The All Blacks did their homework and executed their game plan almost perfectly last night.

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.

The IRB will have to be careful about shifting into congratulatory mode after nailing a more equitable tournament structure for the next World Cup.

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.

The New Zealand Rugby Union have confirmed that new sponsor AIG will appear on the All Black jersey, along with the existing adidas logo.