Take a look at the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Now imagine a part of it gone after an earthquake. Then think about US$6.4 billion ($7.8 billon) and 24 years spent repairing it.

Having watched Richie McCaw motoring around in the Sydney test I'm predicting he might make the 2019 World Cup, writes Chris Rattue.

Unfortunately, the nature of knockout football is that we reward mediocrity by giving weaker teams a second chance.

I know there will be some who will disagree with me - but I am of the mind that the Dan Carter and Richie McCaw sabbaticals are a good thing.

This was actually the perfect time to hand over the All Blacks captaincy permanently to Kieran Read, a far more likely World Cup starter, writes Chris Rattue.

The All Blacks plan to take an extended squad on their end-of-year tour and are leaving several places open to pick provincial players.

This is proving to be a scruffy and sad ending to Marshall's league career, one which inspired a host of youngsters to believe in backyard footy dreams, writes Chris Rattue.

For me, the most effective way to learn combines learning from the experience of losing or disappointment with the confidence gained from winning games and being successful.

For lots of reasons, it will be best if Julian Savea sticks with the Hurricanes rather than shift to - it is believed - the Crusaders, who are chasing him hard.

For me, the Quade Cooper question - do you play him against the All Blacks? - goes wider than Cooper. It's a question of mindset, of attitude, with the Australian side.

There's been a wave of negative drivel about Marshall and, by extension, Blues coach Sir John Kirwan.

As they do online, some bloke put his house on Benji Marshall being an All Black next season.

Benji Marshall was a footballing genius, but not any more. He's been a player on the slide throughout the NRL season, writes Chris Rattue.

Richie McCaw is one of the All Black greats but his lack of condition would suffer against George Smith if the pair were in Bledisloe Cup combat next week, writes Wynne Gray.

The Warriors have unequivocal support from their long-suffering fans amid their current form.

He's a real card, that Israel Dagg. The type of guy that can keep you entertained for hours armed only with a sock puppet and a whoopee cushion.

The tournament will last 44 days - including five rest days - one more than the 2011 event hosted by three sub-continental countries, writes David Leggat.

The quirks of the draw have added an extra layer of mystery about the Super 15 final in Hamilton.

The prevailing sentiment at this America's Cup is one of sadness, really.

There's going to be ample focus on the coaching teams of the Chiefs and Crusaders over the next few weeks.

I have never seen the NRL ladder look so congested at this time of the season, but the Warriors will sneak into the top eight.

The brain is an incredibly important organ. You probably don't need reminding of this.

The swagger has come from the Crusaders, the stagger from the Chiefs.