks should be allowed to grace the international stage.

"Used, discarded, had enough or want a change. The reasons don't matter. There are plenty of All Blacks who have chosen to finish their careers elsewhere, or had that decision made for them by the selectors.

Many are still playing quality rugby for clubs in Europe or Japan, but are unable to taste any more international action.

New Zealand has maintained its policy of picking All Blacks who are playing in domestic competitions while the IRB is sticking resolutely to its rule of one player, one nation.

A bunch of others who have not played for the All Blacks this year or for some time - Casey Laulala, Sam Tuitupou, Doug Howlett, Sione Lauaki, Anthony Tuitavake, Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Soseni Anesi, Rudi Wulf, John Schwalger and Ross Filipo - would bolster the Pacific island sides. They would bring greater depth to the World Cup and even more interest.

If they have been unwanted by the All Blacks for a year or more, why not let them play for another nation? Let them represent a Six Nations side if they are keen to have them.
Let England choose Nick Evans for the World Cup. He has made his choice to stay and play for Harlequins, he has been off the New Zealand scene for three years, so why cut him out of the international landscape?"

Paul Rees of The Guardian asks former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick if this latest crop of All Blacks is capable of ending the country's wait for a second World Cup title.

"Another European tour, another blackwash. New Zealand returned home this week top of the world but will they win the World Cup they host next year? Or will the Webb Ellis Trophy again turn near-invincibles into mere mortals?

"Sean Fitzpatrick was in the New Zealand side that won the 1987 World Cup, going on to captain the All Blacks in a 92-cap international career. He is one of five New Zealand 2011 government ambassadors, a team set up to promote the country and encourage visitors there next year.

"He believes the All Blacks are better placed to succeed in the World Cup than they were this time four years ago, when they brought two teams on tour to Europe, and that the experience of losing the quarter-final to France in Cardiff has helped toughen them mentally."

Chris Rattue dismisses the idea of two referees taking charge of major internationals in The New Zealand Herald.

"You can hear the thundering hooves of the French defenders, and the peep of Wayne Barnes' whistle, every time Graham Henry and his mates start moaning about referees and rules.

"Less than a year out from the World Cup, or the tournament of personal redemption as designed by the New Zealand Rugby Union honchos, the All Black bosses are sounding edgy considering their tremendous success this season.

"The rogue element - the factor fingered as the reason for their 2007 World Cup exit - must be removed, you can almost hear them say."

Wynne Gray selects his All Black 'team of the decade' following their latest Grand Slam success in The New Zealand Herald.

"Since the All Blacks and Graham Henry coincided, they have bowled along at a success rate which has peaked at 85.7 per cent.

"It is extraordinary to consider that in seven seasons together, they have felt the pain of defeat just 13 times in 91 internationals. That record suggests Henry's crew would dominate an All Black team of the decade.

"But if we chew through the performances of those who have worn the famous black jersey with distinction this past decade, starting in 2001, we might be surprised.

"The current pack would dominate many of the selections and debate for that XV and, given their sparkling enterprise and triumphs, you would suspect most of the backs would also command serious attention."

New Zealand celebrate completing their fourth Grand Slam tour of the UK & Ireland © Getty Images

The Herald on Sunday's Gregor Paul reflects on the All Blacks latest Grand Slam glory - secured with victory over Wales in Cardiff.

"This was proper Test football and the All Blacks had to work much harder than the score might suggest. There were periods where they were loose, unable to get their hands on the ball and scrambling to stop the Welsh. There were other periods where the All Blacks were magnificent - so accurate, so clinical, so fast that Wales didn't know what had hit them. That was the difference really - the All Blacks made everything pay - they converted their opportunities. And how they needed to.

"If the Welsh are a team in disarray, at war with their coach, then they hid it superbly well. Like Ireland the week before, they had passion, enterprise and width.

"Unlike Ireland the week before, they didn't find a second wind - their first lasting for long enough to kindle hopes 57 years of misery could end. But like so many Welsh teams before them, they just couldn't keep the pressure on."

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray believes there is still time for fresh faces to force their way into the All Blacks' World Cup squad.

"The vastly experienced Henry acknowledged some World Cup choices would become clearer through the Super Rugby competition, but he said that 80 per cent of the tournament squad was emerging. Perhaps, but the growing contribution of players such as Hosea Gear, Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Whitelock who have pushed into the main frame on this current tour may have tweaked other selection plans for Henry and Co.

They always speak about adapting playing styles and bringing in new ideas. The same could be said for some players to keep the heat on the incumbents. You can name others left in New Zealand, some new names and others retreaded, who might deliver similar pressure upon the incumbents if they keep playing strongly or recover completely from injury and find their Super sides on form too.

"Think of some such as Robbie Fruean, Rene Ranger, Luke McAlister, Colin Slade, Mike Delany, Aaron Cruden, Brendon Leonard, Rodney So'oialo, Victor Vito, Matt Todd, Tanerau Latimer, Bryn Evans, Isaac Ross, Jason Eaton, Toby Smith and Jamie Mackintosh."

New Zealand's Dan Carter is set to become the all-time leading Test points scorer this weekend © Getty Images

Brilliant All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter needs just one penalty to take Jonny Wilkinson's Test points record and Wales are in the firing line tomorrow. The Independent's Simon Turnbull tells his remarkable story.

"The first time that Dan Carter got the chance to put points on the board for the All Blacks, he lapsed into a trance. It was at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on the evening of 21 June 2003, and Doug Howlett had scored a try close to the touchline, leaving the debutant inside-centre with a tricky conversion attempt.

"It seemed that the 21-year-old rookie was frozen in time. Perhaps he was picturing the mini set of goalposts his father, Neville, had rigged up in the back garden of the Carter family home in Southbridge, 30 miles from Christchurch in the farmlands of New Zealand's South Island. The young Daniel – or Danny, as he is still known in Southbridge – became so proficient with his pots at goal he had to line up his kicks further and further back until he ended up taking aim from across the road.

"Danny Boy had to be given a "hurry up" warning from referee Alan Lewis before he snapped out of his reverie and swung his left boot to land his first points in the international arena. That night there were 20 in all – which included six conversions and a penalty – in a 55-3 victory over Wales. The rest is history – well, almost."

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Clever reflects on two key incidents this month and what they say about the coaches involved.

"There is no greater contrast than the harmony, whether contrived or not, that exudes from the All Blacks camp and the dysfunction and angst of Wales.

"More specifically, you can point to two incidents that were emblematic of their November campaigns: the Keven Mealamu citing and the Ryan Jones sacking. Mealamu made a mistake and the All Black coaches stood by their man; Jones made a mistake and was thrown under a bus by Warren Gatland.

"...All Black players know they can take nothing for granted in terms of selection - just ask Cory Jane.

"But at the same time, they know they're not going to be humiliated by the men who hold their fate in their hands. Welsh players do not feel the same."

Will the All Blacks miss Nick Evans' Heineken Cup experience? © Getty Images

Paul Rees evaluates the merits of the All Blacks' selection policy as we near the dawn of World Cup year in The Guardian.

"The New Zealand coach, Graham Henry, this month mused on whether any All Blacks currently earning their livings abroad would be good enough to make his World Cup squad. He singled out the prop, Carl Hayman, before mentioning, in parenthesis, the Harlequins outside-half, Nick Evans, but neither will be considered because they are no longer based at home.

"It is a policy New Zealand should reflect on. In the history of the World Cup, only one team has never been beaten at the pool stage, something that should be significant given that all six winners have had a 100% record in their groups.

"The All Blacks have played 20 pool matches and won the lot, but they have only seized the World Cup once and appeared in two finals: they have won eight and lost five matches in the knock-out stage. England have lost four group matches, but they have made it to three finals. South Africa were not involved in the first two tournaments, but they won in 1995 and 2007. Australia have contested three finals and they have won more knock-out matches than anyone else."

Peter Bills recounts Andy Haden's response to Willie John McBride's recent condemnation of the All Blacks' style at the breakdown in The Irish Independent.

"From far-away New Zealand comes a message, a friendly sharp tap on the shoulder for your columnist. Andy Haden, one of the most renowned of All Blacks, digested my story of last weekend regarding Willie John McBride, and offered a counter-argument.

"As ever, Haden sought to make his point with reasoned logic, but with Andy these days you never quite know whether to expect to see his tongue emerging through a cheek.

"The man's sense of humour is subtle. McBride, readers may recall, made the point that the New Zealanders' approach was not necessarily his own. He mentioned Richie McCaw and averred that, in his view, the All Blacks captain was offside most of the time at the breakdown."

All too easy: Kieran Read scores against Ireland © Getty Images

Chris Rattue believes that the All Blacks shouldn't bother playing the 'second-rate cart horses' of the north in The New Zealand Herald.

"This column should be about the glories of another impending, triumphant, all-conquering, heroic and historical Grand Slam march by the mighty men in black but ... well, let's just say the feeling's gone.

"England, snooooooooooze, Scotland, zzzzzzzzzzz, Ireland, yaaaaaaawn, Wales, zzzzzzzzz ...
Trudging off to the northern plains to fight these second-rate cart horses every year isn't floating the boat any more.

"South Africa's travails against Scotland have restored a bit of lustre to the All Blacks' achievements. And you can't blame the All Blacks for winning so easily all the time."

Peter Bills bemoans the performance of referee Marius Jonker during Ireland's loss to New Zealand in The New Zealand Herald.

"Stephen Ferris did the unthinkable at the weekend. He publicly criticised a referee for his performance, inferring that the official in question, South African Marius Jonker, had been deficient in part of his handling of the Ireland v New Zealand game.

"The Irish and Lions flanker bemoaned Jonker's willingness to allow the New Zealanders to kill or at least slow down Irish ball at the breakdown, especially, in the final quarter of the game. Funny thing, that. Midway through the second half in the media box at Lansdowne Road, I wrote a note in my book. It said simply "Jonker's bark is worse than his bite".

"Jonker, you see, had spent much of the game volubly warning players that he wasn't going to stand for any nonsense. He'd be tough but fair and he wanted both teams to abide by the rules (my words, not his exact ones). Trouble was, he then actually did nothing."

The New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue asks whether the All Blacks would be best served by resting their talismanic skipper.

"Go on Graham Henry. Send the All Blacks out against Wales without Richie McCaw because that's the only way to get a handle on the state of this team and learn priceless World Cup lessons.

"The selectors won't drop McCaw, partly because the man himself would be livid. Great sports leaders want to make a stand, not sit in one. And yes, it's a bit rich suggesting this move while being among the many who condemned the old rotation policy.

"This is the time, though, to sit McCaw down even if it gives the Welsh wobblies a teeny-weeny sniff of victory. Not everyone, or probably hardly anyone, will agree with this "Give Richie a Rest" sentiment, and one prominent voice has already put forward a strong counter-argument."

Would New Zealand's Richie McCaw be a worthy captain of a current World XV? © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Gregor Paul believes eight of he current All Blacks can lay claim to being the best players in the world in their position.

"...13: CONRAD SMITH - Those who haven't seen Brian O'Driscoll play for a while always talk of the Irish captain as being the best centre in the world. Those who have seen O'Driscoll recently talk of Conrad Smith being the best centre in the world. Smith is sharper, more involved and in possession of more weaponry. O'Driscoll can't break on the outside any more and his game is all about his presence. That's not enough whereas Smith is a line-breaker, a distributor and a defensive organiser.

"...10: DAN CARTER - Quade Cooper would love to believe he is close. The Wallaby No 10 can certainly use the ball - he picks his options well and that step ... But he can't tackle and he's not certain when he has to use his long kicking game to build the pressure. Jonny Wilkinson is long gone as a major force and Morne Steyn can win the kicking duel with Carter, but that's all the South African can do. Toby Flood is improving and Stephen Jones is a neat and tidy player but neither is in the same league as Carter. The only man who gets close to having the same all-round portfolio is Juan Martin Hernandez but he seems to be permanently injured.

"...7: RICHIE McCAW - David Pocock has come of age this year and shown a rare skill at the breakdown and an ability to compete. But he can't run like McCaw. He can't anticipate like McCaw. He can't make the same smart decisions as McCaw. He can't link the play like McCaw. The Wallaby is fast improving and impressive, but he's still got a long way to go to take McCaw's best-in the-world billing."

Although Prince William and Kate Middleton's regal announcement inevitably created worldwide interest, the All Blacks are obsessing over another form of engagement. Chris Barclay reports for the New Zealand Herald.

"Finessing their scrummaging has been a priority after rugby Grand Slam test victories over England and Scotland were marred by technical infringements at the set piece, predominately on the opposition's feed.

"The All Blacks forward pack has struggled to adjust to the interpretations of northern hemisphere referees - Frenchman Romain Poite and England's Dave Pearson - in successive weekends, prompting All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen to seek clarification on the timing of the four-step engagement process and the distance teams should be separated before the hit.

"Hansen said he planned to discuss the issues with International Rugby Board referees boss Paddy O'Brien and also have routine discussions with Marius Jonker, the South African who controls Sunday's (NZT) test between the All Blacks and Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. Hansen emphasised the All Blacks worries were not unique."

Chris Rattue believes that the waves caused by Sonny Bill Williams will be felt for some time to come in The New Zealand Herald.

"Sonny Bill Williams is leading a rugby revolution. The former league star is a once-in-a-lifetime player - both on and off the field - and the New Zealand Rugby Union should get ready to empty its vaults if that is what it takes to keep him after next year's World Cup.

"All doubts have been washed away, even though Williams is capable of so much more. That's the beauty of this trip, because we ain't seen nothing yet.

"It may be hard to totally match Williams' effect on rugby, but others can certainly follow the path and utilise league skills to beat defensive lines."

The SBW Trademark: Sonny Bill Williams off loads the ball in the tackle during his side's romp against Scotland © Getty Images

New Zealand's rising star Sonny Bill carries Colin Pinetree Mead's one handed legacy, according to the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray.

"Remember that iconic 1970 footage of Colin Meads in South Africa, sidekick Grahame Thorne in tow, mesmerising the Border defence with the ball like a peanut in his right mitt.

Forty years on, Sonny Bill Williams is doing a decent impersonation of the great man. Frequently.

Jonah used to clasp the pill in one duke too, but he scarcely looked to pass or needed to. Every now and then there was a deft offload or skyhook lob when the big man was squeezed for room but generally he ploughed on, over or through tacklers with devastating effect.

Williams is the hybrid, a fascinating mix of skill and power. He is an unpolished product, but clearly learning about rugby at such a rate of knots that, if his progress continues, he looms as a great weapon for the All Blacks."

Meads became only the second All Black to be sent off against Scotland in 1967 © Getty Images

Ahead of Scotland's latest clash with New Zealand at Murrayfield, The Scotsman's David Ferguson talks to All Blacks legend Colin Meads.

