As the champagne flowed for the Australian side, the tears flowed for the Kiwis after they were humbled 34-2 in this morning's World Cup final. It brought to an end what had been a promising campaign but highlighted why Australia have been the dominant rugby league nation for some time. Even though the Kiwis won the 2008 World Cup, they could never really have claimed to be the best side around.
Sonny Bill Williams on his journey to become the cross-code legend has been named the Rugby League International Federation Player of the year for 2013. Courtesy of Rugby League World Cup TV
New Zealand Herald Cricket writers Andrew Alderson and David Leggat give their expert opinion and analysis on the Black Caps team named to play West Indies in Dunedin for in the first test of the series.
The Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix in New Zealand is an international event in which amateur drivers race homemade trolley vehicles, Grand Prix style! Each hand-made machine is fueled by nothing but sheer courage, the force of gravity, a touch of genius and a little bit of ridiculousness.
German backpacker Ruthger Fritze demonstrates the art of slacklining on the beach at Mt Maunganui. The sport started as part of the training undertaken by American mountain climbers but now has a big following in Europe and is a favourite amongst backpackers.
When the Kiwis won the World Cup in 2008, it came as a surprise. A lot has changed in five years but New Zealand are still underdogs for Sunday morning's World Cup final against Australia at Old Trafford.
Irish hooker Rory Best shows his bravery after playing on with a broken arm during their clash against the All Blacks last weekend. Video / Youtube: RTE Sport
A Wellington Firebirds fan takes an unbelievable catch off a Luke Wright six during the HRV Cup. courtesy Sky Sports
The All Black final second stars Aaron Cruden and Ryan Crotty talk about scoring the extra time try and kicking the conversion to beat Ireland 24-22 after being down 19-0 in Dublin.
A day of heartbreak for Ireland. Another night of pain, what ifs and could have beens. Hear from the devastated coach and captain from Ireland and Richie McCaw and Steve Hansen from the All Blacks in the post-match press conference.
Indian women's rugby player Ketaki Khare has journeyed to the Bay of Plenty to stay for three months and learn as much as she can about the game in New Zealand. She hopes to take the knowledge back home with her and grow the game of women's rugby in India.
No one does heartbreak like Ireland. Too cruel. Too cruel. This didn't really happen did it? New Zealand, 22-17 down with time up on the clock, won. Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry give their post match analysis.
Cory Jane, who returned from his injury break against France and didn't play in last weekend's victory over England, is on the right wing for the test against Ireland.
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen knows the team needs some fresh legs to inject the energy levels they'll require to win against Ireland.
Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul & Patrick McKendry give their expert opinion and analysis on the changes for the All Blacks team to play Ireland.
With Steve Hansen set to introduce some fresh legs for the All Blacks final push against Ireland in Dublin, the squads rookies believe they're more than ready to step up if required.
The feature-length documentary is about the great Manchester United generation of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, Gary and Phil. Six working class boys who became superstars. It is released in the UK on Sunday 1 December 2013
Kieran Read has gone global - he's the man everyone in Europe can't stop talking about and he's the man most pundits here are expecting to be named IRB Player of the Year. Read's influence is huge, as it has been pretty much all year. Think back and so many of the best bits of the All Blacks in 2013 involve Read.
All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster said Ireland's closer defeats last year in Auckland (42-10) and Christchurch were more representative of the threat they possessed than the Hamilton blowout. Of the upcoming test at Aviva Stadium, the All Blacks' 14th and final one of the year: "Playing in Dublin is pretty special for us. Nothing has come easy for us here.''
After witnessing Richie McCaw hand back the Webb Ellis Cup, Patrick McKendry and Gregor Paul wonder if the All Blacks will be able to win it back in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
McCaw held aloft the Cup just over two years ago at Eden Park after the All Blacks beat France 8-7 to end a 24-year wait for a second World Cup success and in the two years since the trophy has toured New Zealand and allowed thousands of fans to get up close to it. "It's certainly a little bit different handing it back, I guess that means we've won it,'' McCaw said. "Every time I see it I remember the great times of two years ago.''
Benji Marshall talks to Radio Sport's Mark Richardson about switching codes, moving to New Zealand and where he'd like to start with the Blues.
Steve Hansen fronts the media after the All Blacks 'enjoyed a couple of quiet beers 'celebrating the victory over the English and the 50 and 100 cap milestones for Carter and Whitelock.
The All Blacks and England give their post match reaction after the test won by the AB's 30-22.
Sam Whitelock and Julian Savea reflect on the test played against England won by the AB's 30-22.
Hard slog and a classy lineout got the All Blacks home this morning in London. Seriously hard slog as it happens as England were a tough nut to crack. These Poms are not bad.
In the end Goliath was just too big for David - and David Tua ended his heavyweight boxing career in retirement. With the words: "It's time for me to do something else, I think", Tua is gone from the ranks of the heavyweights and retired as New Zealand's leading modern boxer.
A ripped and ready David Tua says what motivated him to get into great shape was a fear of dying when he faces off against Belarusian Alexander Ustinov in Hamilton tomorrow night. Tua, 40, tipped the scales at 107.5kg in front of a gathering of media, entourages and other onlookers at the pre-fight weigh in at the Claudelands Events Centre ahead of his career-defining clash tomorrow night.
Bosnian striker fails to tap the ball into an empty net with arguably the worst miss ever. Video / Youtube: Sefik nukic
Julian Savea explains his illness and recovery for the English clash while hair cutting guru Aaron Smith says he is too nervous to cut the skippers hair.
Dan Carter has been named to start in his familiar number ten jersey for his 100th test which he is set to play against England at Twickenham this weekend.
Julian Savea has been brought straight back into the All Blacks for winger Cory Jane in the only change to the starting 15 for Sunday morning’s revenge test against England at Twickenham. The selectors have also made a slight tweak on the bench, swapping in powerful lock Luke Romano for Sam Cane as they try and bolster their mobility. Dan Carter has been named to start at first five in what will be his 100th test.
Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry are the Herald scribes on tour with the All Blacks and give their expert opinion and analysis of the team to play England and what needs to happen for the men in black to avenge last years defeat.
The 2013 World Rafting Championships are currently being held across three rivers in the Bay of Plenty. Teams from all over the world have gathered to compete in the event which runs until November 24th. Spectators are being encouraged to get along and support the athletes with great viewing positions having been created especially on the banks of the Tarawera River in Kawerau.