National coach Steve Hansen has often talked about the All Blacks being the most analysed rugby team in the world.

Australia, for the first time since 2011, beat the All Blacks and they beat them well.

No, not the Bledisloe - the one you've hidden, writes Andrew Mulligan, one of the few people in the world who still remembers the DHL Cup.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika insists he's nowhere near reaching any mountain tops, but the rugby fan in him is looking forward to his first crack at conquering the code's equivalent of Everest.

Former captain James Horwill looks set for a lucky recall after the Wallabies' lineout general Rob Simmons was ruled out of Saturday's Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks.

Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper will be free to play against the All Blacks on Saturday.

This weekend's clash between the All Blacks and Wallabies could be the last time we see two of the world's best players go head-to-head.

The bigger picture of the World Cup is constantly in the background but the most important thing about next weekend's game against Australia is winning.

Wycliff Palu and Matt Giteau return in the 31-man Wallabies squad chosen to prepare for next week's Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks.

The Wallabies are under no illusions about the challenge of beating the All Blacks, says coach Michael Cheika.

Suggestions "scathing" column by Herald sports writer was behind Aussie player's expletive-filled outburst on Twitter.

Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has threatened to sue the Australian Rugby Union and demand "millions" in compensation.

The Wallabies will be without three players for their clash with Argentina due to injury.

Chris Rattue writes: Cooper is as crazy as ever and will lose more games than he wins for the Wallabies.

Michael Cheika has stressed there are "no gambles" in his Wallabies side for tonight's Rugby Championship opener against South Africa at Suncorp Stadium.

When defeat cuts the gizzard out of Australian sport they move quickly to another topic.

Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and George Smith are all available as the Wallabies target the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup trophies.

Three Super Rugby games should still be enough for Quade Cooper to prove his Wallaby World Cup worth, says Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham.

Matt Giteau is offering "no promises" that he's up to representing Australia at a Rugby World Cup for a third time. But he's hoping to find out.

Rugby is flagging in popularity in Australia among the major codes, the ARU is losing money, and stacks of players are eyeing offshore deals, writes Wynne Gray.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says he would be crazy not to be considering George Smith, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell for this year's Rugby World Cup.

Some players at overseas clubs can return to play for the Wallabies at the World Cup, after the Australian Rugby Union produced a backflip on its eligibility rules.

The Wallabies have completed their worst European tour in almost a decade after being overpowered by England 26-17 in their season-ending test at Twickenham.