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

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

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

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

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

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.

The All Blacks will wear white armbands and will honour the Pike River miners with a minute's silence before Sunday's test against Wales.

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.