The All Blacks Sevens are closing the gap on World Series leaders South Africa, but Gordon Tietjens' men will be licking their wounds after defeat to Fiji in yesterday's Las Vegas Cup final.

It's increasingly hard to ignore the elephant in the room - that the All Blacks and Springboks are on a crash course to meet in next year's World Cup semifinal.

While the All Blacks have no desire to downplay South Africa's victory or obvious potential, it's not as if they don't have similar room for growth, writes Gregor Paul.

For too long the Springboks were tied to the goal-kicking rewards Morne Steyn gave them.

South Africa captain Jean de Villiers believes the Springboks' close call against the All Blacks in Wellington will help them beat the Rugby Championship winners at Ellis Park.

Unlike the great Australian cricket team of the 1990s and early 2000s, the All Blacks do not habitually have issues with so-called "dead rubber" test matches.

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

Games between the All Blacks and South Africa are brutal affairs and the exchanges are fierce, the hits come from all directions and there is little respite for 80 minutes.

There wouldn't have been one person who went away from Westpac Stadium disappointed in the test match they watched.

After a brutal and intense match against the Springboks in Wellington the All Blacks knew it could have gone either way but, they give credit to the Springboks in what was an intense test match.

Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer was proud of his teams effort against the world champion All Blacks in a very close match in Wellington.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen says 'it was a pretty good test match and it's a shame in a game like that someone has to lose, but I'm glad it wasn't us. Captain Richie McCaw says 'it wasn't perfect, but to guts out a win like that we're pretty happy'.

Herald Rugby writers Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry are joined by Radio Sport Nigel Yalden to give their expert opinion and analysis after the All Blacks 14-10 win against the Springboks in Wellington.

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

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has nothing but respect for the Springboks and their captain who is to make his 100th test appearance for South Africa. A great acheivement for any player. Although McCaw is hoping to spoil the celebrations at Westpac Stadium.

Wellington is set to welcome the most anticipated rugby showdown of the year in magnificent style. But thinking of streaking? Stadium staff are ready.

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.

The All Blacks know they have to take any chances they get in the test against the Springboks in Wellington, missed opportunities could mean defeat.

All Blacks head coach says there's an excitement for the upcoming test against the Springboks in Wellington. 'The harder the challenge the more fun you have'. Hansen has much respect for the team, their coach and the country.

Rugby Herald writers Gregor Paul & Patrick McKendy give their expert opinion and analysis after the All Blacks name their team to play the Springboks in Wellington.

Members of the legendary 1996 squad responsible for the All Blacks' first series win in South Africa say the rivalry with the Boks is still strong but pick the winning streak to continue at Wellington's Cake Tin on Saturday.

Top tests against our greatest rivals

Aaron Cruden feels nearly ready to cope again with big South African forwards running at him.

We all know of Brodie Retallick's huge work-rate, borne out by the statistics, but he has a challenge ahead of him for this weekend's showdown against the South Africans.