All Black Dan Carter is three points away from being test rugby's top points scorer.

Stats guru Tracey Nelson looks at how the All Blacks stack up in their final Grand Slam test against Wales on Sunday morning.

The difference in approaches by the All Blacks management and that of Wales is very merked.

Isaia Toeava and Sonny Bill Williams have emerged as the big winners out of the All Blacks' end-of-year tour.

Running out against Wales for cap No 50 will be huge for league-union star Brad Thorn.

Another Grand Slam will set the All Blacks up nicely for the World Cup next year, writes Wynne Gray.

Sonny Bill Williams has been preferred to Ma'a Nonu for Sunday's test against Wales. Keven Mealamu also returns for the year's final test.

Senior Wales players have met privately to plot their recovery from their much criticised draw against Fiji.

Remember Marseille. That is the call All Black captain Richie McCaw will emphasise ahead of a tilt at a third Grand Slam this weekend.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith has attempted to temper expectations of a free flowing spectacle at the World Cup.

He's no Daniel Carter but the All Blacks back-up no.10 does a passable impression of a Welshman called Stephen Jones.

Sonny Bill Williams appears poised to end his All Blacks Grand Slam tour as it began - in the starting line-up.

It's not only the players needing a break from footy - supporters also need a rest.

Trudging off to the northern plains to fight these second-rate cart horses every year isn't floating the boat any more.

Stephen Ferris did the unthinkable at the weekend. He publicly criticised a referee for his performance.

Joe Rokocoko was Fiji's most vociferous supporter among the All Blacks contingent when his homeland drew with Wales last weekend.

Sam Whitelock may have quickly gained a reputation as one of rugby's hard men, but mum's still the boss off the field.

The All Blacks' toughest task this week will be trying to coax 80 more minutes of energy and intensity out of weary bodies.