Much of the talk before this match-up of Super Rugby's finalists of the last two years centred on how the Crusaders could leave out a talent like Will Jordan. From now on it could be about whether they dare do without Sevu Reece.There...

For much of this season the Highlanders have been New Zealand's nearly men.Narrow defeats were a frustrating theme for coach Aaron Mauger, especially in their recent five-loss run.During that time there was a sense the Highlanders...

COMMENT A former England centre, Will Greenwood, tells the funniest story I've ever heard about a blindside flanker, usually big, powerful, unforgiving, men who pack on the short side of a scrum.Greenwood was playing a famously...

Steve Hansen has identified as many as three mystery players who could be surprise inclusions in the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup squad.When asked on Radio Sport if he had been impressed by any players outside of the usual stand...

COMMENT Hell, apparently, hath no fury like a woman scorned or a Spark Sport subscriber on a free trial denied the first quarter of a Black Sticks v Australia hockey international at North Harbour Stadium.This is no laughing...

It's not often one single decision can have a profound impact on history. Typically, big events, history-changing episodes, are shaped by a number of actions over a period of time.But New Zealand's recent rugby history is a little...

Want to know who the next Beauden Barrett or Kieran Read will be? In his new weekly column for the Herald, schoolboy rugby expert Herschel Fruean singles out the best First XV matches of the weekend, and some rising stars to watch....

One of the rising stars of New Zealand Rugby, All Blacks and Crusaders first five-eighth Richie Mo'unga, has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders and Canterbury, inking a new deal through to 2022.The news is further good...