England and expectation - now there's a marriage that may not last.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that "Quade Cooper is set to start for Wallabies against All Blacks". OMG. I muttered, again.

The Polynesian factor is working its magic in Australian rugby, and it's why the All Blacks' dominance will never be the same again, writes Chris Rattue.

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.

Danny Cipriani views his selection in England's World Cup training squad as the ultimate justification for his decision to return home after a stint with the Melbourne Rebels.

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.

Former Wallabies captain George Gregan believes that "with a bit of lady luck" Australia can win the Rugby World Cup.

Toulon will meet arch-rivals Clermont in an all-French final on Sunday, giving Matt Giteau a perfect showcase for his Wallabies claims.

The move to allow those playing overseas with more than 60 caps and seven years' Super Rugby service to represent the Wallabies will be watched closely by New Zealand Rugby.

New Zealand Rugby wants to ensure last weekend's concussion incident doesn't happen again and believes the key lies in making television footage available to the match-day doctor.

The sentiment is fine, however the concept is as useful as Super Rugby stopping in June for a month of tests, writes Wynne Gray.

A repeat of last season's Heineken Cup final match-up is still on the cards after the weekend's European Champions Cup quarter-finals - and New Zealanders are in the thick of it.

Charles Piutau is a player the All Blacks definitely didn't want to lose. But it is understood he has been offered and has already signed a deal in Europe.

Number eight Jamie Heaslip is the only new face in the Ireland rugby team for the pivotal Six Nations showdown with Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium tomorrow.

As the Blues face their latest drama, one of their coaching castoffs, Joe Schmidt, is aiming at a landmark with Ireland.

When Joe Schmidt arrived to take his seat at Musgrave Park in Cork last month, to watch the Ireland Wolfhounds take on England Saxons, every step up the stand led to another delay.

While much of the rugby media attention in Europe at the weekend fell on convert Sam Burgess' first try for Bath, New Zealanders were quietly and often effectively going about their work.

If Racing Metro hire Daniel Carter for a record $2 million next year, former rival five-eighths Ronan O'Gara will supervise his work with the French club.

As the All Blacks approach their penultimate test of the year it's not difficult to work out what their major goal will be - an 80-minute performance against Scotland at Murrayfield after being able to achieve that only once so far this year.

The All Blacks have begun their United Kingdom tour with a 24-21 victory over England, but lock Brodie Retallick is a casualty and so is Steve Hansen's sense of humour.

A well-taken try and an all-round tidy game meant Aaron Cruden was pleased with his afternoon's work at Twickenham.

As a team that knows all about the expectations of its fans - and one that goes to considerable lengths to convince us all those expectations drive them to succeed - the All Blacks must be feeling rather bemused this week.

After a brutal and intense match against the Springboks in Wellington the All Blacks knew it could have gone either way but, they give credit to the Springboks in what was an intense test match.

Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer was proud of his teams effort against the world champion All Blacks in a very close match in Wellington.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen says 'it was a pretty good test match and it's a shame in a game like that someone has to lose, but I'm glad it wasn't us. Captain Richie McCaw says 'it wasn't perfect, but to guts out a win like that we're pretty happy'.

Herald Rugby writers Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry are joined by Radio Sport Nigel Yalden to give their expert opinion and analysis after the All Blacks 14-10 win against the Springboks in Wellington.

Steven Luatua's return to field for the All Blacks has been a grinding effort for the 23 year old. Coach Steve Hansen has never been short of his opinion and determination to remind the youngster he wants a player who can work through the pain, Luatua is quick to admit he just needed a reminder.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has nothing but respect for the Springboks and their captain who is to make his 100th test appearance for South Africa. A great acheivement for any player. Although McCaw is hoping to spoil the celebrations at Westpac Stadium.

The All Blacks know they have to take any chances they get in the test against the Springboks in Wellington, missed opportunities could mean defeat.