"He still lives for sport and particularly rugby, yet, he will never be able to forget the day when, with three minutes to go and New Zealand leading Scotland 14-3, Meads became the second man in international rugby to be sent off. The first was also a New Zealand forward, Cyril Brownlie, dismissed at Twickenham during the 'Invincibles' tour in 1925 for 'foul play'.

Clearly, still, after laughing and joking about his life now and an incredible wealth of great memories, the quiet, sombre tones that descend on the conversation when we reach that 1967 game, only the fifth meeting of the nations, reveal a lasting sadness that Meads will take to his grave. "It was very difficult," he says, beginning slowly, "and still it is difficult to talk about because although it was a long time ago and I am one for just getting on with life, taking what comes, the shame I brought then still hurts.

"I always considered myself a fair player, hard yes, in what is a hard game, but fair and I always respected the game of rugby, our opponents and the All Blacks jersey and New Zealand more than anything in the world. So, I knew instantly, when the referee said I was to get off, that this was a moment that would bring shame on New Zealand and the All Blacks, and my family. I couldn't believe it at the time, but it was real, and to walk off a great place like Murrayfield that way was just awful. I thought that was the end of my career, the end of rugby for me."

Former All Black Inga Tuigamala is not losing any sleep over their appointment with Scotland in The New Zealand Herald.

"The All Blacks are obliged to say they are taking Scotland seriously, but I don't think too many others are.

"The Scots play with pride and passion, but they have never beaten the All Blacks and I doubt they ever will. These All Blacks are a class above and will win this test well.

"I quite like the changes that have been made. Liam Messam's inclusion on the blindside will add a whole new attacking dimension and it will be like having an extra back on the field."

Brian Moore is critical of the PR campaign that has accompanied Keven Melamu's headbutt in The Daily Telegraph.

"For Mealamu, and rugby generally, it was fortunate that the incident was not shown on the stadium screens at Twickenham and his cheap-shot was left for the consideration of the few hundred thousand viewers watching on Sky.

"Had the act been replayed several times, as happened with a headbutt delivered by Springbok Bakkies Botha on Kiwi Jimmy Cowan this year, there would have been an outcry with Mealamu being barracked for the rest of the game.

"Had it been live on the BBC, the PR battle would have been even harder because the outcry would have also come from a few million casual watchers, thereby tainting the image of rugby in general. From the video evidence and to anybody who has played rugby, this was a simple case of nastiness."

Marc Hinton lays into the All Blacks over their 'hypocritical' appeal against Keven Mealamu's ban on stuff.co.nz.

"The All Blacks can be hypocrites at times and the outrageous claims of injustice around Keven Mealamu's headbutt at Twickenham is a further example of that.

"They certainly haven't done their reputation any good with some of the comments that have floated about in the aftermath of Mealamu's attack on England's Lewis Moody last Saturday.

"No one but Mealamu can truly know the intent of his actions, but viewed dispassionately, the hooker's low, driving butt into the back of a prone Lewis Moody's head did not look good by any stretch of the imagination. If we didn't know Mealamu better – and he is a genuinely decent bloke, that's beyond debate – we would even describe it as thuggish."

Could Sonny Bill Williams be in line for a switch to flanker? © Getty Images

Could the rising star of New Zealand rugby - Sonny Bill Williams - find that his future lies as a flanker and not a centre? The New Zealand Herald's Chris Barclay reports.

"That's seemingly incongruous notion has been floated since the Bulldogs ball-playing second rower abandoned the National Rugby League for French rugby in 2008 - and All Blacks assistant coach Wayne gave the concept further credence today.

The All Blacks coaches have been so impressed with the 25-year-old's physical attributes, Smith envisaged Williams could be utilised on the blindside flank of a Crusaders loose trio already comprising Kieran Read and Richie McCaw.

"During Super rugby he may have a crack at other positions, he had six weeks at (No) 6 for Toulon," said Smith as the squad adjusted to a frigid Edinburgh ahead of Sunday's (NZT) test with Scotland at Murrayfield.

"He's a different sort of athlete, he's an athlete where we've just go to see what best suits him - and the team."

Peter Bills believes that the gap between England and New Zealand is bigger than Saturday's 26-16 scoreline suggests in The New Zealand Herald.

"The very different levels of precision and attention to detail of the New Zealand and England rugby teams were laid bare at Twickenham on Saturday.

"New Zealand might have had to negotiate some tricky moments, and a 10-point victory hardly suggests a rout. But a great chasm separated the sides in terms of expectation, clinical finishing and poise, power and decision-making at critical moments.

"Overall, I thought this was a fairly ordinary New Zealand performance."

Eddie Butler believes that England still have some way to go before they can match New Zealand's skill set in The Observer.

"Even if the rugby-playing population of England were to take to the beach and spend the next nine months concentrating on nothing but elusiveness in their movement and dexterity in their ball-handling, they would come nowhere near matching the New Zealanders for natural talent. It is in the genetic code of the Kiwi to be able to spin a rugby ball on a finger tip, spin his feet any which way and stay on them in contact.

"They also have a natural lust for contact born of a good technique in the tackle and growing up in a ferocious competitive environment from an early age. This is an inheritance from the pioneers of old from these parts, from the spirit of the Maori who are rivalled for natural talent only by the islanders who have been an essential ingredient in maintaining a tiny nation's pre-eminence in a contact sport.

"In fact, New Zealand have made this a combat, not a contact, sport, where eye-watering collisions live in stark contrast to silky skills. Sonny Bill Williams, at 6ft 4in and 17 stone, is an embodiment of this blend, a rhino and yet a purveyor of poetic one-handed passes from the heart of the mayhem."

Writing in The Independent, Chris Hewett analyses the All Blacks line-up that will face England at Twickenham.

"On the face of it, Graham Henry was in high good humour as he named his New Zealand side for tomorrow's set-to with England at Twickenham, delivering his wisecracks with a rat-a-tat rhythm that Jackie Mason himself might have admired. "A lot of people have been pressing us to play Hosea Gear," he said when asked about the Maori wing's promotion to the starting line-up. "My wife has been telling me to pick him; even my mother asked me why he wasn't in the team. Finally, I've bent to the pressure. It's a pain in the arse, this job."

It was an easy joke for the All Blacks coach to make, given that Gear is anything but a laughing matter as far as the English are concerned. (The man from Gisborne scored three tries in inspiring the Maori to a famous victory over the red-rose tourists in Napier last June, all of them jaw-dropping.) Henry was equally jolly at the prospect of Sonny Bill Williams making his Test debut at centre. "When I spoke to him while he was playing in France with Toulon, he told me he would come back to New Zealand and go after the All Black jersey only if he thought he was good enough," he said of the celebrated rugby league international. The accompanying smile ensured that the obvious follow-up question went unasked."

Toby Robson debates the merits and drawbacks of a Ma'a Nonu-Sonny Bill Williams midfield for the All Blacks in The Dominion Post.

"Power is an alluring force, but the All Blacks must be careful not to tip the balance too far in their search for game breakers.

"The sight of Ma'a Nonu and Sonny-Bill Williams running together in the midfield at training yesterday was awe-inspiring. Pity the opponent who has to face up to these 100kg-plus balls of pace and muscle was the thought on every onlooker's mind.

"The potential is enormous. If the pair is selected to play England, Dan Carter will have at his disposal two of the most powerful athletes in the game. The theory is sound, but it is no guarantee to success."

Will New Zealand head coach Graham Henry call for some replacements next week? © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Wynne Grey is puzzled by the behaviour of the All Blacks' coaching team.

"Unusual. How else do you describe the All Blacks' decision to stick with their diminished numbers for their latest tilt at the Grand Slam?

Especially when one of their original wing choices, Sitiveni Sivivatu, fell over before his warrant of fitness assessment in Waikato's semi-final of the ITM Cup.

When Cory Jane was wounded in the Hong Kong test the All Blacks were down to 28 fit players and just a couple of wings, Hosea Gear and Joe Rokocoko. Yet this All Black selection group, with its history of taking bloated squads on the end of year trips to Europe, has not called for any replacement."

Ma'a Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams appear set to form the largest and most powerful midfield Test pairing the All Blacks have seen in their grand slam opener against England. The Sydney Morning Herald's Tony Robson reports.

"The Nonu-Williams combination was a fearsome sight at the Latymer School on Tuesday where they were paired together for the duration of a long and physical training session. Leading into the Twickenham Test, it seems the All Blacks selectors are considering changes to the side that started the 26-24 loss to Australia in Hong Kong. Hosea Gear is likely to come on to the left wing for Cory Jane.

Alby Mathewson shared time with Jimmy Cowan at halfback, and might come in for his first Test start after two brief appearances off the bench, while Sam Whitelock is pushing hard for a well-deserved start in the forward pack in place of Tom Donnelly.

The biggest talking point, however, is clearly what role Williams will play and whether he will be named as a starter or on the bench when the side is named on Thursday.

At 1.91 metres and 108 kilograms, Williams is a daunting figure in the backs, and alongside Nonu, 1.82m and 104kg, he creates a mammoth midfield. In fact, it would be a gigantic back line if Gear, another 100kg of muscle-bound power, gets his third Test cap and Joe Rokocoko, who weighs in at 104kg, is on the other wing."

New Zealand's arrival for the autumn internationals prompts thoughts of their trail-blazing tour of Britain in 1905 for The Guardian's Frank Keating.

"Those New Zealand pioneers in 1905 had left Wellington aboard the liner Rimutaka on 30 July and 42 days later had been greeted at Plymouth dockside by the RFU secretary, Rowland Hill. Within a week they were facing Devon at Exeter's County Ground. It remains in dispute whether the Daily Mail first christened them All Blacks through their original all-black uniform or because of their novel "all-court" style of 15-man running play and the term "all backs" was transposed to "blacks" by a Fleet Street telephonist.

For sure, however, every schoolboy (of my generation anyway) knows when at teatime on 16 September the final score – Devon 4 New Zealand 55 – was received by the London sports news agency, the unbelieving subeditor confidently presumed a transmission error and reversed the result to Devon 55 New Zealand 4."

Marc Hinton believes that England will struggle to deal with the pace of the game against New Zealand next weekend on stuff.co.nz.

"It was easy to imagine Martin Johnson's pasty Englishmen turning an even whiter shade of pale as they watched last night's pulsating fourth Bledisloe in Hong Kong snatched brilliantly at the finish by the Wallabies.

"The pace it was played at, the intensity, the skill level, they were all aspects that must have had the Englishmen glancing sideways in rather nervous fashion. "It's us next," they would have been thinking as James O'Connor sensationally stole a scintillating 26-24 victory for the Australians with his try and then testing conversion.

"But more than that, the fabulous Australian victory, achieved with a degree of assistance from some surprising shoddiness from the New Zealanders at the end, must have the English anticipating a backlash."

Richard Loe points the finger at several All Blacks in the wake of their Hong Kong loss to the Wallabies in The New Zealand Herald.

"Just as well Graham Henry got warned for speeding last week. After that match in Hong Kong last night, you get the feeling he might have had the book thrown at him if he'd been caught this week.

"The Wallabies deserved their win. They missed 14 or 16 points and should have won more easily than they did. Robbie Deans must have been tearing out his hair watching their mistakes; simple things like tactical kicking and balls hoofed out on the full.

"But - and this is a big but - the All Blacks did not play well. They looked rusty, tired, out of sorts for much of the match and you could point a finger at half a dozen of them."

Dylan Cleaver is struggling to define what a successful November tour for the All Blacks would look like in The New Zealand Herald.

"It is a curious situation when the All Blacks head off on a tour where it is simple to measure failure, but difficult to gauge success.

"There is an expectation that the All Blacks will come home unbeaten. Okay, there's an expectation that the All Blacks will win every test they play whether it's justified or not, but this time logic, not an inherent arrogance, tells you that potential pratfalls are few and far between.

"The Wallabies in Hong Kong tomorrow night loom as the biggest impediment to an unbeaten tour, though if Australia win it will be their first in 11 attempts."

Writing in The New Zealand Herald, Chris Rattue lets fly at Steve Hansen who has called for the country's rugby media to keep team news a secret until the management make announcements.

"They mistakenly believe that an entire country should be - and even is - in a Kremlin-style rugby camp. All journalists face tricky situations at times, and may choose to withhold a story knowing there will be a better payoff down the line. This can be a grey area of no hard and fast rights or wrongs.

"But a blanket agreement such as Hansen is suggesting is totally unacceptable. The rugby media, a thin line in this country, will fight such trends to the bitter end and cop the consequences if any. The rot must stop here. If Hansen doesn't want certain information in the media, he must try to keep it secret. And the media's job is to try and find out about it. Simple really. A number of journalists have suggested to me that Hansen might have been joking. He's never struck me as a comical bloke."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Dylan Cleaver lays into the predictability of the ITM Cup and suggests that the National Provincial Championship has been a letdown this season.

"Bit of a damp squib that turned out to be, then. After a season that started out with a hundred potential storylines - the return of Tana Umaga, the introduction of Sonny Bill Williams - the national provincial championship has been pared down to a tired old cliche: the four functioning Super rugby franchise bases will take their place in the ITM Cup semifinals.

"Stifle yawn.

"The goodwill towards rugby that returned like a spring swell in rugby's heartland provinces will now be swamped by a wave of apathy as the metropolitans thumb their noses at the playoffs, their attention instead turning towards the corporate Christmas party season.

"The prospect of another (choose your own combination from the three) Auckland-Canterbury-Wellington final is no match for Grabbit & Loophole's Miami Vice-themed soiree at the Viaduct Basin.

"Waikato offer some hope of tournament salvation. Their demolition of Canterbury in the weekend was comprehensive and Waikato Stadium is small enough to offer the hope of a near full-house, though it has been a while since the turnstiles clicked at a decent cadence in Hamilton.

"It's a disappointing end to a great competition."

Sonny Bill Williams spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald about his new life as an All Black.

"'IT FEELS', says Sonny Bill Williams, 'like something out of the movies'. The script is just how he would have written it. Knowing he's not a character in a film but a real-life All Black has finally given him the confidence to call himself a rugby player.

"In Williams's grand plan, missing selection for this tour wouldn't have been a disaster - he knew he still had time to prove himself before the World Cup next year. And he was never confident that, given the competition, he had done enough to be picked. 'To do it in such a short time makes it much more sweet,' he says.

"But at this stage of his return home, it wasn't really about the All Blacks, yet. 'Coming back was about proving myself,' he says. 'Because I had proven myself in rugby league. Ask any player when you talk about what it means to a lot of them it is family and things like that."

The New Zealand Herald's Richard Loe assesses the New Zealand squad and although he's not sure he likes what he sees, he says he trusts Graham Henry and co.

