His physical commitment is unquestioned - but it's mental energy that sets the inspirational All Black captain apart.

Dunedin turned up the heaters in the Forsyth Barr Stadium last night as the All Blacks beat the Springboks 21-11 in front of a sellout crowd.

Every year there is an All Black guarantee. At least there has been since the start of Super rugby in 1996.

The All Blacks and Ireland will be led next month by men who have each played more than a 100 tests.

The South African Rugby Union today expressed its dismay at the reported death of a former Springbok flanker who played against the All Blacks ...