Wynne Gray: No more peaks to climb
Despite sombre edge to today's salute, this is time to celebrate McCaw's remarkable work in a glittering career.
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Key to RWC final... start strong
There's been a common theme in the previous two sporting World Cup finals between New Zealand and Australia this year - disastrous starts.
Rugby World Cup 2015 - Australia v Argentina: How the Pumas got it wrong
Argentina have come to grips with the Rugby Championship but have some way to go to comprehend World Cup rugby, writes Wynne Gray.
Marshall: The Springboks' biggest threat
As the ABs prepare for a massive semifinal against the Springboks, their halfback and captain poses the biggest threat, writes Justin Marshall.
Scots have only themselves to blame
COMMENT: Referee Craig Joubert is copping flak from all sides, but the outcome isn't his fault, writes Chris Rattue.
Suddenly Wallabies look vulnerable
COMMENT: Many of Australia's old demons have resurfaced, writes Wynne Gray.
'They just can't handle the pressure'
COMMENT: All Southern Hemisphere semifinal creates distinct impression that the rugby played on either side of the equator is vastly different, writes Gregor Paul.
Marshall: My one concern for the ABs
COMMENT: If All Blacks can't solidify that scrum and dominate, then France may have an advantage, writes Justin Marshall.
Why ABs will embrace Cardiff
Ever since the draw was made - some time last century - the World Cup was destined to march back in time to pit the All Blacks against France in a Cardiff quarterfinal.
England shambolic, ABs on track
Justin Marshall: Let's cut to the chase. Do I agree with the All Blacks changing their game plan specifically for these so-called weaker pool matches? Yes I do.
Patrick McKendry: Wallabies not as good as English press making out
Not even the All Blacks, the English press are saying, could have stayed with the Wallabies in their demolition of England at Twickenham.
Gregor Paul: Why England need to advance to the quarter-finals
This World Cup needs England to survive their pool, writes Gregor Paul. If they don't, a little piece of this tournament will die.
Scotty Stevenson: The great rugby coaching gamble
The All Blacks' non-starters deserve plenty of kudos for the way they were able to change the tempo of the test against Argentina on Monday morning, writes Scotty Stevenson.
Justin Marshall: The game is growing up
This is the best first week of a World Cup I have ever seen, says Justin Marshall.
Gregor Paul: Richie McCaw is not a cheat
He put his team under pressure and let them down - but the All Black captain hasn't suddenly turned to the dark side, writes Gregor Paul.
England won't win Cup with this team
The list of names England announced for their opening game doesn't scream champions, writes Gregor Paul.
Rugby: 'World Cup every six years' - Sir Brian Lochore
What about a six-year gap between Rugby World Cups to allow the game to take on a deeper context rather than repeat preparation for the next tournament? It's an idea Sir Brian Lochore has been pushing since the idea of a global tournament was encouraged about 30 years ago. Andrew Mulligan interviews the All Blacks legend at the the NZME. Legends in Black dinner.
Worrying signs for Wallabies after semifinal defeats
Aussie TV rugby commentator Phil Kearns has more to worry about than a dodgy penalty try decision and a few other things that didn't go his way in a Super Rugby semifinal, writes Chris Rattue.
Dream final too close to call
We've got the two best teams going head to head and you wouldn't put your house on the winner, writes Justin Marshall.
Milner-Skudder proves explosive formula
Maybe the equation should be changed to Energy=MS2 or in this case Milner-Skudder at the double.
Sour grapes in Sydney
The grapes were very sour in Sydney as the Highlanders hillbilly forwards soaked up all the hometown posturing - then rattled to the winning post, writes Wynne Gray.
Chris Rattue: Why Sir John Kirwan must surely be on his way out
Kirwan's comments after the woeful display against the underwhelming Lions reveal one reason why his Blues regime is in terminal turmoil, writes Chris Rattue.
Justin Marshall: Blues' gameplan isn't working
After writing a couple of weeks ago that I was really pleased with the quality and intensity early in this Super Rugby competition, along came this latest weekend.
Chris Rattue: Dropping pink shirts won't earn refs respect
Never let it be said that this column doesn't tackle the big issues.
Chris Rattue: Next World Cup will be without Dan Carter
The date: February the 13th. Time: About 8.45pm. This was the moment I gave up, once and for all, on Dan Carter as a sensible World Cup prospect, writes Chris Rattue.
Wynne Gray: Lack of sting from star teams
Those inclined to provoke early season niggle will declare the Crusaders are toast, the Bulls are crisping and the Reds are burned offerings.
Gregor Paul: Resilience and character give Cruden right mix
The list of things that have tried to crush Aaron Cruden over the years is extensive. Plenty of oversized loose forwards and midfield backs have had a crack.
The mystery of Will Genia
My Chalkboard column for today could just as easily be renamed: "What's going on with Will Genia?"
Wynne Gray: Weakened Wallabies will get no mercy
Wynne Gray writes: The annual rugby war cry across the Ditch has a 'this is our time' theme before it is replaced with growing regularity by 'Wallabies in disarray' headlines.