It took a jury a tick over 10 hours to return a majority not guilty verdict in the perjury trial of Chris Cairns, but just how long will it be before the sport can say it has rid itself of match-fixing?

Mark Greatbatch's epic 146 not out in almost 11 hours was the key to NZ's escape when they drew their only test at Perth, against Australia in November 1989.

There's a fight in Wellington to save the Phoenix and it's a battle against the bullies of the FFA, writes Scotty Stevenson

New Zealand have maintained their preparation for the first test against Australia was good.

The departing Ma'a Nonu deserves to be honoured as the All Blacks' player of the year, writes Wynne Gray.

Six All Black greats will play their last test in Sunday's World Cup final. Wynne Gray gives his impression of the leavers

Stephen Moore's economy of language in television interviews is probably a reflection of his team instructions. To the point, brusque, no mucking around, economy of language, writes Wynne Gray.

There was nothing pretty about the All Black victory but everything attractive about a place in the World Cup final.

COMMENT: Many of Australia's old demons have resurfaced, writes Wynne Gray.

COMMENT: All Southern Hemisphere semifinal creates distinct impression that the rugby played on either side of the equator is vastly different, writes Gregor Paul.

Dan Carter wants his opportunity. He wants that dream finish. He wants that moment that every first five dreams of.

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.

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".

The All Blacks have had to play without their skipper before and every time they did, they won, writes Gregor Paul.

Justin Marshall: Let's cut to the chase. Do I agree with the All Blacks changing their game plan specifically for these so-called weaker pool matches? Yes I do.

Not even the All Blacks, the English press are saying, could have stayed with the Wallabies in their demolition of England at Twickenham.

Wynne Gray writes: When they get their mix right England are terrific and a team to fear.

One of the great delights in rugby is watching England squirm.

Hansen's first substitution at this World Cup stunned me when Ma'a Nonu was dragged and Sonny Bill Williams pitched into work at second five-eighths, writes Wynne Gray.

They may qualify, they may still miss out, but they will be watched every step of the way - by Samoa and Scotland in particular, writes Wynne Gray.

Japan's victory over the Springboks is so stunning that it is almost in a league of its own, writes Chris Rattue. Nothing explains this result.

Flip-flopping Warriors should shift focus to their players.

It's funny how opinions can gather momentum for no real reason, but it's happening at this World Cup. Australia are becoming a popular dark horse.

Argentina eased through their routines last week against Leicester before they headed into a training camp in Portugal.

There is a lot to admire, from afar, about the way the All Blacks have embraced their first week in the UK ahead of the start of the Rugby World Cup.

Wynne Gray writes: Lydia Ko brings enough of her personality in and around the course to give a warm edge to her work.

Andrew Alderson writes: If previous editions of Fight For Life are an example, thousands will stride in with tuxedos and gowns for 'a good cause'.