Richie McCaw missed a tackle and England scored, writes Justin Marshall. That's not up for debate, but what I will argue against is the idea older players should be moved on before next RWC.

Those who feel the errors were first-test blues found comfort in coach Steve Hansen's assessment that his staff had overloaded the group with too many ideas.

The All Blacks 2014-style are the nearest thing to a shambles when compared to the glories of last year, writes Chris Rattue.

The re-emergence of Victor Vito and the absence of Steven Luatua is an indication that the search for a world-class back-up to Kieran Read is on.

If, as expected, the All Blacks pick only Keven Mealamu and Dane Coles in their squad to play England today, I'd fully support that. writes Richard Loe.

Something had to change when Stuart Lancaster took over. England had to shelve the arrogance which surrounded them, writes Wynne Gray.

At the risk of being disrespectful to those who have announced their plans to set sail for pastures new, NZ rugby is not in the middle of a damaging player exodus, writes Gregor Paul.

A couple of things will have become clearer for the All Blacks coaches after the Highlanders' defeat of the Hurricanes - not least the fact they will be feeling pretty good about Malakai Fekitoa.

It took the Highlanders-Lions game last weekend to crystallise my thoughts on an issue with modern rugby - the TMO (television match official) and, more specifically, the over-use of the TMO is infuriating me.

There might be a few people a bit nervous about the All Black situation at hooker. I'm not one of them. I don't think we are so badly placed, writes Richard Loe.

Something has gone wrong at hooker, writes Gregor Paul. Not for love nor money does the country seem able to produce them in the required volumes.

The opportunity to build a new purpose-built ground on the waterfront leapt out as plans were revealed this week to redevelop the city, writes Wynne Gray.

At the age of just 30, Ellis still has a lot to offer at test level, writes Brian Ashby. There's no doubt that for many in Crusaders territory there will be a sense of injustice if he is again ignored.

The Chiefs are the most lethal try-scoring side in the Super 15 and near the best with their defensive line, while the Crusaders are average in both categories.

The Crusaders clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton this weekend comes at the perfect time.

It has become a constant theme that a lot of refereeing decisions being made in Super Rugby are fairly average, writes Richard Loe.

Justin Marshall breaks down the issues with scrums and how the new rules are blunting the attacking capabilities of backlines.

If you like your rugby loose with frequent scoreboard changes then head for Eden Park on Saturday.

If rugby bosses are serious about making the game more attractive for players, spectators and the television audience, they have to do something about the scrums.

Justin Marshall explains the Stormers' effective use of the out-to-in defence and how the Chiefs will try and break it.

There just might be a good story here, if you give it a chance. That will come as a disappointment if you're after a dissection of the Hurricanes or a panic piece on the Crusaders.