WYNNE GRAY: Dan Carter has been nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards - but does he deserve it?

When it comes to Aaron Cruden you are often left to rub your eyes and wonder how he just did that.

COMMENT: England rugby stepped over a line this week, when it allowed Mad Dog Dylan Hartley to take over the captaincy, writes Chris Rattue.

Despite sombre edge to today's salute, this is time to celebrate McCaw's remarkable work in a glittering career.

Argentina have come to grips with the Rugby Championship but have some way to go to comprehend World Cup rugby, writes Wynne Gray.

As the ABs prepare for a massive semifinal against the Springboks, their halfback and captain poses the biggest threat, writes Justin Marshall.

COMMENT: Referee Craig Joubert is copping flak from all sides, but the outcome isn't his fault, writes Chris Rattue.

COMMENT: Many of Australia's old demons have resurfaced, writes Wynne Gray.

COMMENT: All Southern Hemisphere semifinal creates distinct impression that the rugby played on either side of the equator is vastly different, writes Gregor Paul.

COMMENT: If All Blacks can't solidify that scrum and dominate, then France may have an advantage, writes Justin Marshall.

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.

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.

Not even the All Blacks, the English press are saying, could have stayed with the Wallabies in their demolition of England at Twickenham.

This World Cup needs England to survive their pool, writes Gregor Paul. If they don't, a little piece of this tournament will die.

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.

This is the best first week of a World Cup I have ever seen, says Justin Marshall.

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.

The list of names England announced for their opening game doesn't scream champions, writes Gregor Paul.

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.

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.

We've got the two best teams going head to head and you wouldn't put your house on the winner, writes Justin Marshall.

Maybe the equation should be changed to Energy=MS2 or in this case Milner-Skudder at the double.

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.

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.