Schalk Burger's eternally beaming face briefly gave way to a deep frown yesterday when asked what lessons had been learned from the 2011 World Cup defeat to Australia in New Zealand that might help....

Some sporting wounds cut so deep the scars never really heal.

Either Wayne Barnes or Craig Joubert would have caused bitterness on the field, writes Gregor Paul.

COMMENT: Here's a confession - I have a lot of trouble supporting my own body weight while watching most rugby matches.

If the All Blacks find themselves in a tight contest with France at halftime on Sunday morning, it won't be time to panic.

The missing ingredient for the All Blacks at this World Cup has been a genuine sense of fear.

Check out Richie's All Black efforts off the field.

Sudden-death matches can bring out the best, and the worst, in players, and All Blacks lock Luke Romano is preparing to fight fire with fire against France in Sunday's World Cup quarter-final.

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: Japan welcomed home like heroes and US news network tries to get to the heart of the haka.

It appears Richie McCaw is in royal favour - now that England are no longer around for the All Blacks to knock out of the Rugby World Cup.

There was little to suggest France can rattle the All Blacks' cage even if the top-rated side has battled to change gear, writes Wynne Gray.

A squashed tee and an inability to tell a joke under pressure - Dan Carter has found something that 'water-boy' Richie McCaw isn't good at.

Richie McCaw has made an appearance at an exclusive reception hosted by the Queen and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace.

Former French coach Marc Lievremont believes it will take a small miracle for France to beat the All Blacks on Sunday.

OPINION: The French are as much hung up on 2007 as New Zealanders are, writes Gregor Paul.

When it comes to the All Blacks, the English press are obsessed with three things: the haka, Richie McCaw's tactics at the breakdown, and the team's "aura".

For Sonny Bill Williams, Sunday's quarter-final against France will have an added significance - a reunion with France coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

Should scores still be drawn after 10 minutes each-way of extra time, tournament rules state that the referee will conduct a place-kick competition.

With all eight quarter-final spots now filled, Scott Yeoman looks at seven things you need to know going into tonight and the next few days.

After cruising through their pool, the All Blacks need this match against France to shake off the cobwebs, writes Justin Marshall.

Will All Blacks will get the referee they fear most for quarter final against France?

Ever since the draw was made - some time last century - the World Cup was destined to march back in time to pit the All Blacks against France in a Cardiff quarterfinal.

World Cup quarter-final week for the All Blacks means an increasing number are welcoming partners and families after a month away from home.

It's quarter-final week and the mood has changed in the All Blacks' camp ahead of what is potentially their last game of the World Cup.

SBW should start ahead of Ma'a Nonu in the quarterfinal, in the name of trying to break opponents with skill rather than crashing through them, writes Chris Rattue.

The one thing that won't happen this week is the All Blacks being sucker-punched by the unexpected.