"It's a strange thing, this All Black team. There are form players here, injured players left behind there, and more injured players selected all over the place. I just don't get it. You can't sling too many arrows at this selection panel as they have coached a fine team with a pretty darned extraordinary record - but I'm blowed if I can follow their logic. Maybe that's a good thing.

"Maybe their World Cup rivals won't understand what they're doing either. That must be it. It's a clever plot to confuse the hell out of everyone. Why take injured players like Andrew Hore or Keven Mealamu or Sitiveni Sivivatu who have had no or next to no rugby? Everyone knows all three of them will be in the World Cup squad, fitness and form permitting.

"So why not let them rest and recover? There will be accusing glances and statements if any one of those three gets injured on tour now. Why not build depth and talent by taking others away and giving them international experience? The only reason I can think of is Graham Henry and the All Black panel are keen to break the world record of 23 tests unbeaten and are placing their trust in battle-hardened veterans to do that, rather than treat the tour as more of a team-building exercise."

Wynne Gray takes a look at Stephen Donald's claims to be the All Blacks' back-up to Dan Carter in The New Zealand Herald.

"It took Stephen Donald seven tests before he graduated from the subs bench to wear the All Black No 10 jersey.

"That day in Hong Kong two years ago, Donald started the test against the Wallabies with Daniel Carter outside him as a second pivot. It was an idea which did not quite gel and Donald was subbed soon after halftime and the All Blacks reverted to their regular Carter-Ma'a Nonu axis.

"Unless Carter makes some powerful progress from his ankle injury in the next week or so, Donald looks as though he will direct the All Black backline once more next Saturday against the Wallabies in Hong Kong."

Richard Knowler tips Sonny Bill Williams to enjoy greater success in union than his code-crossing predecessors in The Press.

"Shontayne Hape, Lesley Vainakolo, Henry Paul and Sonny Bill Williams.

"They are all dual internationals, having played for the Kiwis rugby league team before jumping codes, but only one, Canterbury's Williams, has been named in an All Blacks side since rugby went professional in late 1995.

"History is littered with All Blacks who defected from the amateur ranks to chase the cash in rugby league, but finding those that have executed the move in reverse is more taxing."

Chris Rattue eulogises about Sonny Bill Williams while aiming his latest broadside at northern hemisphere rugby in The New Zealand Herald.

"Northern Hemisphere rugby should be trembling in its boots because an era is dawning in which their inept and often static brand of rugby will be left even further behind by the new breed of All Black super back.

"Whatever you may think of Sonny Bill Williams the person - and his actions towards the Canterbury Bulldogs and Kiwis still sticks firmly in this craw - the footballer is a remarkable beast, who has the potential to turn the All Blacks into a devastating unit.

"The size, power and skill of the All Black backline selected for next month's northern tour is something to behold. Williams, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Isaia Toeava and co represent a fearsome if somewhat unproven prospect. The All Blacks could throw the equally devastating Rene Ranger, Robbie Fruean and maybe even Richard Kahui into the mix, while Piri Weepu and Israel Dagg will figure when injuries are healed."

Marc Hinton believes that Warren Gatland's decision to remain in Wales is a blow to New Zealand rugby on stuff.co.nz.

"Warren Gatland's surprise decision to re-up with Welsh rugby for another four years has some serious repercussions for New Zealand rugby.

"Gatland, the former All Black hooker, has extended his current contract with Wales through until the end of 2015, a deal purported to be worth as much as $1 million a year.

"The feeling is it must have been a heck of an offer to persuade Gatland to not only stay on in Wales for another four years, but to recommit so soon, still the best part of a year out from the World Cup."

Mark Thomas attempts to apply some sporting laws to the world of business in The New Zealand Herald.

"Not long ago, our All Blacks were labelled the "biggest cheats in world rugby". Our captain countered by asking who is squeaky clean, and even the NRL referees' boss was suspended over awarding a controversial try.

"Isn't it a good thing that sporting rules are so high-profile? It hammers home, to public and players alike, the importance of policies and why we have them - and that's just as true in the world of business as it is in the world of sport. But where was that scrutiny with the recent corporate collapses around the globe?"

Sonny Bill Williams insists that once he puts the famous All Blacks jersey on he will be 'ready to rumble'. The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray reports.

"When Sonny Bill Williams turned on his mobile phone after flying north from Christchurch, the first message of congratulations came from his mum.

"About 20 messages popped up, but the first one I read was the old lady's, she was pretty happy," Williams revealed.

"Woo hoo I'm the proudest mum in New Zealand," the message read.

Williams' flight was delayed, but once he heard the news and detoured to complete his media duties at Eden Park, he was heading off to celebrate with his mother.

Williams thanked his rugby mentor Tana Umaga who had texted congratulations, All Black coaches Graham Henry and Wayne Smith for helping him to overcome his self doubts and the rugby public in New Zealand for being so supportive since his return home. "It has really helped my self-confidence as a person, grow."

Sonny Bill Williams is all smiles following his All Blacks call-up © Getty Images

Perception and reality have never been bedfellows in the career of Sonny Bill Williams, according to the Sunday Herald's Gregor Paul.

"The tumultuous end of his NRL career; the association with Anthony Mundine and Khoder Nasser; the drink-driving charge and sexual escapade in a Sydney toilet have created the impression of a young man who doesn't see legal or social convention as something to respect.

"Today's inevitable confirmation of Williams as an All Black will throw up all manner of questions, none more relevant than whether the 24-year-old can assimilate into the world's best team.

"Rugby is a code steeped in valour and no team has an ingrained culture like the All Blacks. The value systems are clear and precedent set as to what qualities define a good All Black."

The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Grey believes that if Southland hooker Jason Rutledge is good enough to tour with the All Blacks then he should be considered, his age is irrelevant.

"Old bullet-head has surged past 100 games for Southland and showed great tenacity, drive and accuracy in his specific tasks and general play. He will be 33 in December - but his powers show no signs of decay. Indeed you could argue he is improving with each season.

But mention his name as a possible All Black candidate and the reaction is generally unfavourable. Too old, you hear; past his use-by date, not a good investment. All I'll say is Brad Thorn.

If Rutledge is good enough he should be considered, his age is irrelevant. And it's not as if the country is flush with those wearing the No2 jersey."

Medical tests and intuition will be crucial selection components before the All Black touring squad is announced on Sunday, according to the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Grey.

"The coaches want to take a shadow World Cup squad on the five-test trip but that aim has to be balanced against an expanding list of injured players.

"Some like Andrew Hore and Sitiveni Sivivatu are about to return from long-term injuries, others like Daniel Carter, Keven Mealamu, Rene Ranger and Israel Dagg are overcoming recent damage while the selectors will be looking anxiously at any further problems in this weekend's round of the ITM Cup.

"Mealamu was due to test his calf injury this weekend with Auckland but the hooker has been withdrawn because Corey Flynn has torn a calf muscle while Hore's return is still marginal."

New Zealand collect their Commonwealth Games gold medals © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Kelly Exelby reports from New Zealand's latest Commonwealth Games triumph.

"Whatever opposition teams throw at them it's almost as if the Games sevens title is now New Zealand's by right.

"With four bit-part All Blacks in his ranks - Ben Smith, Liam Messam, Hosea Gear and Zac Guildford - ironically it was Tietjens' sevens specialists who delivered the knockout blow.

"Tietjens' team hardly fired on the world circuit this year, losing their overall crown to Samoa and winning just two of the eight series tournaments. In the end it hardly mattered."

Richard Knowler salutes the colour and hardiness of the Southland faithful following their Ranfurly Shield reign in The Press.

"While Canterbury deserve all the plaudits slathered on them after Saturday night's Ranfurly Shield seizure, it seems rather churlish if another mob doesn't earn at least a few rounds of applause too.

"Hardy, original, vocal, and, yes, some can-throwing oafs were even a little bit feral, they were a bunch that left their own inimitable hoof prints on the New Zealand rugby landscape during Southland's shield tenure.

"No, we are not talking about the Southland players here – although they have certainly gained the nation's respect for sparking a surge of interest in the old log o'wood.

"Instead, this is about their supporters, who are are unlike any others in the country. If the crowd that packed their way into the Rugby Park terrace are anything to go by, the word "fashion" is not something that is a priority before a night at the footy in Invercargill."

Sonny Bill Williams and Canterbury took the Ranfurly Shield away from Southland © Getty Images

The New Zealand Herald's Michael Guerin turns a phrase about Sonny Bill Williams' future in New Zealand.

"You can be forgiven for not liking him. I don't want to like him, not somebody this unfairly talented. With his super-charmed life, those looks, the insane ability, the international media profile.

"All style and magazine shoots and adoring young fans.And now the monster that is Canterbury rugby has beat up its brave little Southland cousins, he has the Ranfurly Shield to play with as well.Hardly seems fair when the snow-shovelling, real men of the South lose their most treasured possession to guys like him from Canterbury."

Paul Ackford believes that we will see a new England this November, one crafted in the image of the All Blacks, in The Sunday Telegraph.

"At that time the evidence suggested that sides who managed that won the majority of their matches. But two years is an age in the evolution of elite sport, and the emphasis has shifted somewhat.

"Obviously, tries are still very much a going concern but, as the Tri-Nations demonstrated, they're two-a-penny these days, and a haul of three won't necessarily see off the top opponents.

"As England gear up for their four autumn internationals against New Zealand, Australia, Samoa and South Africa, the first against the All Blacks just a month distant, the talk is of 'red zones' and 'conversion rates', and of new selection criteria which contributed to the demise of former England captain Steve Borthwick."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Wynne Gray previews the forthcoming All Blacks squad announcement.

"It seems they are hell-bent on taking as many World Cup prospects as they can even if that means taking some like Andrew Hore, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Isaia Toeava on reputation and scant match play.

"The 30-strong squad is named next weekend when the Three Wise Men have to trim a few quality candidates from their touring party.

"My greatest intrigue will be who they identify as Richie McCaw's deputy, who they have fingered as the next-best under the changing laws and shape of the game to understudy the skipper.

"Since Messrs Henry, Hansen and Smith took over, the All Black duties in 2004, they have seen McCaw do battle for them in 68 of the 86 tests they've been together."

Can Canterbury regain the Shield? © Getty Images

Canterbury must view their Ranfurly Shield challenge against Southland as an 'us against them' battle. According to Richard Knowler in The Press, everyone else is.

"As they hunch inside their foxholes to prepare for this weekend's Ranfurly Shield challenge, the Canterbury players will probably feel the rest of New Zealand is about to declare war on them.

"As they try to do a job on Southland in Invercargill on Saturday night, it will not just be the local crowd willing the challengers to lose at Rugby Park. Most couch potatoes around the country, barring those from between the Rakaia and the Waimakariri rivers, will be backing just one team and it won't be wrapped in red and black.

"Rugby supporters are no different – folks around the planet love to back the underdog and Canterbury, the NPC titleholders that are sitting at the top of the competition, will be Public Enemy No1."

An irregular heartbeat has been, perversely, the source of Robbie Fruean's consistent form this ITM Cup. So writes Gregor Paul in the New Zealand Herald.

"At the core of Fruean's improvement has been a medical and training regime that was struck upon by accident.

Fruean had been selected to play the opening game of the campaign against Hawke's Bay but had to withdraw because of an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) in the build-up to the game.

He was put under surveillance - Fruean had heart surgery in 2008 after contracting rheumatic fever - and his medical team opted to try a different drug regime.

The change in medication has been a revelation and Fruean's heart is now operating close to full capacity as opposed to the 50 per cent it managed during Super 14 - which was why he tended to fade midway through the second half.

He's also embarked on a new conditioning regime where he runs for longer at a slower pace which has strengthened his heart and given him a better conditioning base. He's fitter with improved aerobic capacity and that has been a factor in his growing confidence."

Writin in the New Zealand Herald, Bevan Hurley laments the tragic loss of rugby-made Ezra Sitagata.

"Young Ezra Sitagata could "swerve, pass and tackle like a pro" when he was named player of the year for his Ardmore Marist Under 7s rugby side last year.

But when he turned up for pre-season training this year, it was to break the news to teammates that he wouldn't be playing for the "Green Machine" in the upcoming season.

Doctors had found a massive cancerous tumour in the middle of his brain in February and, due to its location, were unable to operate.

The rare condition, known as brainstem glioma, is an aggressive form of cancer that spreads quickly through the nervous system."

Tana Umaga may get back to Super rugby, argues The NZ Herald's Gregor Paul, but perhaps not on the pitch.

"There are other factors that weigh, probably more heavily, against his inclusion. He's being carefully managed through the ITM Cup, almost playing one game on, one off. When he does play, it's usually for no more than 60 minutes. When he has played, he's been effective and his presence is enough to inspire those around him. Yet he's been intermittent in the sense that he's involved for a period then steps back.

"The picture is further complicated in trying to determine how Umaga would handle the step up to the next level. The jump in speed, physicality and intensity between ITM Cup and Super 15 is a large one.Chiefs coach Ian Foster says Umaga has a bright future as a coach and that an invitation to spend time with the franchise next year has been extended. Last year Foster's back-up team included forwards coach Craig Stevenson and lineout specialist Keith Robinson so Umaga could be used sporadically without overlapping anyone's existing portfolio."

British & Irish Lions captain Ronnie Dawson and All Blacks captain Wilson Whineray lead out their teams before the start of the first Test at Dunedin in 1959 © Getty Images

Prolific sports writer Bob Howitt tracks Whineray's path to the top in A Perfect Gentleman The Sir Wilson Whineray Story - reviewed by Colin Meads and Andrew Stone in the New Zealand Herald.

"Howitt's 18th book on the game fills a gaping hole in rugby annals, given Whineray's status among the best of All Black captains, and the absence until now of a decent biography of one of the game's most respected figures. In the book, written with Whineray's reluctant co-operation, Howitt unearths some forgotten tales to add to rugby's storehouse, and presents a portrait of a man who over-achieved on the footy paddock and again rose to top when his playing days were finished, carving out a remarkable business career.

"...As a player, Whineray was tough and durable. He wore the black jersey 77 times, and was All Black skipper on 69 of those occasions.

"All up he got on the park for 240 first class games. He did not shirk from the tough stuff, an attitude that might have sprung from his boyhood love of boxing and heavyweight titles won while at university.

"One of Howitt's yarns illustrates Whineray's steel: in April 1957 the rising rugby star played the first 40 minutes of a South Island trial in Christchurch and then drove to Dunedin with three Lincoln College students to reclaim his heavyweight university boxing title in the Town Hall feature fight that evening."

All Blacks legend Colin Meads chats to the New Zealand Herald's Michele Hewitson and declares his amazement at the public's interest in him.

"He talks about himself in the third person. "There was going to be a film made on Colin Meads." And, "You can get Colin Meads overkill, can't you?" And, "I just carry on being Colin Meads." This is almost always a symptom of advanced megalomania, usually found in people who think they're important, or famous.

