There was plenty of excitement among the All Blacks as they assembled in Auckland and prepared for their long flight to Edinburgh today.

The beast is finally to be unleashed in the boxing ring. League winger Manu Vatuvei has got the Warriors to reverse their stance on charity boxing and organisers hope to pit him against a current All Black in the Woodstock Honey Fight for Life.

When Argentinian goalkeeper Gaston Sessa takes a look back at his most recent performance for Boca Unidos, he is sure to be disappointed with himself.

Dane Coles and Tawera Kerr-Barlow are the newcomers to a predictable All Blacks European touring squad named this morning. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has predictably kept faith in veteran lock Ali Williams and halfback Piri Weepu, despite the duo's ordinary form this year.

Bushwhacker Luke is one half of New Zealand's most successful wrestling duo. Last weekend, he returned to Auckland to be honoured at an Impact Pro Wrestling event. With upcoming star Travis Banks, and New Zealand heavyweight champion Kingi, Luke tells nzherald.co.nz what it takes to wrestle here and overseas.

In a moving ceremony, Sir Wilson was described as a loving father, inspirational sportsman and successful businessman. Rugby legends are among the crowds farewelling All Blacks great Sir Wilson Whineray at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell this afternoon.Former players Sir Colin Meads, Sir Brian Lochore, Waka Nathan and John Graham are among them. Dean of Auckland, the Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, said the hundreds filling the cathedral were "a tribute" to the significant life led by Sir Wilson and a symbol of the "immense respect" for him. Sir Wilson, considered one of the greatest All Blacks, is survived by his wife Lady Elisabeth and children James, Kristen and Susan. He died at Auckland City Hospital on Monday, aged 77.

Hong Kong's first Red Bull Soapbox Race was a smashing success at Shatin, Hong Kong! On October 14th, 2012, more than 35,000 spectators crowded at To Shek Street to witness 44 teams zoom down the 372 meter long windy race track.

A mass on-pitch brawl during a junior league football match in Paraguay resulted in 36 players, including both teams and substitutes, being sent off. In the last five minutes of the game on Sunday, referee Nestor Guillen handed out two red cards, one to a player from each team, but the pair ignored him and continued their fight on the field. In a matter of seconds the clash spun out of control, involving players from both teams and all substitutes. courtesy YouTube/DorkNightRises

All Blacks legend Sir Wilson Whineray has passed away peacefully in Auckland Hospital. Watch historic match highlights and fellow All Black great Sir Colin Meads talk about Sir Wilson as a man and player. Regarded as one of the great All Blacks legends, Sir Wilson also made significant contributions to the community through his work with sport, charities and business. Video: The TEST/oxygen television.

One year on from the All Blacks winning the Rugby World Cup at Eden Park, Gregor Paul and nzherald.co.nz remember the drama and emotion to end 24 years of pain, the All Blacks themselves candidly recall 'that moment' and the year that has passed.

All Black coach Steve Hansen lost his father Des this week and says of playing the Wallabies,"Dad would kick my arse if I didn't do the job right". We have managed to beat them twice this year but the last time we played them at Suncorp they beat us. They have a record of 17 out of 20 there so that makes them a dangerous animal.

A look back at the five greatest Melbourne Cup moments. Racing expert Brendon Popplewell digs into the archives from the last 50 years to show these gems.

The All Blacks head to Brisbane for the third test in the dead Bledisloe rubber against the Wallabies, the big interest is if they can equal the World Record for the most consecutive victories by a top-tier nation. Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray give their insight towards this Test match.

Blues coach and All Black legend has posted a YouTube video that explains his thoughts on Ma'a Nonu deciding not to honour his contract and move to the Highlanders for the 2013 season. courtesy Blues.co.nz.

Herald Rugby scribes Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray debate the topics of the day and give insight to the signing of AIG as All Black jersey sponsor and what happened between the Blues coach John Kirwan and Ma'a Nonu.

Professional skateboarder Luis Tolentino goes back to his roots in the Dominican Republic for some slow motion street skating.

Des Hansen, the father of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, has died. It is unclear whether he will travel with the team for this weekend's test against Australia in Brisbane. The team have been preparing for the match, where they could set the record for the most consecutive victories by a top-tier nation.

Ronnie Renner breaks down the Top 5 Tricks from the last stop of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2012, taking place in Sydney, Australia.

Usain Bolt was officially welcomed today as beverage company Frucor began it's launch for New Zealand's production & sale of the sports drink Gatorade. The world's fastest man made a special appearance while on his short visit, he also took time out to give some of the countries elite sprint athletes their own private coaching clinic.

Wrapping up 2012 here is the final episode ever of the Boil Up Herald series. Joining our regulars to say farewell are Trevor Mallard, Tau Henare, Mike King and Julian Wilcox.

Serbia’s under-17 football team perfectly executed a training ground move to score an audacious goal against Moldova last week. A low corner was dummied by not one, not two, but three players before it was driven low and hard past the Moldovan keeper by Andrija Zivkovic, from just outside the box. Serbia went on to win the game 4-0. The match was a qualifier for the Under-17 European Championships, which will be held in Slovakia next May. Video courtesy of youtube/101greatgoalsFan2

The factory Fords will head to this weekend's Bathurst 1000 emblazed with one of the brand's most famous looks. In 1977 Allan Moffat led home Colin Bond in a 1-2 finish and championship contender Mark Winterbottom has an eye on a repeat performance.

NZ Herald motorsport correspondent and nzherald.co.nz motorsport host Eric Thompson chats with former McLaren F1 team member and motorsport commentator legend Bob McMurray about all things racing. In this episode we discuss Lewis Hamilton's move to Mercedes and does that mean the end of Michael Schumacher? We preview the Japanese F1 Grand prix and for the real petrol heads we look at the 50th running of the Bathurst 1000. For those who like to play in the dirt we have a look at Hayden Paddon's chances at the all tarmac Rally France. Oh, and Tom Blomqvist's continuing improvement in the Euro F3 championship.

NRL Grand Final picks, Quade Cooper dramas, and what’s up with League eligibility rules. All covered in this week’s Boil Up.

Woodstock Honey Fight for Life will be held on Saturday 15 December 2012 at The Trusts Stadium Arena in Waitakere. It has been announced that BIG Willie Mason will captain the rugby League team in the traditional rugby vs league match off. Mason's father passed away with cancer when Willie was only 17 years old, he has always dedicated money & time to support the fight against cancer. When presented with the opportunity to box in the fight for life he jumped at the chance.

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has reportedly quit as coach of the NRL club after 10 years following days of player unrest. There is speculation Sheens may be looking to the New Zealand Warriors. Could Sheens be the problem solver for the NZ club. Ex-Kiwi League legend Dean Lonergan & Newcastle Knights player Willie Mason give their expert opinion & analysis.

Herald writers Gregor Paul & Wynne Gray give their expert analysis & opinion on the All Blacks and their preparation to play Argentina before taking on the Springboks in South Africa.

NZ Herald motorsport correspondent Eric Thompson and former McLaren F1 team member and motorsport commentator Bob McMurray chat about Singapore Grand Prix and how the F1 championship maybe coming to Alonso rather than him chasing it. Also, they discuss how a Chinese driver can get a Super Licence when others may struggle, and whether it's Mercedes or AMG going racing in the V8 Supercars championship.

Olympian and BMX Silver medalist Sarah Walker finally came home to where her story started; the small country town of Kawerau. Welcomed back by her parents, teachers and schools, Sarah reflects upon having a dream that any 'small town kid' can follow if they really want to.