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Latest FromGregor Paul

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen with Gilbert Enoka and Ian Foster at All Blacks training session at University Oval in Dunedin. Photo / Brett Phibbs

SPORT

Long list of factors influencing ABs line-up

20 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Oh, to have been a fly on the wall during ABs' selection meeting for this third test.

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Foster: Rugby still needs a way of punishing real offenders

19 Jun, 2018 2:51pm
4 minutes to read

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster says rugby needs a way of punishing real offenders.

First-five Richie Mo'unga at the All Blacks media session at the Heritage Hotel, Auckland. 21 May 2018 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Jason Oxenham.

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All Blacks: Door to No 10 open for Mo'unga

18 Jun, 2018 3:05pm
3 minutes to read

The tactical failings by the All Blacks may have opened the door for Richie Mo'unga.

Kieran Read of the All Blacks looks on during the Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South African Springboks. Photo / Getty Images.

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Paul: All Blacks need Kieran Read back

18 Jun, 2018 10:36am
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks have missed Kieran Read this series more than they imagined.

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All Blacks given breakdown warning

17 Jun, 2018 6:00pm
3 minutes to read

The All Blacks and Australia were given a lesson this weekend.

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Injuries force ABs to spin selection wheel

17 Jun, 2018 4:00pm
4 minutes to read

Injury has once again hit the All Blacks hard and left them short of choice.

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Hansen calls for rule change after red card 'shame'

17 Jun, 2018 9:06am
4 minutes to read

The ABs produced a "flush the dunny" performance with few redeeming features.

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French farce: Ludicrous decision in All Blacks win

16 Jun, 2018 9:30pm
4 minutes to read

Rarely has an international side been so badly shafted as they have been in this series.

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All Blacks success divides the world

16 Jun, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

When a team dominates the way the All Blacks have it is inevitable resentment will brew.

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The 128kg French captain who is not what he seems

15 Jun, 2018 4:15pm
3 minutes to read

Mathieu Basteraud is a great redemption story and deserves a warm welcome in Wellington.

New Zealand All Black Wing Julian Savea in the final test at Eden Park, Auckland of the 2017 British and Irish Lions Tour. Photo / Greg Bowker.

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Comment: Kiwi exodus killed France not All Blacks

15 Jun, 2018 2:08pm
4 minutes to read

The French have been hit harder than the All Blacks by the exodus to the Top 14.

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Rugby: Lienert-Brown set to sort out muddles in midfield

15 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Few obvious parts of their combination that Crotty and Lienert-Brown will be focusing on.

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Are the ABs revealing their World Cup hand too early?

14 Jun, 2018 4:30pm
4 minutes to read

With 15 months until the World Cup, are the All Blacks revealing too much, too early?

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Paul: The All Blacks' secret delight

14 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Familiarity never breeds contempt but can lead to strong teams.

The starting XV for the Under 20 winning side.

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The greatest rugby team in history

13 Jun, 2018 7:53pm
4 minutes to read

New Zealand's 2011 Under-20s are now the most successful age-grade team in history.

Ben Smith of the All Blacks runs the ball against Remy Grosso of France during the International Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and France. Photo / Getty Images.

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All Blacks: Conspiracy theories preventing common sense

12 Jun, 2018 2:52pm
4 minutes to read

There is the notion that the All Blacks hold some kind of mystical power over officials.

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Wallabies are the All Blacks' real threat

10 Jun, 2018 5:38pm
3 minutes to read

Despite the dire form of Australia's Super Rugby sides, the Wallabies are looking good.

France's Remy Grosso walks from the field injured during the Steinlager Series rugby match between the All Blacks and France at the Eden Park in Auckland. Photo / Photosport.nz

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Hansen hits back: 'We've been called cheats for 100 years'

10 Jun, 2018 12:03pm
5 minutes to read

Accusations the All Blacks are cheats don't trouble coach Steve Hansen

All Blacks centre Ryan Crotty fends off a French defender. Photo / Brett Phibbs

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The message that sparked ABs comeback

9 Jun, 2018 10:45pm
3 minutes to read

Steve Hansen admits he didn't expect to put 50 points on the French.

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French face gruelling tour after first test mauling

9 Jun, 2018 9:20pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks look ominously good already after thrashing France at Eden Park.

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An All Blacks selection like no other

8 Jun, 2018 5:40pm
6 minutes to read

Karl Tu'inukuafe is the most remarkable All Blacks selection of the professional era.

