Jaco Peyper refereed the World Cup opener with a special whistle first used in an All Blacks match 110 years ago.

The All Blacks have been beaten out by New Zealand's favourite chocolate company, with Whittaker's being named the country's most adored brand.

Former England lock Paul Ackford has given Richie McCaw's men in black his seal of approval lauding the All Blacks as "ruthless" and "confrontational".

Kerr-Barlow tells how backyard drills inspired him to become pass master.

Watch a replay of this morning's live blog of the rugby World Cup opening ceremony, followed by hosts England taking on Fiji.

All Black Conrad Smith's aunt Elaine Bell is selling the player's old bassinet on Trade Me with a reserve of $200.

Remember it's the new game in town. After weeks of window-dressing about team arrivals, hypothetical discussions and likely combinations, the World Cup begins.

Daniel Carter has a World Cup winner's medal, yet no memories of dominating the tournament. He's in London to put that right.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named his strongest lineup for the World Cup opener against Argentina.

There's something reassuring about the side the All Blacks have picked for the opening game, writes Gregor Paul.

It's best to remember as Hakagate rumbles on that it's a default mechanism of the English to ridicule what they can't have, writes Gregor Paul.

Ben and Owen Franks did something you wouldn't expect.

The map that shows just how popular the All Blacks are - and that nobody cares about England.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen may be the best advertisement yet for media training.

Flip-flopping Warriors should shift focus to their players.

Former All Black on waking up to a storm after his first foray as a columnist in a foreign language and why he's nervous about going to Twickenham.

The All Blacks will have to become accustomed to changing among the cramped confines of their bus in the next six weeks.

Our experts make their final predictions for the Rugby World Cup, including which side will win it all.

The All Blacks' sleek all black get-up has been named the best jersey of the Rugby World Cup by a British newspaper.

Close to 30,000 rugby fans have had a go at picking the winning teams at the Rugby World Cup in the hope of pocketing $1 million.

The All Blacks are fed up. They've yet to play a game in the World Cup but they have already been bombarded by questions about the haka.

England have unveiled their own "secret weapon" to counteract the All Blacks' haka - a mocking version of the war dance led by World Cup winner Matt Dawson.

All Black fans go online to keep up to date on their favourite team's progress in this year's Rugby World Cup tournament.