It was ludicrous. Blokes in suits who either played the game a lifetime ago or never even went near it, trying to determine what is best for the modern player, writes Gregor Paul.

Margins between top international sides are not great, especially if there is a shift in mental application.

France were tough, resilient, creative and intensive and yet they might turn out to be a walk in the park compared with playing England.

About coffee and croissant time tomorrow, the All Blacks will meet France for what may be the last time at the Stade de France.

Their scrummaging may have been a little suspect at times, but this All Black pack have improved massively since this time last year.

Peter Fatialofa was a larrikin and a leader, someone who was able to merge those traits in his own delightful way, writes Wynne Gray.

In picking their team to play France, the All Black selectors would have faced three genuinely tough decisions, writes Gregor Paul.

Shameful chapters in New Zealand rugby have reduced but the NZRU's inability to unite with Jonah Lomu remains one of their neglectful episodes.

France, forever touted as an All Black nemesis, are nothing of the sort, writes Gregor Paul. Their record against NZ is fairly dire.

The All Blacks will be heading into an interesting foreign environment when they arrive on their northern tour - the stoush over the future of club rugby in Europe.

John Kirwan comes across with such relentless positivity that it's easy to see the good things about Ma'a Nonu's return to the Blues, but even he must know his about-turn on the wandering midfielder comes with big risks.

It's probably not too much of a stretch to suggest this is the most important match of Jeremy Thrush's career, writes Patrick McKendry.

The Chiefs won't hold out any hope that the volatile nature of Sonny Bill Williams will see him announce tomorrow that he's had a change of heart and will indeed be shifting to Hamilton next year.

Love him or loathe him - and it seems the majority of NZers are polarised to that extent - Sonny Bill Williams' talents belong on the world stage, writes Patrick McKendry.

Backgammon is a game of chance and a game of strategy. The rugby scrum has become the same, writes Scotty Stevenson.

Former England international Stuart Barnes says referees are intimidated by the All Blacks. Is he correct? Rugby editor Gregor Paul says only half the time.

By not playing last week against Argentina, Owen Franks provided a sharp reminder of how valuable he has become for the All Blacks.

There is a battle brewing for the All Blacks' No6 jersey but the selection for Saturday will be a relatively easy one.