The accolades continue to mount for Sonny Bill Williams with his main All Black rival lauding the league convert's transition to the brink of test rugby.

The All Black think tank have realised the advantages of a balance of youth and maturity.

Familiarity with the new law interpretations could give the All Blacks an edge on the Grand Slam tour.

Daniel Carter is working hard on his conditioning as he eyes a return to the All Blacks.

The Northern Hemisphere rugby nations are resigned to playing catch-up with New Zealand, says ex-England coach Brian Ashton.

All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore will play a big role in the team leadership group.

The size, power and skill of the All Black backline selected for next month's northern tour is something to behold.

About 100 seats in the $256 million Eden Park upgrade are useless because almost all of one try line and a good chunk of the field are blocked from view.

Former All Black Richard Loe picks his 30 players that should go on the All Blacks' end of year tour.

Perception and reality have never been bedfellows in the career of Sonny Bill Williams.

Israel Dagg and Piri Weepu are likely to be the big omissions, with Canterbury's Matt Todd tipped as a tour bolter.

For the next 48 hours, the nation's rugby aficionados will second-guess the All Black selectors.

Medical tests and intuition will be crucial selection components before the All Black touring squad is announced on Sunday.

Several underdone All Blacks may play for their provinces in the final round of the ITM Cup before they link up with their teammates in Hong Kong.

It was interesting to hear Graham Henry say that Australia will be the All Blacks' biggest competition for the World Cup.

The All Black selectors seem hell-bent on taking as many World Cup prospects as they can to Europe - but who is the best choice to back-up number seven ?

The All Blacks selection puzzle has eased with Luke McAlister joining the list of contenders whose season has finished.