"With him, it's the opposite: a way of dissociating himself from that other bloke, the important and famous Colin Meads as opposed to the other one who sits at home and reads about himself and says, "This is bloody ridiculous!"

The Haka - has the protection of the All Blacks gone too far? © Getty Images

Tony Johnson can't udnerstand the recent furore over responses to the haka on Supersport.

"The IRB’s heavy handed stance on teams facing the All Black haka at events like next year’s Rugby World Cup has brought a predictable, and in some cases outraged response.

"It came to light during the recent IRB Womens World Cup when the Australian Rugby Union was fined because their team, the Wallaroos “advanced” on the challenge being performed by the Black Ferns.

"The message is clear…any teams doing so during next years tournament will face similar action.
As a New Zealander I find it absurd, and frankly embarrassing that it should come to this, and I just hope that the All Blacks or the New Zealand Rugby Union have had nothing to do with it."

Sonny Bill Williams did plenty of damage off the bench against Wellington © Getty Images

Canterbury coach Rob Penney looks at the difficulties facing New Zealand provincial coaches in terms of player management in The Press.

"One of the skills required by provincial coaches these days is managing players and determining just when they should, or should not, return to the starting side.

"Whether it be because of injuries to players, their All Black duties or just a need for a rest, coaches are always pondering their permutations ahead of the next match – just as we have been for this Saturday night's match against Otago in Dunedin.

"Last weekend we believed it was the appropriate time to ensure Sonny Bill Williams remained 100 per cent fit, especially given that he had previously made two 80-minute appearances against Taranaki and Northland after his comeback from injury. So we listed him on the bench."

Wynne Gray, writing in The New Zealand Herald, is pleased from an All Black point of view that Peter De Villiers kept the Springbok job.

"Whew! From all accounts, even among those wearing the crustiest Springbok blazers, there was some serious heat on Peter de Villiers and his South African coaching entourage.

"That group and the players had managed a solitary Tri-Nations victory this season, one measly win in Pretoria against the Wallabies after trailing 21-7 at one stage.

"It was not a good look. The results sheet looked shabby, P Divvy had made more vocal gaffes than George Dubya and there were some serious rumblings about the need to shore up the coaching group."

Winston Aldworth hails Southland following their Ranfurly Shield win over Auckland in The New Zealand Herald.

"As sports fans emerge from another Fashion Week, it's informative to note that deep maroon tones with gold trim and highlights are the "in" look this season in domestic rugby.

"Blue and white stripes - so popular during the big-city boom in the shoulder-padded 80s and early 90s - had their chance to return to the top of the Ranfurly Shield catwalk.

"But they were cut off by the timeless elegance of a face full of Invercargill mud in a howling southerly. And neutral rugby fans loved it."

Peter Lampp of the Manawatu Standard reserves special praise for the Turbos' Hamish Gosling.

" Had the Turbos been able to call on eight Hamish Goslings at Albany yesterday, they would've knocked North Harbour for six, instead of losing 44-30.

"His exemplary performance in part camouflaged the Turbos' eighth loss, as did their fightback to score four tries for a precious bonus point.

"These Turbos are short on horsepower and go through horrible tackling lapses, as they did yesterday when Harbour packed on a nauseous 21 points in 18 minutes."

England will be hoping to push New Zealand all the way in November © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Wynne Gray is optimistic England and Wales will offer the All Blacks a significant challenge in the November internationals.

“There has almost been an air of resignation about these trips, from the All Blacks and their opponents.Perhaps no more, though.

“Wales have been muscling up, while ol' Beetlebrow Martin Johnson - who often gave the "we're learning" post-defeat soundbite in his early coaching life - has been talking a little more resolutely about England this season. He believes his players are hitting fitness levels they have never before achieved and have cottoned on to the new law interpretations.

He added: “For the All Blacks' sake and for the sport, let's hope some of the off-field optimism translates into some quality opposition in November.”

Tom Varndell notched for Wasps in Saturday's dramatic win over Leicester Tigers at Adams Park © Getty Images

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Wynne Gray argues that Waikato are primed for a late push for the play-offs.

"Stick some dosh on the Mooloo men to make the national rugby playoffs. Talk of Waikato's rise is beginning to bubble away in rugby circles, but they need some extra impetus as the ITM Cup warms towards the semifinals next month.

"Canterbury and Wellington have been the provinces to beat in the past few seasons, but there is a feeling, certainly in the area south of the Bombay Hills, that the troops clad in the famous red, yellow and black might give the championship a nudge again.

"Waikato last won the national crown in 2006 and that target may seem some way in the distance as they look at their mid-table position. It may get even more disconcerting when their last two outings show a loss to Southland and a draw against Hawkes Bay. Proposing Waikato, after those results, will make the playoffs might have some suggesting mental health issues.

"But here goes anyway....."

Paul Rees wonders whether the All Blacks are being mollycoddled by the IRB in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup in The Guardian.

"Peter de Villiers earned himself a date with a disciplinary committee earlier this year after he suggested that referees were favouring the All Blacks because New Zealand was hosting the 2011 World Cup. The South Africa coach escaped censure but was told by his employers, not for the first time, to send the brake on his tongue in for repairs.

"De Villiers might have been tempted to have responded to the International Rugby Board's edict this month that teams who disrespected New Zealand's haka, or any of the war dances performed by the Pacific Island countries, by encroaching too close or reacting menacingly would be fined, but for the impending review of the Springboks' Tri-Nations and friendly international campaigns this year by the South African Rugby Union which is occupying his attention.

"The Australian team in the recent women's World Cup went home £1,000 poorer for advancing during the haka and breaking small print in the tournament regulations. The IRB deems the haka to be a traditional part of the game and one worth preserving; a pity it has not been so staunch in its defence of another traditional aspect of the game, rucking."

Wynne Gray is worried about the All Blacks' workload in 2011 in The New Zealand Herald.

"Let's face it. The All Blacks' schedule next year is ridiculous. It has been aggravated by the impending birth of the Super 15, a tournament which expands the schedule for each franchise to a possible 19 games from mid-February to a July 9 conclusion.

"Those chosen for the All Blacks will have a three-week break before they begin a four-test Tri-Nations series then a fortnight's interval until the start of the Rugby World Cup.

"It is a heavy programme, rugby overload, and little wonder the All Black coaches have been wooing the Super rugby coaches at this week's meetings to get some agreement about sparing the top players."

Sonny Bill Williams - an All Black in waiting? © Getty Images

He may not be the finished article, but Sonny Bill Williams will soon be an All Black, according to Marc Hinton on stuff.co.nz.

"Sonny Bill Williams will surely tour with the All Blacks at the end of next month. Even with those defensive foibles that stud his game.

"Anybody who thinks otherwise is kidding themselves.Sure, he's still a long way from being the finished rugby product. On attack he's making great strides and it's no stretch to say his offload game is as good as anybody's running around. But defensively he's as wooden as Pinocchio and his instincts are as badly lacking as his positioning.

"To cough up two tries the way he did at the weekend when fielding ball on the deck would also have raised a few alarm bells. Granted, he wasn't done any favours by the conditions, but to twice squirt ball out the back that grateful Taranaki opportunists were able to pounce on was an unforgiveable sin."

Tony Johnson takes a look at the different strategies used to manage the playing time of the All Blacks and Springboks on Supersport.

"In New Zealand we have I noted with interest the decision by SARU to withdraw its contracted players from the Currie Cup.

"There has been a similar, if not quite so far reaching decision here in New Zealand by the All Black selectors. 11 core members of the side are expected to sit out the rest of the ITM Cup, with other members restricted to a small number of appearances.

"Some, like Dan Carter, will be asked to play just one game to gauge their fitness ahead of the end of year tour after coming off injuries. Rather than be taken out en masse, as is the case in SA, they have been treated on an individual basis, but the effect is similar. It must be frustrating for fans and provincial coaches, but surely player welfare has to be the overriding factor.

"As I noted during the Tri-Nations it looked to me as if some of the key Springboks were looking jaded. It’s hardly surprising given the amount of playing time the likes of Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana have had."

Gregor Paul wonders about the Wallabies' capacity to cause an upset at next year's Rugby World Cup in The New Zealand Herald.

"There's a growing wariness about the Wallabies and the potential threat they will pose this time next year.

"So what if they have lost 10 in a row to the All Blacks - does anyone really trust them not to lose another two and then beat New Zealand at next year's World Cup?

"It would be so typically Australian to win when they have to - to rip out the All Blacks' heart then dance on it. This is the Wallabies, the masters at pressure football; the sort of cunning foxes who really would deliberately bumble their way through three-and-a-half years just to keep their true World Cup credentials a surprise."

Fly-half Aaron Cruden fires a pass away during training with the All Blacks © Getty Images

Writing on Rugby Heaven, Marc Hinton wonders if Aaron Cruden is worthy of a place in the All Blacks squad for their end-of-season tour.

"The All Blacks selectors have a big call to make over the next month or so. Are they prepared to carry a player who is so flawed in the core tasks of his role?

"That's essentially what it comes down to in the case of Manawatu youngster Aaron Cruden who spent all season playing understudy to Dan Carter then fluffed his lines when he got his chance on centre stage in Sydney.

"It's harsh to pass sweeping judgment on the rookie five-eighth on the strength of one test - his first start to boot - when, frankly, the entire team didn't really measure up until the final quarter.

"And it was notable in the aftermath of New Zealand's 23-22 thriller to bring the curtain down on the first "perfect" six-game Tri-Nations campaign that the coaches steadfastly refused to condemn Cruden for a poor tactical and kicking game. Instead they chose to largely focus on the positives, which could be a pointer to their mindset around the gifted - but imperfect - No 10."

Teams should be able to respond to this challenge as they see fit © Getty Images

Gregor Paul argues that teams should be able to respond to the haka in whatever way they choose at next year's World Cup, writing in The New Zealand Herald.

"All teams facing the haka and other pre-match challenges next year will not be allowed to encroach closer than 10 metres. If they do, as the Wallaroos discovered at the recent Women's Worlds Cup, they will be fined. Absolute tosh. Teams should be free to receive the haka how they like.

"If they want to stand on halfway, or slowly advance, or turn their backs, or return to the changing rooms while it's going on, then let them. The haka is a welcome and established part of test rugby. Most players who have faced it say they loved it and in truth it often feels as if opponents get more out if it than the All Blacks. Long may it continue. But the world should not be forced into some kind of cultural servitude. To dictate how teams must behave affords the All Blacks reverential status, as if they are the only nation with any ingrained heritage or meaningful tradition.

"It also removes the prospect of unexpected drama. Who could forget the way the boggle-eyed Willie Anderson angrily advanced his Irish side into the All Blacks' faces in 1989? Anderson and Shelford ending up nose to nose - unforgettable; brilliant. England's Richard Cockerill did much the same in 1998, impeding Norm Hewitt to spark a rivalry that ended in those two scrapping in the back of a taxi later that night."

Wynne Gray reviews a nervous starting Test for All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden in The New Zealand Herald.

"His father and grandfather were in the grandstand, his left ankle hurt and he had almost doubled the playing minutes in his All Black test career.

It was that sort of mixed night for Aaron Cruden, he was unsure whether to be happy or introspective after the All Blacks somehow grabbed a 23-22 win against the Wallabies in Sydney.

"Cruden and Piri Weepu were the new Nos 9-10 combo for the visitors in a Hurricanes-laden backline. That selection formation was to ease Cruden through his first test start after five brief appearances from the bench."

Writing in the New Zealand Morning Herald, former All Blacks skipper Sean Fitzpatrick hails the significance of his compatriots' Tri-Nations victory over Australia in Sydney on Saturday.

"There was a huge anticipation in the lead-up to this match about how the All Blacks would go but they came through brilliantly.

"I'm not sure they would have won a game like this 12 months ago. But there's a real belief about this side and they came out on top despite the absence of Daniel Carter and despite the number of changes made to what had been a settled side.

"They struggled at times to overcome those changes in combinations but they never wavered in their belief. They have a great leadership team, not only with Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina but also with Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith. That has allowed players such as Keiran Read, my man of the Tri Nations, to flourish.

"It's looking very, very good for the future."

The Sydney Morning Herald has Australia coach Robbie Deans quoted as saying he is in no doubt taht Richie McCaw is the greatest modern skipper in All Blacks history.

""He's clearly grown into a very effective leader," Deans told reporters on Friday.

"You look at his performance, his performance stats, which obviously aren't attributable solely to Richie but he's a big part of that, he's without peer."

Say Cheese: Wallabies skipper Rocky Elsom and his All Black counterpart Richie McCaw © Getty Images

The Bledisloe Cup should not be treated as a marketing tool according to Toby Robson in The Dominion Post.

"By all accounts the ball has been a hit with tourists and a great advertisement for New Zealand, but the players looked uncomfortable and awkward as they were wheeled out and sacrificed at the altar of the marketing gods.

"Which brings us to the fact that less than 10,000 tickets have been sold to the All Blacks-Wallabies test scheduled for Hong Kong next month.

"Should the New Zealand Rugby Union really be surprised? Who would want to see these two sides play each other for the fourth time in a calendar year? Fans in Hong Kong – let's face it, we are talking about expat Kiwis and Ockers – are sending a message most Kiwis endorse."

Wynne Gray wonders if there's time for Sonny Bill Williams to become a Rugby World Cup bolter in The New Zealand Herald.

"Once they were referred to as the bolters but that selection element, certainly for World Cups, has shrunk in the world of professional rugby and increased test matches.

"Remember that first tournament way back in 1987 when raw Auckland loose forwards Michael Jones and Zinzan Brooke made the cut. Jones played test rugby for Manu Samoa 11 months before but that appearance did not prevent him being chosen for zone and national trials, then the All Blacks.

"His rise seemed inevitable although there were many who questioned his ruggedness, wondered whether he was promoted because of Auckland's superiority or if he was an appropriate choice anyway, because of his never-on-Sunday stance."

Rupert Guinness talks to All Black fly-half Aaron Cruden about his first Test start and battle with cancer in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Aaron Cruden will cut a small figure in the All Blacks line-up as they run onto the field at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night to play the Wallabies.

"Cruden, 21, the replacement at five-eighth for the sidelined Dan Carter, weighs 82 kilograms and is 178 centimetres. But All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is quick to remind you: ''He is not the biggest guy in the world but he is a gutsy tackler and will get in and make tackles.''

"McCaw's comment underlines Cruden's courage to battle against the odds and his ability to take on bigger players with ball in hand. And, on the way to his first starting cap for the All Blacks, Cruden has already overcome a foe mightier than he will meet on any field."

David Pocock got through plenty of work against South Africa © Getty Images

Wynne Gray is looking forward to David Pocock and Richie McCaw going head-to-head in Sydney on Saturday in The New Zealand Herald.

"About a year ago, David Pocock replaced the superb but tiring George Smith as the Wallabies' premier openside flanker.

