NZ Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry break down three key questions as the All Blacks prepare to take on Ireland in Chicago.

COMMENT: Rugby may have trouble making a blip on the sporting radar in Chicago but the Irish will be demanding every All Black's attention.

Richie McCaw was locked in for so long, it almost kept New Zealand narrow minded.

Rugby or League? Kiwis or All Blacks? Sure to divide TV audiences throughout the country tomorrow morning as both our boys in black kick off at 9am.

AIG has renewed its contract with New Zealand rugby, retaining its central spot on the All Blacks jersey.

There hasn't been a rugby player quite like Julian Savea. Not in recent memory anyway.

Patrick Tuipulotu will have no Sam Whitelock or Brodie Retallick when he takes to Soldier Field against Ireland this weekend.

A leading United Kingdom rugby writer has told the Home Unions and the British Lions that the answer to beating the All Blacks is under their nose rather than in the gym.

Robbie Deans has suggested the Lions can strong-arm their way to victory over the All Blacks next year.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says Aaron Smith has served his penance after naming the halfback in his starting side to face Ireland in Chicago.

Three things to know about the All Blacks team to play Ireland in Chicago, named by coach Steven Hansen this morning.

It's Liam Squire's dominance in the collision that has pushed him into the No 6 jersey for the encounter with Ireland

The All Blacks have selected Jerome Kaino to start at lock in Sunday morning's clash with Ireland in Chicago.

Valerie Adams has arrived in Samoa as part of her travels as New Zealand's first Pacific Sports Ambassador.

It was a case of good and bad news yesterday for two walking-wounded of Hawke's Bay Magpies and Super Rugby's the Highlanders as as

New Zealand players dominate the Barbarians who face a scratch South African team at Wembley on Sunday, with veteran Crusader Andy

The New Zealand Maori team has been bolstered by the inclusion of four All Blacks for their test against the USA.

COMMENT: Warren Gatland's criticism will build anticipation for the Lions tour, writes Chris Rattue. But you have to guffaw in this case, writes Chris Rattue.

All Blacks lock Luke Romano is returning home from Chicago following a family bereavement.

The All Blacks, Ardie Savea, Anton Lienert-Brown and coach Steven Hansen have all been nominated for World Rugby awards, it was announced this morning.

The men in green wrote themselves into the record books in Chicago today. Here are six previous epic battles between the men in black and emerald green.

At 103kg, Ardie Savea is a fraction lighter than the coaches would like him to be.

Dan Carter and two other players from French side Racing 92 are to take their case to the public prosecutor after confidential medical records were made public by media.

There is a concept in Japan known as shokunin. Literally translated it means artisan, but that doesn't really get across the full

Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks but New Zealand has lost to Ireland in rugby - twice.

Ireland will be without three of their leading loose forwards for this weekend's test against the All Blacks in Chicago.

Former Lions and Scotland coach Sir Ian McGeechan on what teams need to do to beat the All Blacks during the Northern tour.

The Chicago Cubs are being swamped by the Cleveland Indians in baseball's World Series. And the All Blacks look like they are being swamped by the Cubs so far.

Don't panic All Blacks fans. You'll be able to see all of the All Blacks' Northern Tour tests on Sky Television despite it being missing from the latest Skywatch magazine.

One of Michael Cheika's Wallabies players has let slip who cause the shoulder injury that put him in hospital.