Shamed All Black Aaron Cruden could face further punishment after a boozy night out in Auckland saw him miss an airport check-in and the tour to Argentina and South Africa.

Aaron Cruden has spoken out after being dropped from the All Blacks squad for disciplinary reasons, saying "he is deeply embarrassed" by his lack of judgement.

The 30-man squad for the All Blacks Rugby Championship test matches in Argentina and South Africa has been finalised.

The All Blacks won their 36th straight home game on Saturday night - we break down the record run.

The Herald's rugby writers answer three questions from last night's All Blacks v South Africa test match at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

The All Blacks were taken deeper into themselves than they have been at any other time this year to find the victory they desperately wanted.

The IRB have chosen to fight a war they cannot win on the eligibility front. They can't win their battle to stop players exploiting an unforeseen loophole to switch their allegiance.

Another All Blacks opponent, another team getting to grips with the crucial No 10 position.

On a night they will become the equal longest-serving midfield pairing, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith could do with reminding the world they are still also the best.

Just as players have been made aware of the different sides to Steve Hansen, referees discovered yesterday that the All Black coach can be as cuddly as he is prickly.

With rain forecast in Wellington for a tough test between the All Blacks and Springboks, Australia looms as the team to exploit in the latest round of Dream Team Fantasy Rugby Championship.

The All Blacks have a higher winning percentage in the professional age against the Springboks than they do the Wallabies and yet it is the Boks who are viewed as the ultimate foe.

Having seen off Argentina's pack, one of the biggest in international rugby, the All Blacks will have to play the Springboks without Sam Whitelock and Liam Messam.

The Herald's rugby writers answer three questions from last night's All Blacks v Argentina test match at McLean Park.

The star of Argentina's valiant Rugby Championship efforts against the Springboks wasn't a player, but a thing.

To get a sense of how important Kieran Read is to the All Blacks, one needs only to stand on the sideline at training.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is expecting a tight test against Argentina in Napier tomorrow, saying his side will have to show patience against an improving team.