There is no greater advocate for the power of mental skills and leadership techniques than Steve Hansen.

Israel Dagg, back in the All Blacks fold again, credits a rediscovered love of the game for putting him there.

As much as the All Blacks need to win their three-test series against Wales this month, they also need to prepare for the Rugby Championship.

Pinetree turns 80 today. Anyone with any interest in rugby knows that means Colin Meads, the legendary All Black lock, has hit another milestone.

Any Wales players hoping Jerome Kaino's defence had slipped since the All Blacks' World Cup victory might want to think again.

Sonny Bill Williams will announce a three-year deal with New Zealand Rugby today but it is not known which Super Rugby side he intends to play for.

Patience and understanding will be the keys to the All Blacks bedding in a new midfield combination.

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster believes Wales will benefit from their recent run at Twickenham.

"No one has yet said they're an All Black and gay, one day that will happen and I would hope that New Zealand is more than ready," says NZR chief Steve Tew.

The man with probably the best chance of filling the All Blacks No.10 jersey for the first test against Wales says he will definitely improve.

Six new caps were named in the All Blacks squad to face Wales but will any of them start in the first test at Eden Park?

Who were the winners and who were the losers from the sporting weekend? Wynne Gray and Chris Rattue make their picks.

COMMENT: Watching the Blues play the Crusaders at Eden Park on Saturday, the character and promise within Tana Umaga's team was obvious.

In sport, as in business, politics and all competitive pursuits, it can be as hard to stay ahead of the game as it is to get there.

Like most All Blacks, Ofa Tu'ungafasi - named yesterday in the squad for next month's three tests against Wales - honed his rugby skills at home with his brothers.

Steve Hansen, in his first official engagement as ABs coach of the year following the World Cup success, yesterday called on his team to go to a new level.

It was the abrasive edge and physicality of Liam Squire and Elliot Dixon that won them their All Blacks places

The big calls have been made for the All Blacks squad to face Wales, some expected, others more surprising.

Join us here as we bring you live commentary of the All Blacks team naming for the upcoming international series against Wales.

Sonny Bill Williams has agreed to stay in New Zealand and has signed what is thought to be a three-year deal that will take him through to the 2019 World Cup.

The first 2016 All Blacks squad will be announced tomorrow and statistics from last year's World Cup provide a good insight into who will be picked.

The 21-year-old has been a compelling force this year. Earlier in the season, he was the man who could do everything.

Cast your eyes across the test rugby schedule on offer in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan as northern hemisphere sides pick up their kit and head into the final battles of their season.

Bolters are a rare thing in All Blacks squads these days but Chris Rattue and Wynne Gray make their potential surprise picks for Sunday morning's announcement.

COMMENT: The All Blacks selectors will name their first squad of the season this Sunday, and there could be very little room for debutants, writes Scotty Stevenson.

From initially being reluctant to stay beyond 2017, Steve Hansen may soon be given a contract offer to stay as All Blacks coach until the next World Cup.

Former All Black Ian Uttley and his wife Christine died after overtaking vehicle caused their car to crash.

Crusaders halfback and former All Black Andy Ellis has announced this will be his last season of Super Rugby.