"That ascension had only been a matter of when, once Pocock was nabbed five years ago by former All Black coach and looseforward John Mitchell for his Super 14 debut. Pocock is still only 22, but yesterday in Bloemfontein, he backed up his work from the week before with another stunning display in the Wallabies' edgy 41-39 victory.

"While most inspection would have been on Kurtley Beale's mishaps-to-messiah contribution in the second half, the Wallabies would have been buried without Pocock."

Sonny Bill Williams will have to perform well for Canterbury to gain an All Black call-up © Getty Images

Sydney Morning Herald reports that New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has warned Canterbury newcomer Sonny Bill Williams he will have his work cut out to force his way into the All Blacks side.

''He is not going to be picked just because he has decided to come and play rugby,'' McCaw said. ''He is going to have to play good enough to prove himself. Some of the guys he will be competing with are pretty good players.

''He is a hell of an athlete. He is a big man with a lot to offer. It's whether he can fit into how the teams play or not. I could imagine if we help him as much as possible - firstly in the Canterbury set-up and then the Crusaders - he can be a real handful. A couple of guys who played him in Toulon say he is a real threat every time he gets the ball. I'm intrigued to see how he goes.''

Canterbury coach Rob Penney lets fly after his side's surprise ITM Cup defeat to Tasman in The Press.

" For the teams that make the final, the NPC is a 15-week competition.That demands a pretty robust campaign and I'd like to think we work our guys in a manner that allows them to be excited and refreshed by the end of each week.

"That's what was so disappointing about our performance against Tasman on Saturday. We had a really good, managed preparation but not only did the players let themselves down, first and foremost, but they let the wider group down too.

"That's the guys who couldn't play, the management and ultimately red-and-black country – the people that get in behind them and support them. That was a really un-Canterbury performance."

Chris Rattue has compiled a list of ways that New Zealand can win the Rugby World Cup in 2011 in The New Zealand Herald.

"The Tri-Nations trophy (does anyone actually know what this looks like?) is back in the cupboard, and all is well in Rugbyland.

"Next assignment. Eeeeek - the World Cup.Okay, so we're skipping a few things here, like another of those (yawn) magnificent trips to Europe, where the Scary Scots and Welsh Wizards lie in wait.

"Not that they need the help right now, but here are a few suggestions for the All Blacks to amp up the campaign to become world champs, and so put this nation out of a dreadful misery."

Peter Bills hails the All Blacks' gameplan as the deciding factor in their Tri-Nations triumph in The Irish Independent.

"So, did the All Blacks get out of jail in Johannesburg? Behind for 77 minutes of a compelling Test match and at times smashed back by the Springboks' immense physicality and terrific defence, were they lucky to turn the game on its head with two tries in the last three minutes?

"Not in my book. This match wasn't won in front of 94,000 delirious South African fans who thought they had the old Kiwi skewered and on the braai midway through the second half when the Boks led 22-14.

"It was won last year in the northern hemisphere and earlier this year when the Tri Nations began. As someone once said, you triumphed the moment you decided to become someone."

Chris Rattue hails the performance of New Zealand after they wrapped up the Tri-Nations title in Soweto, and he wasn't at all impressed with the Springboks, in The New Zealand Herald.

"Rugby has rarely been better to watch, if ever, and this re-built All Black team is already among the best ever.

"The All Blacks were magnificent, nullifying South Africa's famed home advantage and finishing them off with two late tries that should rank high in any memory that can cope with the cluttered modern day test schedule. As for the Springboks, they are in even bigger trouble than we thought.

"If that's the best the world champs can come up with in a home colosseum while celebrating John Smit's century of tests, then they are indeed one large tank skidding out of control down one very steep hill."

Are the All Blacks in a class of their own? © Getty Images

Marc Hinton hails the All Blacks' Tri-Nations victory and their emergence as one of the great sides on stuff.co.nz.

" Does it get any better? The Springbok sweep is completed, but more to the point the All Blacks have shown in Soweto overnight that they are on course to go down as one of the great sides of this generation.

"Their 29-22 victory over the Springboks achieved all sorts of landmarks - their 10th Tri-Nations title in 15 years, their 14th straight test victory in a run that shows no sign of abating and, importantly, their third win in as many outings against the Boks in 2010.

"The horrors of 2009 are now not only avenged, they're a distant memory. The Springboks have been swept, now just the Australians await. Surely the wobbling Wallabies are just another statistic waiting to be hoovered up by this hungry side of Graham Henry's."

Sean Fitzpatrick maintains that the All Blacks and Springboks need each other, despite the recent SANZAR wrangling, in The New Zealand Herald.

"My response to the Springboks pulling out of Sanzar is - don't do it. The All Blacks and the Springboks need each other, perhaps more than either would like to admit.

"In my view, it's still the best rivalry in world rugby. I have magical memories from my youth of sitting in front of the TV with my family in the dead of night, tingling with excitement at the prospect of watching the All Blacks take on the auld enemy.

"My heroes the All Blacks, playing South Africa on the TV in the wee small hours of the morning - pure rugby heaven for a young lad. Playing the Boks has always been the ultimate challenge for any All Black and that remains the case. Playing them in New Zealand is a tough proposition, but fronting up in South Africa is another level altogether."

The Springboks have had little to cheer about in 2010 © Getty Images

Gavin Rich ponders the step up in class shown by New Zealand's players this season, and the flat performances of their Springbok counterparts on Supersport.

"If anyone was trying to justify the all-pervading depression that fell on many South African rugby followers at the end of the away leg of the Tri-Nations, All Black coach Graham Henry summed up why they were feeling that when he arrived in the country at the weekend.

“It has been going well so far, because there was a feeling in New Zealand after the Super 14 final that we would not be able to match the Springboks,” said Henry.

"Yes, and that was only two and a half months ago. Henry's words are a reminder that the South African expectations were not based on false hope and were completely justified. This was not a year when the Springboks should have been so emphatically outplayed away from home."

Chris Rattue can't tear his eyes away from the 'Sonny Bill Show' as the former Toulon centre gears up for his Canterbury bow in The New Zealand Herald.

"The Sonny Bill Williams show should kick off in earnest this week and this unique rugby extravaganza continues to gather pace.

"Canterbury play Tasman in Nelson on Saturday afternoon - the early bets will be on Williams making an appearance in the second half. Williams got the royal treatment from the Sky commentators on Friday night, even though he didn't actually appear for Canterbury against North Harbour because of a "tight hamstring".

"Unavailable yes, but certainly not forgotten. Not since "Bring Back Buck" entered the language has an absent friend been so present. Williams won frequent mentions in association with the blockbusting Canterbury centre Robbie Fruean who was actually playing, and playing rather well."

Richard Loe believes that a few All Black barbs have found their mark in recent weeks as they prepare for a Soweto showdown with the Springboks in The Herald on Sunday.

"The All Blacks have been clever in their build-up to next weekend's test match against the Boks in Soweto - and they need to be.

"The Boks will come at them very hard in front of 90,000 fans.The All Blacks in the two tests in New Zealand didn't just surprise the Springboks, they shattered the image of them being the best team in the world, put a question mark next to the future of many players and will have made them question their whole approach to the game, only a year or so out from the World Cup.

"Their response will be physical, committed and almost desperate. But will it be enough? After the first test in New Zealand, most of us thought (I certainly did) the Boks would come back hard in the second test."

Has Israel Dagg's Crusaders move made New Zealand rugby lopsided? © Getty Images

Tony Smith believes that the Crusaders' selection pull, in the wake of Israel Dagg's defection, could spell problems for New Zealand rugby in The Press.

"Has the New Zealand Rugby Union opened a can of worms with its Super 15 selection policy, and are the Crusaders getting greedy?

"Most franchises would count themselves lucky to have Sonny Bill Williams' signature. But now the Crusaders have poached exciting young All Blacks back Israel Dagg and are also flirting with the Highlanders' All Black backrower Adam Thomson.

"A Super rugby player has effectively become a stateless person. Dagg hails from Hawke's Bay and continues to play national provincial championship rugby for the Magpies. Yet he got his Super rugby break with the Highlanders and is now headed to the Crusaders to join Magpies mate Zac Guildford, last year's capture from Hurricanes country."

Wynne Gray predicts a potent atmosphere as the All Blacks take on the Springboks in Soweto next weekend in The New Zealand Herald.

"The Springboks against the All Blacks in Soweto. The nerves churn and the blood rises just imagining the atmosphere next Sunday if more than 94,000 cram into the National Stadium to watch the old rivals.

"One of our satellite sports is baiting South Africans, but one thing we should never do is chip them about the way they support their national teams. They do atmosphere as well as any rugby nation round the globe.

"Next week that may rise to a new level as the Springboks arrive for the first of their three Tri-Nations tests at home with revered captain John Smit set for his 100th Springbok cap."

Dylan Cleaver takes a look at the recent upturn in fortunes for Counties Manukau in The New Zealand Herald.

"It says much about Counties Manukau's commitment to promoting young talent in the region that two of their most impressive players have a combined age that barely exceeds their most celebrated player's.

"Halfback August Pulu, 20, and fullback Tim Nanai-Williams, 21, have provided the impetus that has propelled Counties to the top of the ITM Cup table and gives them real hope of an upset in tomorrow's Ranfurly Shield challenge against Southland.

"Granted, it is early days and there is every chance they could come unstuck by season's end, but at the moment it is good times in the Franklin district."

Wynne Gray calls for Peter De Villiers, and his now famous outbursts, to remain in place throught to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in The New Zealand Herald.

"The squeaky helium tones of Peter de Villiers will not be back in town until next year, as long as he makes the World Cup cut. In the meantime, though, his vocal gems are sure to bounce around the globe as other nations marvel at some of his sayings and wonder about his coaching connection to the Springboks.

"Let's hope he stays in charge to the end of next year because without him, the Boks would be a much more dangerous beast.

"This week, old P Divvy escaped the wrath of Sanzar when he was cleared of misconduct for comments implying some sort of conspiracy between referees to bolster interest in the 2011 World Cup. A South African judicial official ruled that he had not breached the code of conduct."

Marc Hinton takes a look at the latest in a growing line of refereeing errors as Tony Woodcock is let off the hook in stuff.co.nz.

"Hell, even I'm embarrassed now by the dream ride being afforded the All Blacks. Maybe the wildly eccentric Peter de Villiers actually has a point.

"Call off the judicial Rottweilers! Goodness knows Graham Henry's men don't need any help beating their rivals, the form they're in this year, and the confidence and efficiency they're playing with.

"But they certainly got some on Saturday night from otherwise exemplary South African referee Jonathan Kaplan in Bledisloe II in Christchurch."

Greg Growden of Rugby Heaven looks forward to next year's World Cup in New Zealand.

"Remember the classic ship scene from the Marx Brothers' A Night at the Opera when everyone pours into Otis B Driftwood's stateroom?

As the three Marx Brothers are surrounded by manicurists, ship engineers and finally waiters carrying plates of food, Groucho exclaims: ''Is it my imagination, or is it getting crowded in here?''

"That moment was re-enacted on Saturday night in Christchurch. But this time it wasn't funny. All week we'd been hearing about how the Christchurch Test was being used as a guinea pig for next year's World Cup tournament to see whether the local facilities could cope with a major international event. The Wallabies travelled via Auckland to check if the Customs facilities would be efficient enough for the visiting teams.

"Good to hear, as the Auckland arrivals area can be a debacle. Sure, New Zealanders are proud they are a wool nation, but it doesn't mean tourists have to be herded into a sheep pen. If you can get through the baggage area in less than half an hour, think yourself lucky. And then you have to confront the nightmare of travelling into Auckland where a highway suddenly dissolves into a one-lane suburban street, prompting delays and further frustration.

"Can't wait for World Cup finals time in Auckland, especially as the locals are already whingeing that getting to and from Eden Park is as easy as escaping Alcatraz."

Sonny Bill Williams in action for Belfast in Christchurch © Getty Images

Writing in the Sunday Herald, Richard Loe reports on Sonny Bill Williams' comeptitive debut in New Zealand.

"They were hanging out of the trees, you couldn't find a parking spot at Sheldon Park and they were lined up seven or eight deep on the sidelines - but, in the end, all you could really say about Sonny Bill Williams' rugby debut in New Zealand was that he's finally had a game.

"The Belfast and Lincoln University club sides seemed a bit overawed by the attention. They'd normally get 100-200 people on a good day. There were thousands yesterday.

"While the standard of rugby wasn't up to much, Sonny Bill scored a solo try from second five-eighth and you can see why the All Black selectors are interested in him.

"He looked the part in Belfast colours - green and gold, right down to the gold boots - and on the evidence of what little ball he got, he looked the part in a rugby sense too."

The All Blacks shed their cloak of invincibility last night yet continued on their winning way, the Sunday Herald's Gregor Paul reports on New Zealand's latest victory over Australia.

"They had to work for it. They had to sweat, remind the nation that appearances have been deceptive this season - test rugby is a tough business.

"The high-octane rugby was still on view, the desire to run and cut loose always evident, but some of the grunt, some of the smash work wasn't.

"Also on view was genuine Wallaby resistance. They had most of the ball. They had plenty of territory and they had plenty of passion.

"They just couldn't find the right holes to run through. Their ball retention was excellent - their direction not so. No one can expect to beat the All Blacks with such lateral work."

Writing on Rugby Heaven, Marc Hinton details Sonny Bill Williams' first outing for New Zealand club side Belfast.

"They showed him the love, and Sonny Bill Williams lapped it up as he made his long-awaited debut on the rugby fields of New Zealand this afternoon.

"Close to 4000 people packed leafy Sheldon Park in suburban Christchurch to watch New Zealand rugby's big-name signing make his first appearance on the New Zealand scene.

"And they were not disappointed as the one-time star of the NRL put in a classy sort of 49 minutes, capped by a go-ahead second-half try, and helped inspire his Belfast club to a 22-7 victory over Lincoln University in the Christchurch club competition."

Frowns all around: Are the Aussies heading for a crisis? © Getty Images

Peter Bills airs his concerns for Australian rugby, not only on the pitch but off it, in The Irish Independent.

"Without wishing to put too fine a point on it – something the Aussies never like doing – a brutal fact has to be recorded: Australian rugby is in the soup.

"It has nothing to do with last weekend’s defeat for the Wallabies at the hands of the all-conquering All Blacks. Fact is, they are likely to get another belting when they meet again in the Tri Nations/Bledisloe Cup match in Christchurch on Saturday.

"If the Wallabies lose this weekend, it will be a ninth successive loss to the All Blacks, their fiercest rivals. Yet not even that stark, sorry statistic represents the depth of Australian rugby’s travails.

"A marketing survey recently released in Sydney revealed that Australian Rugby Union’s (ARU) share of the sporting market has nearly halved in six years despite spending an alarming AUS$23m on the game. It has slipped to a perilous 13.7pc of the sporting interest market and is only the fourth most watched sport in the country."

