All Blacks: The best of Ben Smith
All Black vice captain Ben Smith will play his 50th test for the All Blacks tomorrow night. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn picks four of Smith's best tests in the black jersey.
All Black vice captain Ben Smith will play his 50th test for the All Blacks tomorrow night. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn picks four of Smith's best tests in the black jersey.
Skipper changed the "black boots only" protocol of Richie McCaw.
Steve Hansen wouldn't be drawn on saying anything controversial about Warren Gatland.
A lot of people didn't think Israel Dagg was ever going to be an All Black again.
While he's a little lost, there is a road map for Julian Savea to follow which could put him back in a black jersey as early as next week.
Wales look tired and they know they don't have 80 minutes of high tempo rugby in them. They are also missing their best weapon from last week, writes Gregor Paul.
The All Blacks star, overjoyed at his recall after nearly a year out, has had to tread delicately this week because his roommate is Julian Savea - the man he's replacing.
Julian Savea is creating problems for all of them as his bumpy form continues, writes Wynne Gray
Julian Savea has been left out of the All Blacks for the second test against Wales at Westpac Stadium.
Not picking Savea can be spun as a win-win: a way for the All Blacks to tactically adapt to the threat Wales pose and a chance to reward Dagg.
Before anyone gets too smug or condescending, the All Blacks have been in the position of Wales in the past.
Their 40-7 defeat, a six tries to one thumping was massive entertainment for most of the 17,756 crowd.
Beauden Barrett's status as near-permanent bench player appears to trouble others more than it does him.
Prop Charlie Faumuina is set to join French club Toulouse next year.
The All Blacks take a number of winning streaks into the second test at Westpac Stadium, where they haven't lost in 13 years.
Julian Savea was pulled three minutes into the second half against Wales so does he get another chance in Wellington?
Referees, like players, coaches and other humans, make mistakes, but those of the professional variety are expected to know the laws of the game, writes Patrick McKendry.
Waisake Naholo puts early errors behind him to prove his usefulness for test team.
Rusty to promising was the transition the All Blacks made in 80 minutes at Eden Park and promising to polished is the aim for Wellington.
There are few, if any, better impact players in the world than Beauden Barrett but loose forward Ardie Savea showed in the first test against Wales that he could soon be considered near the same level.
The All Blacks and Wales started the test season with a thrilling match in which both teams played their part.
COMMENT: Wales will lose big in the next two tests after failing to kick on and make history at Eden Park.
The former All Blacks winger has conceded that his days in a black jersey are over.
Herald rugby writers Patrick McKendry and Gregor Paul tackle three key questions following the All Blacks' win over Wales at Eden Park last night.
All Blacks selector Grant Fox hopes officials will meet to discuss the rule interpretation following Wayne Barnes' controversial decision to deny TJ Perenara a try.