Auditions for the Wallabies and Lions series are done - now for the main acts.

The series in the bag, the All Blacks will shift their emphasis to preparing for the future this week which is why Ben Smith is likely to be picked at centre.

All Black coach Steve Hansen refuses to enter the debate over claims by former Australia coach Bob Dwyer that New Zealand-coached teams cheat.

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre is now absorbing the pain he inflicted on the All Blacks 19 years ago.

There was a try from the end of the world but Sam Whitelock stole the show in Christchurch.

Richie McCaw said an interesting thing about Kieran Read this week.

There was a time when it was best not to mention the All Blacks lineout around Steve Hansen. In 2009, it was a sick-looking thing, an almost contagious element of the All Blacks that infected all those who went near it.

Improvement across the board was demanded after the first test and it was delivered last night.

Some subtle structural amendments and more time in training were credited with the vast improvement in the All Blacks' defensive effort - the unquestionable area of excellence that allowed them to hold France scoreless for the first time in history.

The instant form reversals of Ma'a Nonu and Aaron Smith came as no surprise to an All Black coaching panel that has been part-confused, part-frustrated by the tactical vision at the Highlanders.

Rene Ranger's showings off the bench will be greatly pleasing All Black management - and not just for selection reasons.

Images from the All Blacks second test against France at AMI Stadium, June 15 2013.

Lions back-rower Jamie Heaslip is tipping NSW coach Michael Cheika will have the Waratahs pumped up for tonight's showdown with the unbeaten tourists.

French rugby have apparently decided that, if they can't beat the clubs, they'll join them.

Rugby great Brian O'Driscoll has warned his Lions teammates that a series victory in Australia is crucial for the Lions' future.

Former Crusaders winger Sean Maitland, another New Zealand export, wants to achieve two things on the Lions tour of Australia - make the test team and play against his cousin, the controversial Quade Cooper.

Having committed to Samoa, Alapati Leiua now finds himself as an unwitting test case to see if players who aren't eligible for the All Blacks can get a fair deal in New Zealand.

Sir Ian McGeechan is rarely aggressive in his condemnations, but just occasionally, when he feels forced to defend something he cherishes, he can be very sharp indeed.

Warren Gatland is not quite as mobile as he once was. Two dodgy heels, the legacy of a nasty fall in New Zealand last year, have put a brake on the former All Black hooker but he will still leave his peers standing this weekend.

The unbeaten record has gone. The season has ended in stunningly bad fashion with England bursting into astonishing life at Twickenham to beat the All Blacks.

Discipline, or lack of, has become a prevailing theme throughout the autumn tests and of all the statistics to emerge in the past few weeks, writes Gregor Paul.

The English Rugby team are relishing the opportunity to play against the All Blacks and assistant coach Andy Farrell believes the world champions are vulnerable.

Europe is thick with pretenders yet none of the first-fives hoping to steal Dan Carter's crown are likely to usurp the king. Not in the near future anyway.