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.

Wild gesticulations from Heyneke Meyer in the Springbok coaches' box contradict descriptions of him as a conservative leader.

England have an unusual situation whereby their tour captain, halfback Callum Braley, has not been able to command a regular starting gig.

South Africa have mixed news on the injury front but only good news on the playing field.

Tonight's New Zealand-South Africa Pool C clash in Albany assumes critical importance.

Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the importance of the upcoming away games for the Blues and Chiefs.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is set to resume his colourful history with the Springboks at Ellis Park on Sunday.

The Wallabies proved little more than a speed-hump for South Africa who are on their way to a Rugby Championship decider against New Zealand.

The All Blacks head to South Africa tomorrow to play what willmost likely be their toughest test of the year. Gregor Paul looks at where it will be won and lost.

The Springboks have the luxury of playing their two remaining Rugby Championship tests at home.

Daniel Carter's race to reach 100 All Black tests before his six-month break has faltered again because of an injury to his right shoulder.

It's time for everyone hoping to knock the All Blacks off their perch to try something else

It must be terrifying for rugby's chasing pack that the All Blacks can dust off the Springboks these days without Richie McCaw, Dan Carter or Israel Dagg.

Dane Coles made the comment during the week that he quite likes the rough stuff, legal or otherwise.

You know the bloke. Tall, blond, athletic, standing in the middle of the park waving his arms like an Italian traffic controller.

Dane Coles feels he owes a debt of gratitude to All Blacks hooker rival Andrew Hore.

Down in the Cape when they yarn about some of the rugby characters in Western Province, the Etzebeth surname gets a regular recall.

Dane Coles, this is your time, writes Wynne Gray. The 26-year-old will step into the All Black spotlight on Saturday in the middle of the front row.

The future is moving closer for Dane Coles with the tyro All Black hooker asked to suit up for his first duel with the Springboks.

A brief encounter with Duane Vermeulen suggests a rugby player with a real sense of perspective.

Every international team have their strengths but the Springboks are a particularly physical side - it's been the same since year dot, writes Murray Mexted.

Who has the better recent record, the All Blacks or the Springboks?

The Springboks have arrived in Auckland fresh from their groundbreaking victory over Australia and have quickly laid on the charm.