Wallabies legend Mark Ella believes that Robbie Deans must develop combinations in his backline if he is to counter the All Blacks in The New Zealand Herald.

"So far in this season's Tri-Nations matches it has been noticeable that the senior players within the All Blacks group have been in outstanding form and the likes of McCaw, Kieran Read, Keven Mealamu, Brad Thorn, Tony Woodcock and Mils Muliaina are getting better with age.

"The one aspect of the game that is worrying from an Australian perspective is the lack of combination within the Wallabies backline.

"The Wallabies have a team of utility players who, apart from halfback Will Genia, are too accustomed at playing in different positions week in week out."

New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Justin Vaughan shows his disgust at the conduct of All Blacks fans at last weekend's Bledisloe Cup Test in The New Zealand Herald.

"I was lucky enough to be in Melbourne last week.I have spent quite a lot of time there in the past and it is a city I really like, in part because of its great sporting culture.

"My recent trip was to meet with Cricket Australia, with our discussions centred on resolving the ICC vice-president nomination as well as preliminary planning for our co-hosting of the Cricket World Cup in 2015.

"I was very fortunate to be invited to attend both the All Black test match against the Wallabies at Etihad Stadium and an AFL game at the MCG (between Collingwood and Carlton) while I was there."

Can Soccer City inspire the Springboks? © Getty Images

Brenden Nel calls for the Springboks to build some momentum and restore some pride between now and the end of the season on Supersport.

" Now that the Springboks can do absolutely nothing to stop the All Blacks from winning back the Tri-Nations title, it is time rather to turn our attentions to restoring pride in the national jersey and creating some momentum ahead of next year’s World Cup.

"The next three home Tri-Nations games will be crucial for the Springboks, not only because they are on home soil, but because it will test the reaction of a management team currently under pressure to come up with a counter to not only the All Black supremacy, but their own playing woes on the field.

"You don’t have to be an expert to expect the Boks to do well in these three test matches. They are, by far, a different animal at home, and all three tests are at altitude, with the Wallabies having a very poor record, having not won at altitude since 1992."

Chris Rattue joins the chorus of dissenting voices following Drew Mitchell's sending off against the All Blacks in The New Zealand Herald.

"Thank you, YouTube. Finally, we get to see what Wallaby winger Drew Mitchell was yellow-carded for in the Melbourne test. It turns out to be the phantom tackle.

"The initial Fox Sports-provided pictures broadcast by Sky in New Zealand didn't show the incident but a clip on the internet answers the riddle. The verdict: rugby is stark raving bonkers to send blokes off in test matches for such innocuous incidents.

"The Wallaby pack may be soft, but the game is getting even softer. Mitchell perhaps got what he deserved - under the dubious current rules - when he prevented Conrad Smith from taking a quick lineout throw later on and was red-carded for a second yellow card offence."

Toby Robson takes a look at the contrasting body language shown by the All Blacks and Wallabies in training on Tuesday in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Body language experts weren't needed in Christchurch yesterday.

"Five days before kick-off, two contrasting practice runs unfolded as the All Blacks and the Wallabies began preparations in earnest for their Bledisloe Cup rematch.

"At AMI Stadium the mood was light. Even the most carefree passes stuck as the All Blacks backs went through their counter-attack drills at the match venue. Players and coaches wore the relaxed, self-assured smiles of a team on a 12-Test winning streak and with fresh memories of a 49-28 drubbing of their trans-Tasman neighbours."

Tana Umaga takes on the Otago defence © Getty Images

Dylan Cleaver is happy to eat humble pie following Tana Umaga's successful return to New Zealand rugby with Countie Manukau in The New Zealand Herald.

"Tipping results in a public forum is a bit like a pub quiz. You give it the fist pump when you get one right, but mutter an exasperated, "Of course, if I'd thought about it a bit longer," when you've wrongly nominated the Matterhorn as the tallest mountain in the Alps.

"So let it be known that in last week's Super Sport, Southland, Wellington and Auckland all got the fist-pump treatment. A few didn't, most glaringly Counties Manukau versus Otago.

"Unless Counties can get their hands on the ball they will lose heavily ... Otago by 8," was the gist of it. Actual result, Counties 29, Otago 13."

Spiro Zavos ponders Robbie Deans' legacy in New Zealand rugby as he looks to plot their downfall as coach of Australia in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Hoist by his own petard. Wallabies coach Robbie Deans endured the acute pain on Saturday night during the Bledisloe Cup Test at Melbourne of seeing several players he developed into stars when he coached the Crusaders destroy his team. But would the Franks brothers, Brad Thorn, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read or Daniel Carter have been the great players they have become if they had been developed by Australian Super rugby coaches? They might not have.

"Deans cleverly played Thorn as a second-rower, rather than as a loose forward. And in doing so he maintained the Crusaders' tactic (now standard practice around the world, except in some Australian sides) of having a scrummaging, hard-yards second-rower (Todd Blackadder before Thorn) to complement a taller, jumping partner. Deans, though, spent hours getting Thorn's jumping right by practising with him, having Thorn catch an old boot. On Saturday night Thorn won his one lineout throw and made important passes in both of Cory Jane's tries.

"When Carter first came into the Crusaders squad, Deans asked him what his goals were for the season. "To take Mehrts' [Andrew Mehrtens's] place," he replied. "Good answer," Deans told him. A common sight at the end of the Crusaders' practices was Deans teaching Carter all the tricks of how to kick a rugby ball."

Are the All Blacks peaking too early again? © Getty Images

Peter Bills revisits an age-old question in The Irish Independent; are the All Blacks peaking too early?

"This was not the perfect All Blacks performance and, besides, we won't know its true value until the World Cup next year. After all, Vincent van Gogh only sold one painting in his entire lifetime.

"But as an indicator of what is possible if your philosophy focuses on attack over defence, if your mindset is to free the ball and run it as often as possible and you have the skill set to complete that task, this latest demonstration of what the game is capable of now that the law interpretations have been tweaked, was more than adequate.

"A harvest of seven tries at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium on Saturday means that the All Blacks have now scored 15 tries in three Tri-Nations matches this season and conceded just five."

Chris Rattue rubbishes the efforts of Robbie Deans' Wallabies and bigs up the achievements of the All Blacks in The New Zealand Herald.

"The All Blacks will be the best side by streets at the World Cup next year. It won't even be close.

"Whether they win the trophy or not is another matter. If the World Cup was a championship, no team would touch them. As the Webb Ellis Cup is decided by sudden-death games, anything is possible, as everybody knows.

"Graham Henry's new-look side is so far ahead of the pack that the Bledisloe Cup game in Christchurch this week is in danger of turning into a massacre, with the Awful Aussies ripe for a hiding. The problem for Australia isn't skill. The problem is a lack of muscle power and heart."

Keven Mealamu has been in fine form for the All Blacks © Getty Images

Duncan Johnstone salutes Keven Mealamu after another stand-out performance from the All Blacks hooker on stuff.co.nz.

"Keven Mealamu is demanding the All Blacks keep their feet on the ground and with his nuggety frame that shouldn't be too difficult for the in-form hooker.

"Mealamu was one of the stars of New Zealand's 49-28 thrashing of the Wallabies in Melbourne last night.He made some big yards up the middle of the paddock with his low-trajectory running game and put in some big hits with another busy effort on defence.

"The All Blacks know they are just a win away from retaining the Bledisloe Cup when they meet Australia in Christchurch next Saturday and judging by Mealamu's attitude they are determined to get the business done - with a dash of style that has characterised their impressive season."

Greg Growden calls for the All Blacks to be handed the Tri-Nations trophy after another dominant display against the Wallabies in Melbourne in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Give the All Blacks the Tri Nations trophy, right now. It is all over. The next month or so is just sheer theatrics. And while we're at it, why not call off the Christchurch and Sydney Bledisloe Cup Test matches!

"It's high time the Australian Rugby Union did long-suffering Wallabies fans a favour, because they have been subjected too long to unnecessary agony, dejection and disbelief as one Australian line-up after another has been put through the sausage machine, and turned into little boys by the All Black master butchers.

"It's eight Tri Nations defeats in a row - and drawing close to the worst sequence ever when Australia lost nine in a row to New Zealand between 1936-47. This is a debacle, even prompting All Blacks coach Graham Henry to say if he was in a situation of eight straight losses he would feel ''sad''."

All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick was impressed by Graham Henry's men once again as they routed the Wallabies, and doesn't buy in to their 'chokers' tag, in The New Zealand Herald.

"This was another very good All Blacks performance. What was especially pleasing was that it was a continuation of what they did in the first two tests against the Springboks.

"The Wallabies posed different problems to South Africa and that was illustrated in the first two minutes when Matt Giteau picked out a mis-match in the All Blacks defence and set James O'Connor up for a great early opportunity.

"But the All Blacks withstood the pressure throughout and maintained their accuracy and intensity. They played smart rugby. People have been saying New Zealand are peaking too early again and we are going down the same road we do every time before a World Cup. But I don't buy into that at all. At the moment they are playing smarter, better rugby than anyone else."

Writing in The New Zealand Herald, Wynne Gray wonders if there is a place for Sonny Bill Williams in the All Blacks squad.

"I'm with Khoder Nasser all the way. Couldn't quibble with the bloke - even if some of his methods, from a distance, seem a bit agricultural.

"Nasser is the bloke who manages boxer Anthony Mundine and Sonny Bill Williams, the yet to get started Cantab in the ITM Cup.

"There was his manager, talking recently through a range of his topics associated with his two main clients and predicting impending All Black status for SBW.

"No worries, said Nasser, SBW would be picked for the All Blacks and would be a star.

"I half agree at least. Star? Dunno, but it will be 29 blokes plus SBW for the end-of-year tour with the All Blacks.

"Nothing will surprise unless the bloke is damaged.

"Why else would the NZRU and All Black selectors go through all their ingratiation unless they thought SBW was of international calibre? That done, the investment will have to be used on the end-of-year tour."

In a stinging editorial, The New Zealand Herald vents it fury at Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully over his use of taxpayer's money to wine and dine IRB officials.

"The scenario is not hard to imagine. Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully is hosting the International Rugby Board at one of the Viaduct Harbour's most upmarket restaurants to celebrate the official launch of World Cup ticket sales.

"These grandees are accustomed to the very best. Not for no reason were their meetings held in London's exclusive East India Club for many years. Why, in the words of a spokesman for Mr McCully, would you not use this occasion to showcase the "best" New Zealand has to offer?

"The cost to the taxpayer might be one reason. The latest release of ministerial credit-card spending records shows Mr McCully spent $2855 wining and dining his 14 IRB guests.

"Included in the bill were four bottles of Ata Rangi pinot noir '06 for an eye-popping $740, or $185 each. Judith Tizard, the former Consumer Affairs Minister, must be mortified."

The race to finish in the top seven of the ITM Cup has seen some unions aggressively recruit players - but it's not without risk according to the New Zealand Herald's Michael Brown.

"The finishing order of the 14 teams in the competition will determine which seven teams qualify for the Premiership and which seven teams will play in the Championship in 2011. This battle for a top-seven place is what some have described as the "competition within the competition" and it has shaped many unions' recruitment.

"Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Southland and Hawke's Bay have been four of the most active provinces in the off-season.

"Each province must fit under the new salary cap regulations, set at $1.35 million or 36 per cent of a union's commercial revenue based on audited accounts from the previous two years - whichever is the least.

"Bay of Plenty, who finished seventh last year, have recruited a number of newcomers including All Black wing Lelia Masaga, former Hurricanes lock Luke Andrews, Highlanders centre Brett Mather and former Auckland halfback Taniela Moa, who was a late signing after Junior Poluleuligaga was lured back overseas. It means the Steamers could field an entire starting line-up of players with Super rugby experience."

The bitterness the rest of the world feels towards Richie McCaw is increasingly hard to contain according to the New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul.

"There's barely disguised contempt for the All Black captain these days, as if his brilliance is neither real nor sustainable but for his unparalleled capacity to cheat.

"McCaw the cheat is the subject of choice in any test build-up; invariably the theme that dominates the post-match analysis.

"The skipper was ludicrously good in Wellington - something the South Africans were keen to dismiss as they questioned the legality of his work and the leniency of the referee.

"Springbok captain John Smit at least gave the impression he harboured a begrudging professional respect for McCaw; that the South African hooker would love to have the same favoured status among the world's leading referees.

"From Smit's perspective, the frustration is not that McCaw bends and occasionally breaks the rules, operating in the decidedly grey areas all quality opensides consider home. It's the fact he seems so regularly to win the benefit of the doubt; that referees are almost in awe of his reputation and powerless in his presence."

Mils Muliaina - front and centre in the war against loose kicks © Getty Images

Peter Bills believes that the All Blacks could soon inspire a revolution in rugby, one where old-school counter attacking is the order of the day, in The Independent.

"A strange, alien sighting was glimpsed in the skies above Wellington's Westpac stadium last Saturday night. Or rather, it was something that wasn't there that was so bewildering, so baffling.

"A rugby Test match was played without any aerial ping-pong, the great kicking plague of the modern game. Well, that isn't strictly true. One side did still try it. But they lost by 31 points to 17, four tries to two. So they don't matter, do they?

"Well, let's hope not. It might be stretching credulity to suggest that the rugby played by New Zealand these past two weekends in the Tri-Nations, at Auckland and Wellington, has been of a revolutionary nature."

Peter Grant salutes the transformation of Auckland's Eden Park into a top-notch stadium in The New Zealand Herald.

"Sounds like a TV period costume drama; maybe it was. My wife and I had been shouted a trip to Auckland for the night with tickets to the All Blacks v South Africa test match.

"We stayed at Newmarket so that we could wander down the road to catch the train to Eden Park.
First mistake, as the trains were not running from Newmarket, but had been replaced with a free bus service departing from Remuera Rd off Broadway.

"My wife was adamant that we catch the free bus instead of walking to Grafton station to catch the train, as the bus was closer."

Spiro Zavos has no time for the complaints of the Springboks in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Saloons in the Wild West often carried a notice: "Do not shoot the pianist, he is doing his best." This instruction came to mind when the madcap coach of the Springboks, Peter de Villiers, tried to explain his team's two comprehensive losses to the All Blacks.

"De Villiers suggested the Springboks had been persecuted by the referees. He threatened to "prepare guys to cheat" to turn this around. For the record, the penalty/free kick count at Wellington under the Irishman Alain Rolland was 10-9 in favour of New Zealand. One penalty to South Africa was turned around after Danie Rossouw was given a yellow card for flicking Richie McCaw in the eyes and then kneeing him.

"This hardly seems like the persecution of a team that was outplayed. And at Auckland in the first Tri Nations Test, the Springboks were awarded seven consecutive penalties in the middle part of the match, and were well ahead in the penalty count despite being thrashed on the scoreboard."