The All Blacks regroup at training. Photo / Getty

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Hard luck stories for All Blacks

7 Jun, 2018 6:45pm
4 minutes to read

Steve Hansen has explained his team selection for the first test.

Ben Smith's move to the wing will help stifle the rushing defence and keep the opposition guessing. Photo / Getty Images

SPORT

Another change of direction for Ben Smith

7 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Back three for first test reflects the changing nature of the game, writes Gregor Paul.

All Blacks coaches Steve Hansen (L) and Ian Foster (C) discuss tactics. Photo / Getty

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The All Blacks' secret attacking plans

6 Jun, 2018 4:15pm
4 minutes to read

The ABs have been working on ways to negate what everyone believes is the way to beat them

All Blacks Ryan Crotty and TJ Perenara, during the All Blacks team training session, held at the NZ Warriors training ground at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

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All Blacks' midfield combination still a mystery

5 Jun, 2018 4:07pm
4 minutes to read

Ryan Crotty will most likely start for ABs but SBW's injury means we don't know with whom.

All Blacks Ben Smith and Ryan Crotty during a press conference at the team hotel in Dunedin last year. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

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'Important to be honest': ABs open up on concussion battles

5 Jun, 2018 2:49pm
4 minutes to read

Ryan Crotty and Ben Smith opened up about their respective battles with concussion.

All Blacks Brodie Retallick and Liam Squire arrive at the All Blacks gym session at Les Mills gym. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

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Good news for injured All Blacks ahead of France test

4 Jun, 2018 2:13pm
4 minutes to read

Other than Brodie Retallick the All Blacks received the good injury news they hoped for.

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Worrying shades of 2009 for All Blacks

4 Jun, 2018 11:41am
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks were exposed in 2009 for not having enough leadership and experience.

New Zealand Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol. Photo / Getty Images

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Sobering reality of rugby's sponsors

3 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Game needs to take more ethical stance on alcohol and fast food.

Billy Meakes of the Rebels runs away to score a try against the Blues. Photo / Getty

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Bumbling Blues bested by Rebels

2 Jun, 2018 7:22pm
4 minutes to read

Whether this is a new low or not is hard to tell because the Blues have set so many.

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Paul: All Blacks hard men need to wise up

2 Jun, 2018 11:43am
4 minutes to read

It is time for the All Blacks hard men to start playing within the laws.

Sonny Bill Williams aggravated an old injury while training with the ABs. Photo / Getty Images

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All Blacks' horror injury toll a fact of life

2 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

SBW ruled out of French series because of a bone chip in his knee which requires surgery.

A resolution is beckoning for Pete Samu. Photo / Getty Images

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Samu tug-of-war to be resolved today

2 Jun, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Both parties agreed they can't continue to leave Pete Samu in limbo past today.

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SBW ruled out of French series, requires surgery

1 Jun, 2018 1:02pm
2 minutes to read

SBW has been ruled out of the All Blacks' series against France, requires surgery.

Pete Samu of the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images

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Ball in Australia's court on Samu saga

31 May, 2018 7:45pm
3 minutes to read

If Rugby Australia stump up compensation, Pete Samu will be released to the Wallabies.

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Walking wounded: Why the ABs should be worried

31 May, 2018 6:08pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks have a problem with the number of players short of recent game time.

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Is NZ Rugby about to deliver the Wallabies an embarrassing blow?

30 May, 2018 3:30pm
4 minutes to read

Hardly ever before has a televised Wallabies team naming had this much interest in NZ.

The Barbarians celebrate beating Eddie Jones' England over the weekend. Photo / Getty

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Barbarians booze comments 'rotten, dangerous'

29 May, 2018 3:45pm
4 minutes to read

Comment: The Barbarians have done for alcohol what 1990s cult film did for heroin.

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Rugby: Jumping ban? Rule changes to be discussed

27 May, 2018 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Jumping ban could be among options to improve safety under the high ball.

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Who's really to blame for Franks-Parsons mess

25 May, 2018 12:17pm
4 minutes to read

Sorry, not sorry: Fallout from Owen Franks' ban proves rugby's judicial system is a mess.

Will it be Richie Mo'unga (left) or Damian McKenzie (right) as Beauden Barrett's back-up? Photo / Getty

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Who wins the battle for Barrett's backup?

