Fifteen months is a long honeymoon, but for Wallabies rugby coach Robbie Deans it is officially over, says former test captain Andrew Slack.

Dan Carter is set to make his return test match rugby after being named in the All Blacks squad to take on the Wallabies in Sydney next week.

The All Blacks will head off for another Grand Slam tour next year - their third in five years.

The All Blacks' casualty ward continues to mount after halfback Piri Weepu went down at training this afternoon.

Carter hardly needs to rush back to secure his place - if the man says he is ready, I'm ready to believe him.

The All Blacks and Wallabies have been left with all the dramas ahead of their meeting in Sydney this month.

Predictable calls have gone out for All Black bloodletting and axing of coaches. This All Black team have been here before but this time change is needed in the ranks.

He might be bluffing, keeping secret some deal already struck, but Dan Carter said last night the indication is that he's not in the frame to play against the Wallabies

Despite recent All Blacks defeats, here are five reasons to keep your chin up...

Arts, sports, business - have Kiwis lost the 'winning gene', the ability to really deliver on the world stage?