Steven Luatua's return to field for the All Blacks has been a grinding effort for the 23 year old. Coach Steve Hansen has never been short of his opinion and determination to remind the youngster he wants a player who can work through the pain, Luatua is quick to admit he just needed a reminder.

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.

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.

Their friendship helped forge a new country, the white rugby player and the black President who came to represent South Africa's racial reconciliation.

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

At the start of the professional era in 1996, when it was guaranteed we'd start playing South Africa at least twice a year, some people said such regular contests would diminish the excitement.

South Africa appear to be the clear and present danger but there is a more basic threat nearer to home that has potential to bite New Zealand rugby harder.

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.