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."