The excessive fine dished out to Russell Packer this week suggests the NRL has some rather warped priorities, writes Dana Johannsen.

Any suggestion their footing gets uncertain near an opposition's throat would be a jittery look heading into a tournament which quickly turns knockout, writes Andrew Alderson.

Time to take control of your team, Sir John Kirwan, and the Blues boss can start by bringing his errant mentor and captain into line.

NZ needs cricketing respect and they won't gain that on a diet of short form success alone, writes Mark Richardson.

It's All Black selection time and there are unlikely to be many surprises, Richard Loe predicts.

What a shame Sir Graham Henry was forced by Sanzar to apologise for his refreshing honesty, writes Paul Lewis.

Let's embrace the concept of losing All Black tests. We don't have to like the idea but we should consider the possibility and not get so het up about winning every international.

David Leggat isn't sure if Marina Erakovic and Raelene Castle have ever met. If they had yesterday, it would have been backslaps all round.

Tracey Nelson previews this week's Super 15 action and which sides have history and statistics on their side.

Many people asked why Williams was even picked for the All Blacks' wider training-group camp in Mt Maunganui, writes Chris Rattue. The general rugby public was genuinely mystified.

Richard Loe says if Sanzar fine Sir Graham Henry for misconduct, they'll make a proper ass of themselves.

Paul Lewis writes: The Warriors have become the most embarrassing body in New Zealand sport. That's saying something.

All week I've been hearing about the positives but life, in my book, does not work that way. You can be as good as you like for 90 per cent of your life but if you make one big stuff-up, it will define you.

Timing hasn't previously been a strong point for Ali Williams, but his decision to retire from tests is indisputably perfect, writes Gregor Paul.

The idea of having an Aussie help out the Silver Ferns in their quest for world championship glory was never going to sit comfortably with everyone.

The Warriors' record loss to the Panthers was the most embarrassing performance by a New Zealand team since our America's Cup boat almost sank, writes Chris Rattue.

With the competitors having invested upwards of half a billion dollars in the event, America's Cup organisers have declared the show must go on, writes Dana Johannsen.

Most would agree the All Black selectors have picked the bulk of the country's top talent in their 38-strong training group.

Steve Hansen bemoans an oppressive rugby calendar but that will not stop him holding two training camps during a crucial Super 15 period, writes Wynne Gray.

Australian rugby is the winner so far this year, even if it doesn't go on to win the Super 15 title.

The video was called Rugby Smart. It came from the NZRU and I watched it as part of my coaching responsibilities in club rugby.

Artemis could yet make it to the start line of the 34th America's Cup in July even as the shock of Andrew Simpson's death continues to reverberate throughout the sailing fraternity.

NRL clubs are continually searching for the latest innovation to give them the edge but I really think they also need to look back to understand what brings success.

New Zealand rugby remains a balloon ready to be popped after the latest round of Super 15 matches, no matter what the scorelines might say, writes Chris Rattue.