Finessing the All Blacks scrum is a priority after victories over England and Scotland were marred by technical infringements.

ABs captain Richie McCaw is honest enough to acknowledge he has rubbed too many opponents up the wrong way to bear grudges.

Five months after Irish No 8 Jamie Heaslip brazenly kneed the All Blacks captain in the back, McCaw barely recalls the incident ahead of presumably their next encounter

The ABs assistant coach says Sonny Bill Williams is different to any player he's ever seen.

Ireland rugby coach Declan Kidney says his players are confident of thwarting the All Blacks' Grand Slam ambitions .

After an unconvincing win over Samoa, Ireland are lacking confidence as they seek to break a 105-year losing streak.

Former Black Cap Hamish Marshall's request to be allowed to play for Ireland at next year's World Cup has been denied.

New Zealand is the third-best country to live in the world, according to the latest United Nations index, which is aimed at measuring development.

Graham Reid samples the delights of an Irish institution in Dublin.

Kevin McGarry lost both legs after being trapped under a burning motorbike when he crashed into an electric fence.

As violence recedes, many people wantto have contentious murals removed from everyday life.

The country may have to suffer the indignity, like Greece, of asking for a bailout to keep it afloat.

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen is battling for political survival.

Many years ago I was sitting with a friend at a pub in Ireland when an American tourist came in and began studying the menu. He approached the bar and asked the barmaid for "a quicky".

Irish author Cathy Kelly talks to Stephen Jewell about her new novel and the importance of multi-tasking.