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.

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.

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.

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.

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

It's hard to recall being this excited anticipating a re-jigged All Black team taking shape, writes Chris Rattue.

On the eve of the All Blacks' three-test series against Wales, coach Steve Hansen has spoken of his team taking on the challenge of going to a new level.

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