All Blacks

A lack of Crusaders gives others a chance to shine for All Blacks

The Crusaders beat Argentine side Jaguares to claim a 10th Super Rugby title earlier this month and the national players in their squad were allowed to miss the long trip to Buenos Aires because they already face a punishing season that includes the World Cup in September.

"Those guys had a busy schedule and I think the rest will be good for them but we have got absolute confidence that the guys who are here can step up and do a job," Coles said ahead of Saturday's game.

Sonny Bill Williams injured again, in doubt for Rugby Championship test against Argentina

The oft-injured 33-year-old second five-eighths has pulled up with a tight hamstring at the All Blacks training camp in Auckland and is in doubt for the opening test of the year in Buenos Aires.

Williams missed a large chunk of the Blues' Super Rugby campaign after undergoing a knee procedure, and only made it back on the field for their last match of the season. He made an appearance for Ponsonby in Auckland club rugby last Saturday in order to get some rugby under his belt.

Argentina rugby armed and dangerous, declares All Blacks coach Steve Hansen

The All Blacks coach delivered an unequivocal judgment on the state of Argentine rugby ahead of an important little period where the might of the South American nation was about to assess itself against the very best on offer from New Zealand.

On Saturday night in Christchurch, the Jaguares of Argentina – more or less the World Cup-bound Pumas in the guise of a franchise – will tackle back-to-back champs the Crusaders in their first ever Super Rugby final.

New All Black thought he'd missed selection

The Chiefs flanker is one of four uncapped players in the 39-strong group for the first two matches against Argentina and South Africa.

"I didn't really see this coming at all," Jacobson said.

"I thought I'd missed out on the selection because someone told me that you're meant to get a call before.

"I was like 'oh well, sweet as I'm a bit gutted but I'm still young so I've still got plenty of time' sort of thing, so getting named was pretty cool."

Rugby World Cup 2019: Wallabies want more money than the All Blacks for winning title

 

As negotiations on the four-yearly bonus structure reach the 11th hour, The Sun-Herald understands the players are proposing they be rewarded for winning a quarter-final and a semi-final, with an extra cherry on top for bringing home the Webb Ellis Cup.

While neither the Rugby Union Players' Association nor Rugby Australia would comment on precise figures, it is understood RUPA's total proposed per-player bonus, excluding match payments, would see them pocket up to $200,000 - more than the All Blacks - for winning the World Cup.

Dan Carter announces release date for film offering 'deep insight' into his personal life

Carter made the announcement on Tuesday morning via his Facebook page.

"Excited to share with you guys about a project I've been working on over the past 12 months. A film will be coming out which gives a deep insight into my personal life, my career and particularly my challenging road to the 2015 Rugby World Cup," his post said.

"It will be in cinemas in New Zealand on August 29 and I'll be sure to share the details for my international friends soon! Official title and trailer to come."

All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo signs with English club London Irish

The All Blacks wing has endured a frustrating Super Rugby campaign with the Highlanders this year and hasn't played since suffering a knee injury at training last month.

However, he could return to action during the team's upcoming trip to South Africa.

While the length of the contract was not revealed, Naholo was glad to have secured his future with London Irish. But the 28-year-old said he was still 100 per cent focused on his short-term goals with the Highlanders and All Blacks.

Israel Dagg takes his personality and rugby know-how into broadcasting

Dagg, the 66-test veteran who stepped away from the game earlier this month because of a persistent knee problem, has joined Sky Sport.

Sky rugby fans can look forward to seeing the former Magpies, Highlanders, Crusaders and All Blacks fullback and wing a lot more on Sky Sport

The witty and insightful Dagg will be a regular panellist on Thursday night's Kick-off with Kirstie Stanway from April 25.

Dagg will also feature in Sky rugby match build-ups, post matches and will help generate stories for Sky rugby shows.

Door still open for Ma'a Nonu to make All Blacks' World Cup squad: Steve Hansen

Nonu was not invited to be part of the 41-man group which assembled in Wellington on Monday, but was offered a ray of hope when head coach Steve Hansen said the veteran midfielder would "be considered like anybody else".

Hansen said the selectors had decided to invite only players involved in the All Blacks' 2018 campaign.

"There are some guys who aren't here that, if you were picking it on form, probably would be here, but the rules are the rules and we are all playing by them."

Nonu's World Cup dream appears to be over

Coach Steve Hansen has unveiled 41 players to attend a "foundation day" in Wellington next week in the first significant step towards winning the Webb Ellis Cup for a third-straight time.

There are few notable omissions aside from Nonu, whose last Test was the triumphant 2015 World Cup final.

The 36-year-old played for French club Toulon before returning to Super Rugby with the Blues, where his performances had been solid until last week's virtuoso performance against the NSW Waratahs.