Handbags: Danie Rossouw and Richie McCaw get to grips with each other © Getty Images

Chris Rattue laments the performance of Alain Rolland in Saturday's Tri-Nations showdown between the All Blacks and Springboks in The New Zealand Herald.

"Sky started coverage of the clash between the All Blacks and Springboks by getting referee Alain Rolland's nationality wrong - putting the French colours alongside the Irishman's name.

"Sounds French so must be French - a mistake a few of us have been close to making with Rolland over the years. Rolland was French by suspicion, which is the sort of justice he meted out to Danie Rossouw, the Springbok lock, a few minutes later.

"The sinbinning of Rossouw was diabolical, the distorting of a major international sporting contest on scant evidence."

Peter Bills salutes another scintillating All Blacks performance, and sounds a note of warning prior to the World Cup, in The Irish Independent.

"So now we know it wasn't a fluke. And the challenge New Zealand's attacking game plan will present to every team in next year's World Cup has been spelled out in clear, exciting terms.

"Two defeats of world champions South Africa, a points tally of 63-29 and a try count of 8-2 in their favour speaks volumes for the All Blacks' attacking prowess and their determination to play a fast, penetrative game with ball-handling, and not kicking, at its core.

"They have thrown down a challenge to world rugby. To play such a compelling a style of rugby in perfect conditions at Auckland nine days ago was one thing. The Springboks were surprised, shocked by it. But to repeat the feat in wet, windy conditions at Wellington on Saturday night was something else altogether."

The All Blacks delight in Israel Dagg's try against the Springboks in Wellington © Getty Images

Writing in the Sunday Herald, Gregor Paul analyses what the All Blacks learnt from a difficult 2009.

"As hard as it was to stomach back then, the 3-0 blitzing by the Boks last year was the making of this All Black side. In their darkest hour, they were forced down a different path and the All Blacks of 2010 would not be the side they are now had it not been for the pain of 2009.

"The glaring deficiencies in their game had to be addressed. No one was immune - not even Richie McCaw, nor Dan Carter, nor the coaches.

"As much as he hated it, McCaw had to learn how to attack the ball in the air. He hated it because most of the 80 minutes could be spent virtually standing still, watching the aerial ping-pong play out. To get involved, he had to be able to time his run, get off the ground and challenge for the ball.

"Carter had to work on his kicking repertoire. He had the length and range; he needed to improve his tactical implementation. He had to better judge when to bang the ball long and when to stick it high and give his players the chance to retrieve.

"The coaching panel had to re-evaluate their selection templates and the emphasis they placed on basic skills."

Can John Smit inspire the Springboks? © Getty Images

Gavin Rich expects Springbok skipper John Smit to shoulder plenty of responsibility against New Zealand this weekend on Supersport.

" His ability to dig his team out of a crisis meant that at the Wanderers there used to be a saying that “cometh the hour, cometh Clive Rice”. In the Springbok rugby context, it could be adapted to John Smit, as it is the captain’s ability to take the world on his shoulders and stand up and be counted that holds the key to South Africa’s chances of redemption in Wellington on Saturday.

"The Boks take on the All Blacks in the second Vodacom Tri-Nations test under the sort of pressure they haven’t faced since the first match of last year’s British and Irish Lions series. Since then the winning momentum has tended to be with them, they have been on a roll, and the step back that appeared to be taken on the last end-of-year tour was hidden behind the excuse of fatigue.

"But as Jean de Villiers said during the week, the big defeat in Auckland seven days ago, where the Boks not only lost by 20 points but also conceded four tries to nil, had the effect of taking the Boks 10 steps backwards."

Wynne Gray is expecting renewed fire from the Springboks when they take on New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday in The New Zealand Herald.

"In the cyclops world in which some New Zealand rugby followers dwell, the All Blacks will repeat their vast Eden Park-winning margin tomorrow.

"For those with greater peripheral vision, this looms as a much tougher contest than a week ago. Why? There are a multitude of reasons. Last Saturday was a hell of a beating - a 20-point thumping, though it was well short of the record 52-16 walloping they delivered in Pretoria in 2003.

"The All Blacks will do well to play or be allowed to play to the standards they showed in this start to the Tri-Nations. The Tri-Nations champions, who include the core of the Bulls side which won the Super 14 crown this season and others who annexed the last World Cup, are not a dud team."

Bakkies Botha's nine-week ban could be the turning point in his career according to those who know the Springbok and Vata Ngobeni in The Star.

"On Thursday, Botha met with Bulls coach Frans Ludeke, with an affirmation by the Bulls to support their beleaguered lock.

"Botha, 30, has one more year to run on his Bulls contract and speculation is rife that he could leave for big money overseas after next year's World Cup.Meanwhile, there has been some closure following the head-butting incident.

"Bakkies did go on TV on Monday night and apologised to the nation and we back him 100 percent in this," said Ludeke. "He put his hand up, accepted responsibility for his actions and said his actions weren't good enough."

Rene Ranger makes his first start for the All Blacks in Wellington © Getty Images

Marc Hinton believes that the real test of the All Blacks' credentials will come this weekend in Wellington, when the odds are not so heavily stacked in their favour, on stuff.co.nz.

"This week is the real indicator for the All Blacks. This week we get a genuine sneak peek at whether Graham Henry's men have reclaimed their place at the top of world rugby's pecking order.

"I believe it's only after Saturday night's Blacks-Boks II at the capital's Cake Tin that we'll really be able to pass judgment on Richie McCaw and co, and just how well they're travelling a year or so out from the big party at their house.

"Sure enough last week at Eden Park was pretty damn impressive, 32-12, four tries to nil, and the Boks outplayed in pretty much every facet of the game as the Tri-Nations was opened in style."

Peter Bills believes that South Africa are getting their just desserts after failing to curb bakkies Botha's indiscipline in The New Zealand Herald.

"Bakkies Botha caught an aeroplane out of New Zealand late Sunday night, the start of a long flight home to South Africa in which shame and humiliation would have been his only companions.

"Botha's 2010 Tri-Nations tournament ended after 51 minutes, the time it took his coach to substitute him during last Saturday night's test match against the All Blacks at Eden Park, Auckland.

"In truth, it should have ended with a red card after 29 seconds, the time it took for the giant Springbok lock to head-butt from behind New Zealand halfback Jimmy Cowan."

Jacques van der Westhuyzen was left "angry and embarrassed" by the actions of Bakkies Botha in South Africa's loss to New Zealand, in The Star.

"There's a fine line in rugby between being an aggressive player and being a thug. On Saturday in Auckland, Bakkies Botha overstepped the line. And if he is branded a thug for the rest of his career, it'll be no surprise.

"His headbutt on Jimmy Cowan was inexcusable and he's rightly been punished. His absence in the Bok team will, fortunately, not be felt because there are more than enough quality locks to take over the No4 jersey. In fact, Danie Rossouw and Andries Bekker have played better rugby than Botha in the last 12 months and while they may not have the "presence" of him on the field, they're just as aggressive, robust and are, in fact, far cleaner players."

Spiro Zavos believes that the Springboks were over-confident and under-prepared for their opening Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Peter de Villiers, the zany Springboks coach, dismissed talk of South Africa not winning at Eden Park since 1937 with this comment to journalists: ''If you play the field as well as the opposition, you'll lose.'' I took that remark to mean that the Springboks didn't think they had to do anything extra or different to break their Eden Park hoodoo. This was a big mistake.

"They could have arrived in New Zealand earlier than six days before the Test. They were overconfident. A spy claims that on Friday night he spotted Ricky Januarie tucking into a McDonald's hamburger. Sean Fitzpatrick said the senior players looked tired not long into the match.

"The game plan of the Springboks did not involve much high-octane play. They played their usual kicking game as if they only had to turn up to win. There was thuggishness from Bakkies Botha, but no energy or thoughtfulness in their play."

Kieran Read celebrates after scoring the All Blacks' third © Getty Images

Peter Bills reserves plenty of praise for the All Blacks after a stunning start to their Tri-Nations in The Irish Independent.

"In the land where they filmed 'The Lord of the Rings', the world champions certainly had rings run around them. South Africa's beating, by four tries to nil, was a shuddering wake-up call.Their belief, arrogance personified, that they could just rock up a few days before this first Tri Nations Test of 2010 and ignore the ruinously wasting influences of jet lag, that no matter who the opposition, they could just turn up and it would be business as usual, suffered an almighty demolition job.

"They were off the pace, surprised and stung by the snap, crackle and pop of the All Blacks' game. Bakkies Botha's early yellow-carding, not to mention his wild headbutt upon Jimmy Cowan for which he was suspended for nine weeks yesterday at a disciplinary hearing, made the South Africans' lives so much more difficult. His early absence handed an initiative to New Zealand that the Boks were never able to wrest back."

Greg Growden rolls out a few World Cup jokes after the All Blacks' brilliant dismantling of South Africa in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Despite all the euphoria surrounding the All Blacks' swashbuckling win over the Springboks, the usual jokes about the Kiwis' inability to win a certain big trophy are getting another airing. Even if some of the gagsters have blatantly plagiarised lines directed at England and the football World Cup, they are worth retelling.

"The one going around yesterday involves a genie, who has granted the person who released him from the bottle one wish. ''I want to live forever,'' the person says. The genie slowly shakes his head, saying he cannot grant such a wish. ''Fine, instead I want to die when New Zealand win the World Cup.''

Chris Rattue, writing in The New Zealand Herald, believes that the nine-week ban handed to Bakkies Botha for a headbutt is insufficient.

"Nine weeks sounds like a long rugby ban. In the case of Bakkies Botha it isn't long enough. Botha should have got a year for what he did to Jimmy Cowan at Eden Park, also taking into account his history of thuggery.

"Why a year? Well, I've plucked that figure out of the air, but it sounds about right, and much more right than nine weeks.

"The best that could be said of Botha is that he admitted to head butting Cowan from behind, on the ground, and apologised. Given the outstanding video evidence against him, there wasn't much else Botha could do but nod, politely this time, in agreement."

With his Kiwi rugby debut in sight, Sonny Bill Williams admits it is the biggest gamble of his life - the Sydney Morning Herald's Steve Kilgallon reports.

"Sonny Bill Williams has grown up. The 18-month contract he signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union carries plenty of risk, little security, and he admits, is a huge gamble. It's precisely what he wanted. Never again will he sign a long-term contract.

''There's one line that has really stuck with me for a while now: you're only useful as long as you are necessary,'' says Williams, who still bitterly regrets the five-year contract he signed, and eventually walked away from, with the NRL's Bulldogs.

"In an extensive interview with Fairfax New Zealand he says: ''I wouldn't say I am a businessman. I would say I have become a lot smarter in the way I understand things. That line says it all. I guess sometimes it doesn't work both ways. I guess you could say I have grown up, matured. I have seen a lot and I guess that probably sums it up.''

Sonny Bill Williams faces the media © Getty Images

Canterbury recruit Sonny Bill Williams is happy to take the New Zealand media circus in his stride according to Jarrod Booker in The New Zealand Herald.

"Besieged by journalists, Sonny Bill Williams is asked if he thinks he will find any peace in his new hometown.

"I dunno ... if you guys give me some peace," he says with a broad smile. "Nah, it's all good, bro. It just comes with the territory of being back in this part of the world, I guess."

"The media onslaught yesterday after his arrival in Christchurch is nothing new to this colourful rugby league star turned Canterbury rugby union player and All Black hopeful. Throughout the world he is hot property to journalists and the sporting public."

Can South Africa win at Eden Park? © Getty Images

Tony Johnson ponders the Springboks' record at Eden Park, before going for a narrow All Black win, on Supersport.

"Eden Park has been kind to the All Blacks over the years. They have not lost a test match there since 1994, when the French scored arguably the greatest team try ever seen on that famous ground to snatch a win. They have not lost to the Springboks there since 1937.

"But right now, with the reconstruction project in full swing, it is half of a fortress, and the Springboks are sniffing a chance to break another hoodoo. Gradually this Springbok team is eating up a lot of old records. Two years ago they ended a run of defeats at Carisbrook that stretched back to the very beginning of great rivalry...their first victory in 8 tests there.

"A win at Eden Park must be a burning ambition, and if they can do it this year they’ll be very confident of repeating next year when it counts even more."

Wynne Gray is as excited as ever for the arrival of the Springboks and the Tri-Nations in The New Zealand Herald.

"All Blacks v Springboks. New Zealand against South Africa. Do the pulses quicken quite as much about duels between the superpowers as they did for those who watched the epic series in New Zealand in 1937, 1956 and 1981?

"Perhaps they do, but in a much different way from those infrequent visits of the Boks. Since the arrival of professional rugby in 1996, the men from South Africa have played annual tests in New Zealand.

"We have seen some extraordinary duels in that time in New Zealand, prefaced of course the year before by the controversy from that memorable World Cup shootout between the same sides."

Toby Robson believes that the arrival of Luke Rooney at Hawke's Bay points to a change in perception of the smaller unions in The Dominion Post.

"Former Aussie league star Luke Rooney's decision to head to Napier is further proof of changing attitudes to provincial unions, say Hawke's Bay rugby bosses.

"The 27-year-old has added his name to a Magpies roster that coach Peter Russell now believes is stronger than any others during his four-year tenure.

"Rooney, who can cover wing, fullback and centre, joins halfback Kahn Fotuali'i, first-five Dan Kirkpatrick, and prop Anthony Perenise as the new additions to Hawke's Bay's NPC squad."

Chris Rattue believes that "there is no such thing as a vulnerable Springbok team anymore" in The New Zealand Herald.

"Get them while they are not too hot. That's the best advice for the All Blacks, when they take on the world champion Springboks at the Eden Park construction site on Saturday night.

"There is no such thing as a vulnerable Springbok team anymore. They've got world-class and often over-sized rugby players coming out of their ears, a tried and trusted game plan, the best lineout in rugby history, and an easy confidence that will help see them through tough times.

"Even their madcap coach Peter de Villiers seems to be on to something. I used to think of him as a potential weak link but with so much experience in the 'Boks, he's turned into a jaunty, lippy conductor of a mighty juggernaut."

New Zealand PM John Key and All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw celebrate the side's recent win over Wales in Hamilton © Getty Images

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw should watch his back - because Prime Minister John Key says he risks getting tasered if he fails to win the Rugby World Cup next year. The Sydney Morning Herald's John Hartevelte reports.

"Mr Key this morning addressed an audience of Kiwi businessmen in South Korea's capital, Seoul. He joked he had given Mr McCaw the hard word about clinching the World Cup when New Zealand hosts the tournament next year.

"I've tried to tell Richie McCaw that it's very important - it's an election year," Key said.

If Mr McCaw won the cup "he may well become Sir Richard McCaw".