24 May, 2018 5:05pm
4 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: Richie Mo'unga is the second best 10 in NZ but might not make the ABs bench.

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All Blacks stars in doubt for first test

23 May, 2018 4:55pm
4 minutes to read

Two more All Blacks stalwarts in a race against time to face the French at Eden Park.

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Is NZ rugby ignorant, arrogant or just lazy?

23 May, 2018 3:40pm
4 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: Yes, this French squad can beat the All Blacks. Here's how.

Shannon Frizell of the Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images.

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ABs surprise selection faces battle to believe

22 May, 2018 3:14pm
4 minutes to read

Shannon Frizzell's biggest battle might be believing in himself and his readiness.

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What are Hansen's plans with the back three?

21 May, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The make up of the All Blacks back three is going to be a source of intrigue all year.

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Paul: ABs squad throws up more questions than answers

20 May, 2018 12:01pm
4 minutes to read

The balance of the All Blacks squad has been distorted by the abundance of loose forwards.

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The issue that could derail the All Blacks

20 May, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

One concerning statistic from last year's tests could derail new ABs season.

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Blues fall to another defeat

19 May, 2018 9:22pm
4 minutes to read

They showed some promising signs, but the Blues lost once again against a Kiwi team.

Sam Whitelock has proven an exceptional leader for the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images

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Our captain: Sam Whitelock the right man

19 May, 2018 5:30am
5 minutes to read

There's no mystery as to what the All Blacks are looking for in their captain.

Samuel Whitelock and Brodie Retallick of the All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images.

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The right choice for All Blacks captain

18 May, 2018 12:39pm
5 minutes to read

In a three-horse race for the All Blacks captaincy, Sam Whitelock looks set to win.

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What Umaga's new deal really means

16 May, 2018 5:05pm
4 minutes to read

It's not quite the Blues' coaching dream team but Leon MacDonald's arrival is significant.

The crowd taking in the action during the All Blacks vs Samoa rugby test in Apia, Samoa. 8 July 2015 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Mark Mitchell.

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Sorry Pacific Islands, your Super Rugby dream is still way off

15 May, 2018 3:21pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The prospect of a Super Rugby team being put in Fiji remains a long way off.

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Crusaders stun Waratahs with historic comeback

12 May, 2018 7:21pm
4 minutes to read

The Waratahs owned the Crusaders for 30 minutes, only to concede 31 in the next 50.

Hurricanes captain Brad Shields during the Hurricanes vs Sunwolves Super Rugby match at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Friday the 27th of April 2018. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

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The modern day legend unwanted by ABs

12 May, 2018 10:43am
7 minutes to read

Brad Shields says he's aware of the pressures he faces as a newly selected England player.

Blues winger Rieko Ioane wasn't given much room to run against the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty

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Star wingers fail to fire in Kiwi derby

11 May, 2018 9:30pm
3 minutes to read

The anticipated clash between the two quickest men in NZ rugby never really happened.

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Gregor Paul: Shields could destroy England

11 May, 2018 11:32am
5 minutes to read

Eddie Jones got his man but at what price?

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Gregor Paul: NZ Rugby's dangerous precedent

10 May, 2018 8:18pm
3 minutes to read

The decision to let Brad Shields play for England won't have a happy ending for everyone.

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Paul: Why we should be miffed about Carlos

10 May, 2018 2:45pm
4 minutes to read

Carlos Spencer at the Hurricanes? This sums up how far the franchise has fallen.

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Three reasons to believe in the Blues again

9 May, 2018 4:30pm
4 minutes to read

The Blues have had a rare influx of good news ahead of their clash against the Hurricanes.

Sonny Bill Williams passes during a Blues Super Rugby training session. Photo / Getty

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SBW return hails new future for Rieko Ioane

9 May, 2018 12:11pm
4 minutes to read

The return of SBW to the Blues means they can stop using Rieko Ioane at 12.

The Springboks love playing the All Blacks - but they need Sanzaar for that. Photo / Getty

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Why South Africa won't quit Super Rugby

8 May, 2018 4:18pm
4 minutes to read

Gregor Paul: There's one simple reason South Africa won't walk away. The All Blacks.

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Turning Akira Ioane into the eighth wonder

5 May, 2018 10:28am
5 minutes to read

The All Blacks will back themselves to turn Akira Ioane into a world class No 8.