It's no doubt been a contradictory week for Kieran Read. So much will have been familiar, so much will have felt new.

For All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, Crotty's determination despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles is an example he hopes others follow.

The All Blacks are still a value-for-money proposition judging by ticket sales for tonight's test against Wales at Eden Park.

The unknown is how the All Blacks plan to stitch it all together: how they envisage the mix of pass, run and kick.

Back in the day Wales could run on to a rugby paddock and field a team stacked with A-list names.

Since that 1994 test the All Blacks have been the masters of Eden Park and undefeated in 35 internationals.

The All Blacks have talked about keeping things simple at Eden Park. And they have an easy out on that front - fling the ball to either wing and see what happens.

COMMENT: Like the changing of the seasons, dynasties come and go. With the exception, apparently, of the All Blacks.

"Who dares wins," said Wales captain Sam Warburton. "We can't be conservative and expect to win."

He's played 31 games for the All Blacks, but Saturday's test against Wales could be the start of a new era for Sam Cane.

The All Blacks aren't expecting to take their game to another level straight away against Wales at Eden Park.

Selection has played a huge part in the consistent results from the All Blacks as they marched towards back to back World Cups. But there has been a glitch or two.

The All Blacks' team has been named, but one question remains.

The last time the All Blacks began a post-World Cup era they did so with three new caps on the field and an obvious sense that they were regenerating an ageing side.

Our rugby experts make their predictions ahead of the international rugby series that kick off this weekend.

Wales will likely confront Ryan Crotty and Malakai Fekitoa, who will begin the task of settling into the roles that Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith made theirs for so long.

Aaorn Cruden is likely to start against Wales in Auckland but not necessarily for the duration of the series.

December 19, 1953. The last time Wales beat the All Blacks. 22,816 days ago.

The All Blacks colourful history with Wales is the bedrock of previous generations writes Wynne Gray.

The All Blacks head into Saturday's test against Wales with one of sport's most impressive unbeaten streaks on the line.

From self-confessed scrapper to one of the best hookers in the world, leadership sits well with Dane Coles now.

Steve Hansen is quite happy to be underestimated. He's not so keen on being misunderstood.

It's easy to say the All Blacks should win every test against Wales, writes Justin Marshall. But they will be wary.

I think the All Blacks will put at least 15 or 20 points on Wales next weekend.

COMMENT:What do All Blacks and Disney-Pixar film Finding Dory have in common? This week they both seemed to declare their support for the gay community.