"Now I've encouraged him to get to know the minister of police, because I've decided that if he doesn't win the World Cup, maybe we could consider tasering him as well," Key said. "There is sort of an option either way there - we are an incentive-based political party."

Dylan Cleaver believes that the battle for the Tri-Nations could be done and dusted by July 17 if the Springboks get off to a flyer in The New Zealand Herald.

"Nobody will be so bold as to say it, but most know it to be true - the fate of the 2010 Tri-Nations could be known by July 17.

"A scheduling quirk has the Springboks playing two tests in two weeks in New Zealand to kick-off the Tri-Nations and if they are to continue their All Black-beating ways in Auckland and Wellington, you might as well crown them champions.

"It's a different scenario for the home team who will be mindful of the old golf adage that you can't win a tournament in the first round, but you can lose it."

Despite New Zealand franchises now being able to recruit two overseas players, Dylan Cleaver can't see major changes to the Super Rugby landscape, in The New Zealand Herald.

"Confirmation that Super rugby franchises will be allowed to contract two imports ineligible to play for the All Blacks might look like a giant leap into a brave new world, but it is likely to be a very small step instead.

"Rather than herald a cosmopolitan era of Super rugby, the effect of the rule change, which does not include the New Zealand Rugby Union-approved Pacific Island players, is likely to be minimal.

"There's about as much chance of basketball phenom LeBron James using his free agency to sign for the Waikato Pistons as there is of Brian O'Driscoll, Mike Phillips or even Felipe Contepomi making their way Downunder for a season or two."

Robin Brooke was set to become All Black captain until he was accused of having sex with a drunk teenage girl according to the New Zealand Herald's Jared Savage.

"The claim that Brooke was to take over from Randell was made by rugby journalist Phil Gifford on a television panel.

"And in an interview with the New Zealand Rugby Monthly soon after, Randell said Hart had told him Brooke would replace him.

"...But TVNZ's Close Up last night reported that Brooke lost his chance to be captain after he allegedly had sex with a drunk and "comatose" teenage girl 12 years ago.

"The current affairs show earlier said the alleged incident took place in 1998 - a year after the girl first met Brooke in July 1997 and they had consensual sex. She was 17 at the time. He was 30 and had been married for eight months."

Wynne Gray dissects the All Blacks' Tri-Nations squad and the selection of enigmatic back-rower Liam Messam in The New Zealand Herald.

"Multi-skilled Liam Messam has won the battle for the All Blacks' looseforward vacancy as the selectors continue to tinker with those on the edges of their Tri-Nations squad.

"Messam has been a yo-yo selection for the All Blacks since his 2008 debut, a player with a huge array of talent and captain of the NZ Maori, but an erratic reputation as well. He has played three tests and been left out of a number of other campaigns.

"However, his growing leadership and versatile impact under the rule changes persuaded the selectors to pick him yesterday in their 28-strong squad for the six Tri-Nations tests against the Springboks and Wallabies."

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Wynne Grey is a little puzzled by the suggestion that Aaron Cruden could provide the All Blacks cover at scrum-half.

"All coaches need to think outside the square, they like to challenge convention, search for alternatives.

"The current group have had their share of curious selections, like Soseni Anesi and Campbell Johnstone, but the most leftfield in their term might have been No 8 Steven Bates in 2004.

"But Aaron Cruden as a halfback? Was that Henry's version of the Peter Taylor moment in Australian cricket when most thought the selectors meant Mark Taylor when the names were read out. Did Henry perhaps mean Aaron Smith, the NZ Maori halfback who also comes from Manawatu?"

All Blacks rookie Rene Ranger is the latest "project" to cross the All Black coaches' horizon according to the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray.

"The 23-year-old was about to go fishing a week ago when he got a call to join the All Blacks in Hamilton as cover for the injured Israel Dagg and Conrad Smith.

"Now Ranger is in the Tri-Nations squad, a survivor of the selection cull which eliminated competition from Zac Guildford, Ben Smith and Luke McAlister.

"...The All Blacks last special project was Isaia Toeava, who was taken as a teenager on the 2005 end of year tour, has played 26 tests and is recovering after pelvic surgery last month."

After watching the All Blacks close out a series win against Wales, The Independent's Chris Hewett asks whether New Zealand are flirting with presumptions of greatness once again.

"The All Blacks should know everything they need to know about pride going before a fall, having landed splat on their silver-ferned posteriors at every World Cup since winning the first in 1987. But with the entire country turning its collective mind towards next year's global gathering on home soil, are the national team flirting with presumptions of greatness once again?

"Steve Hansen, one of their senior coaches, seems to think so. After his side stumbled to victory over a rookie Welsh side, he said: "We can step up into the big boys' league now, and we can go in with some confidence if we keep things smart and simple and people do their jobs."

"Big boys' league? By that, he meant the forthcoming Tri-Nations featuring Australia and South Africa. By implication , he also meant that Ireland and Wales were small by comparison. Given the way the Welsh made their hosts suffer at the set piece, it was an interesting put-down."

The New Zealand Maori celebrate a famous win over England © Getty Images

The future of Maori rugby looks a lot brighter than it did a fortnight ago, but the time remains ripe to debate how that future is configured, according the New Zealand Herald's Dylan Clever.

"The wins against Ireland and England were largely lost among the hype that surrounded the All Whites' improbable World Cup campaign, which is a shame because it stands as a landmark achievement at a pivotal time.

"If coach Jamie Joseph was asked once during this short centenary tour about the future of Maori rugby, he was asked a thousand times. Repetition did not make the question any less weighty or complex.

"There is no easy answer. With the New Zealand Rugby Union posting a record loss last year and the pressure to reclaim the World Cup increasing by the day, balancing the twin pillars of commercial and high-performance success has never been more difficult.

The Maori are an uneasy fit with either aim."

Balancing the rival elements of experience and excitement has been a hefty task for the All Blacks as they approach their return test against Wales, according to the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray.

"Captain Richie McCaw revealed it had been necessary to keep a check on some of the senior players as they eyed their return to international rugby, while the rest needed to lift their bite for Saturday's test in Hamilton.

"His side could not afford to start as slowly as they had last weekend at Carisbrook, where they lacked an edge to much of their play in the opening spell.

"It is hard because we had to make sure we were not ready to play on Tuesday. There is always a knack to make sure that by Saturday, your attitude is dead right," he said."

Luke McAlister says his body is now fine © Getty Images

Luke McAlister is crossing his fingers that his injury respite during his time with New Zealand Maori marks the start of an upturn in his rugby fortunes in the New Zealand Herald.

McAlister, who missed out on All Blacks selection for the home test programme against Ireland and Wales, has played 80 minutes at second five-eighth in both the Maori team's matches so far.

"The body's fine," he said. "I'm just stoked to be able to get a couple of 80 minutes under the belt.

"It's been a frustrating year. It's good to be able to put back-to-back games together and hopefully this is the last of my bad luck."

Police refused seven people entry after breath-testing visitors as they came through the gates to view one of New Zealand's oldest school rugby fixtures. Edward Gay reports for the New Zealand Herald.

"Thirty police officers breath-tested all of the 4000 spectators as they entered Christ College to watch the school take on rivals Christchurch Boys High, only waving school buses through their checkpoint. A spokesperson for Christchurch Central police said seven people had been turned away from the game, which was won by Christchurch Boys High for the tenth year in a row.

"Christchurch Boys High School principal Trevor McIntyre said the schools have been playing each other for the last 122 years but if bad behaviour at the match did not improve, the fixture could be canned.

"He said one of the longest standing rugby match-ups in New Zealand's history could not continue to be dogged by bad behaviour so the schools had chosen to take the "extreme" measure of breath testing spectators."

Richard Loe, writing in The New Zealand Herald, was pleased with the All Blacks' second-half showing as they routed Wales.

"I said at halftime at Carisbrook that the All Blacks would run away with it in the second half ... and so they did. You could see it coming.

"The Welsh tried to live with the All Blacks at the pace they were playing and you could just tell they wouldn't be able to hang on.

"The referee, Mr George Clancy, played a part in that. I thought he ran the advantage well and let both sides have good time with the ball. If it had been more of a stop-start match, with the game halting every time the ref saw an infringement, I think Wales would have hung in there longer."

After six years as Graham Henry's assistant, Steve Hansen wants a crack at being the All Blacks head coach, according to Gregor Paul in the Sunday Herald.

"After a stint with Ireland and what will be a four-year tour of duty with Wales, Warren Gatland wouldn't mind a crack at the All Blacks' job either when Henry steps down - most probably after the World Cup next year.

"These last two weeks have carried a little extra frisson of tension as a consequence, with both men aware the selection process has already begun. Hansen, so well known to the New Zealand Rugby Union hierarchy; so entrenched in the All Black camp; and so obviously liked by the players; appears to be in an unassailable position."

New Zealand's Israel Dagg is determined to follow up his impressive debut against Ireland with another eye-catching display against Wales on Saturday. The New Zealand Herald's Wynne Grey reports.

"A false dawn, a false read? It is the toughest part for a fledgling All Black after making the sort of quality debut six of them did last week at New Plymouth. They all played their part in a game which became a mismatch after 15 minutes when Irish No 8 Jamie Heaslip was sent off.

"They should all get a second chance tomorrow against Wales at Carisbrook, to show if they can reproduce their debut standards. One of those new faces is Israel Dagg, the 22-year-old fullback, who glided round Yarrow Stadium in a manner which compared strongly with the injured Mils Muliaina."

All Blacks assistant coach Waynes Smith surveys his side in New Plymouth last week © Getty Images

Passion and endurance have marked Wayne Smith's time in the fishbowl world of coaching the All Blacks according to Wynne grey in the New Zealand Herald.

"He admits the pressure can be suffocating, that he often feels wrung out at the end of each campaign but accepts those issues as part of the deal.

"The academic side of Smith seems to be more in harmony with his emotions, he is more balanced than his most taxing times as head coach.

"Smith is in his 11th season tutoring, mentoring and guiding the latest All Black crop, a group who began this campaign with an encouraging opening victory helped by Ireland's indiscipline.

"I got into coaching because I couldn't play any more and I still wanted to be part of the contest, part of the team," he explained yesterday. "Without sounding egotistical about it, it reflects winning, and so as you win you get put into positions higher up the ladder and with that comes pressure."

Hugh Farrelly talks to Ireland's latest skipper, fullback Geordan Murphy, about facing up to the haka prior to Friday's meeting with the New Zealand Maori in The Irish Independent.

"The haka promises to be something special when Ireland line up against the New Zealand Maori on Friday night, but it may come as a surprise to the host team to learn that the Irish captain has been on the other side of the fence when it comes to the Maori war dance, writes Hugh Farrelly.

"When he was a student at Newbridge College in Kildare, Geordan Murphy was part of an exchange scheme with Auckland Grammar, a famed rugby school in New Zealand, and during that time performed his share of hakas.

"He went on to face New Zealand's haka eight times, seven with Ireland and once with the Lions in 2005 and it provides a unique insight into the practice and its importance to the Maori culture."

After watching a raft of substitutions stip the All Blacks of momentum in their crushing victory over Ireland, the Sunday Herald's Richard Loe believes no one benefits when team rings wholesale changes.

"I hate to sound like a grumpy old man but I have had a crack at this before. I think it is better, even if you are trying to give people test match experience, to give them a run in the starting team.

"Sometimes, you see all the substitutions made in a game like that and you wonder what anyone gets out of it, really.

"You know, people like Victor Vito and Aaron Cruden who are trying to show they belong here. The game had got messy and destabilised and the best you could say about that kind of player is that the jury is still out."

Rugby's domination of New Zealand sport is under threat from growing interest in the nation's footballers at the World Cup according to Paul Rees in The Guardian.

"New Zealand and World Cups have tended not to go together in the past 20 years but, if the All Blacks are usually installed as favourites to win the rugby union version only to implode, the country's football side, who were dubbed the All Whites in the build-up to their only other appearance in the World Cup in 1982, have never been encumbered by expectation.

"Yet the All Whites manager, Ricki Herbert, believes football has overtaken rugby in the popularity stakes in New Zealand, as it briefly did 28 years ago when the team's Spanish sojourn coincided with a disenchantment with the oval ball game. The year before a contentious tour by South Africa was bedevilled by anti-apartheid protests, one of which forced the cancellation of a game in Hamilton."

Seldom does the New Zealand Rugby Union move with the subtlety and agility that it has displayed in the securing of Sonny Bill Williams for its depleted player ranks. The New Zealand Herald heaps praise on the NZRU in an editorial.

"Up against the much bigger money offered by his French club Toulon, the union has wooed Williams without being able to commit absolutely to the one thing he most wants - a place in the All Blacks for the World Cup.

"Quite how it has structured his contract and how incentive payments might work in his favour are not yet clear.

"What is clear is that New Zealand rugby without trading All Black jerseys as bait will soon have another potential star for the year before D-Day on Labour Weekend 2011.

"What is also clear is that Williams has shown that he does, truly, want to play for the All Blacks."

Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, Duncan Johnstone is impressed by the All Blacks showing against Ireland and one rising stat in particular.

"No hype surrounds Benson Stanley - unlike another young man about to push his claims for the All Blacks No.12 jersey - but the Auckland inside-centre showed why understatement can still be fashionable, especially in a provincial setting like New Plymouth.

"Let's get one thing straight - this was a good night to debut as the Irish capitulated through a mix of their own foolishness and relentless All Blacks pressure.

"But there was more than enough from Stanley to suggest he will be a worthy candidate as the selectors ponder their options for the World Cup next year."

Inga Tuigamala praises the All Blacks for getting their man after Sonny Bill Williams signed with the NZRU in The New Zealand Herald.

"Graham Henry and his troops have done the right thing by going out and getting Sonny Bill Williams.

"Sport needs its personalities - star factor, call it what you like - and Sonny Bill has that in spades. Most of all though he's a phenomenal player, the type of athlete that comes along just a few times in any generation. We're talking a Jonah Lomu-type talent here, Michael Jones, John Kirwan, above the mere mortals."

The New Zealand Herald's Dylan Cleaver looks into a new initiative to keep unruly parents under wraps at youth games.

"Auckland rugby bosses have compiled Ten Commandments for schoolboy rugby matches in a bid to stop unruly parents and others ranting from the sidelines.

"The campaign follows last year's drive to end the abuse of referees by players' supporters watching from the touch line. Club rugby manager Matt McHardy said that while that drive targeted junior club rugby - age 13 and under - this year's included secondary school rugby."

All Blacks rugby centre Conrad Smith is excited about the prospect of combining with Sonny Bill Williams after the former Kiwis league international moved a step closer to a black jersey today in The Dominion Post.

"Yeah, for sure. I'm just glad that, if he does play, he's playing in New Zealand. If we've got hold of him rather than playing overseas then it'll be good."