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Key man injured as Blues make scorching Super Rugby start

17 Jan, 2020 5:26pm
3 minutes to read

Otere Black damages a rib as Blues beat Chiefs in Waihi heat.

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Patrick McKendry: 2020 vision and other Super Rugby certainties

16 Jan, 2020 5:00pm
4 minutes to read

Comment: Beauden Barrett's arrival will come too late for Blues... and other predictions.

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Why Scott Robertson is all but lost to the All Blacks

11 Dec, 2019 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

The chances of Scott Robertson ever stepping in to coach the ABs are almost zero.

The old and the new... Michael Cheika and Dave Rennie. Photos / Getty Images

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McKendry: What ABs can expect from Wallabies under 'brutal' Kiwi

21 Nov, 2019 3:30pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Dave Rennie just what Wallabies need after Michael Cheika's tumultuous reign.

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McKendry: Could Scott Robertson and Ian Foster work together for ABs?

19 Nov, 2019 12:30pm
3 minutes to read

It looks increasingly like a two-horse race, but could a partnership keep everyone happy?

Joseph Parker wants his shot at Derek Chisora. Photo / Getty

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'I'll retire you': Joseph Parker's warning to Derek Chisora

18 Nov, 2019 3:30pm
4 minutes to read

Kiwi heavyweight fears Chisora has turned attention to ambitious shot against WBO No1.

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In the spotlight: The five wannabe All Blacks with most to prove

17 Nov, 2019 4:00pm
4 minutes to read

Retirements offer opportunities to next crop of stars - here are some of the contenders.

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Path to success: The one club Blues should emulate next season

14 Nov, 2019 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

Blues coach Leon MacDonald will be aiming to increase his side's tempo and urgency.

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Patrick McKendry: Is Scott Robertson too quirky to be All Blacks coach?

14 Nov, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Conservative NZ Rugby board must keep open mind on surfer dude Crusaders coach.

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Leon MacDonald reveals Beauden Barrett's 'unique' deal with Blues

13 Nov, 2019 3:30pm
3 minutes to read

Blues star signing will need game time after break - and his debut could be a classic.

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Scott Robertson reveals 'tough phone call' after All Blacks snub

13 Nov, 2019 12:30pm
4 minutes to read

"We're all in," says Crusaders coach as race to find Steve Hansen's successor heats up.

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Patrick McKendry: Waiting for Barrett - and other problems for the Blues

13 Nov, 2019 6:00am
4 minutes to read

Blues look light at fullback and wing as coach MacDonald prepares for second year in job.

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Patrick McKendry: The Blues gamble that could backfire badly

12 Nov, 2019 8:30pm
4 minutes to read

If Rieko Ioane was hoping for a quiet start to 2020, he has another thing coming.

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Kiwi boxing star's sorrow: Family tragedy while watching All Blacks

9 Nov, 2019 7:58am
4 minutes to read

Junior Fa's dad collapsed while watching the ABs play South Africa in the World Cup.

Jordie Barrett of New Zealand and Owen Farrell of England embrace after the All Blacks' semifinal defeat. Photo / Getty

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History to Heartbreak: Inside story of ABs' World Cup agony

5 Nov, 2019 6:45pm
Quick Read

The full story of how the All Blacks' World Cup hopes of history turned into heartbreak.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read after losing to England. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Roundtable: Who was the standout All Black in Japan?

4 Nov, 2019 11:00am
8 minutes to read

Patrick McKendry and Liam Napier tackle all of the big questions from the 2019 RWC.

The Springboks celebrating with the Webb Ellis Cup. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Patrick McKendry: Three hard truths from Springboks' historic win

3 Nov, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Springboks' win was one of firsts - but also a confirmation of some hard truths.

The Springboks celebrating with the Webb Ellis Cup after their victory over England in the Rugby World Cup 2019 final played at International Stadium Yokohama, Japan. Photo /Mark Mitchell.

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Sensational South Africa claim World Cup glory

2 Nov, 2019 11:55pm
4 minutes to read

South Africa have done it - they've upset the odds and beaten England in the World Cup.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen waves to the crowd after his final test in charge. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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One last request: Hansen's stern message to NZ media

2 Nov, 2019 12:00pm
4 minutes to read

Coach Steve Hansen went out in style in his final post-match press conference.

Steve Hansen waves after the Rugby World Cup bronze final game: Photo / AP

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'Put personal desires aside': Hansen's parting crack at Northern attitudes

2 Nov, 2019 8:20am
4 minutes to read

Hansen urged the Six Nations bloc to make decisions for the good of the game.

All Blacks wing Ben Smith is hugged by Aaron Smith after scoring his second try against Wales during the Rugby World Cup Bronze Final. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'Shows a lot in their character': Mo'unga's praise for ABs duo

2 Nov, 2019 5:29am
4 minutes to read

Watching Ben Smith play so well was a highlight for All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga.

Ben Smith of New Zealand celebrates with Sam Cane. Photo / Getty

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End of an era! All Blacks crush Wales to claim Rugby World Cup bronze

1 Nov, 2019 11:50pm
4 minutes to read

After the All Black tears in Yokohama, a little bit of joy in Tokyo.

Ben Smith will play his 84th and final test on Friday night. Photo / Getty Images

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Remembering Bender - the All Blacks 'battler from Green Island'

1 Nov, 2019 11:00pm
6 minutes to read

Ben Smith is the boy-next-door who showed the rugby world that anything is possible.

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Patrick McKendry: NZ Rugby's puzzling Warren Gatland decision

31 Oct, 2019 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: He's one of the best coaches in world rugby but several questions remain.

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The key factor driving both teams ahead of bronze final

31 Oct, 2019 5:52am
4 minutes to read

Warren Gatland expects both teams to play in a positive fashion tomorrow night.

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'I'm ready to go': Read's emotional goodbye to ABs ahead of final match

31 Oct, 2019 8:30am
4 minutes to read

All Blacks captain is ready to leave it all behind and allow someone else to have a go.

The All Blacks sing the national anthem ahead of the quarter-final against Ireland. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Patrick McKendry: What makes All Blacks' failure better than 2007

29 Oct, 2019 5:13pm
4 minutes to read

Comment: The All Blacks may have crashed out to England but in many ways they still won.

TRAVEL

Perth: The mild (not wild) west

29 Oct, 2019 12:00pm
6 minutes to read

Perth is not the wild west - more like the mild west

All Black Sam Cane. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'It wasn't pleasant': ABs' brutal review after England loss

28 Oct, 2019 7:30pm
4 minutes to read

Several players had to don metaphorical bulletproof vests as England loss broken down.

The All Blacks will face Wales in the bronze final on Friday night. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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All Blacks close to tears: Emotional Kieran Read reveals plans to attack bronze medal match

28 Oct, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

It's the game no one wants to play; the ultimate Rugby World Cup booby prize.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen at the post-match press conference following the defeat to England. Photo / AP

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The real reason Hansen snapped at 'disrespectful' reporter

27 Oct, 2019 3:50pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Like most things on Saturday, it was poor execution and not poor intention.

England players look on in their 'V' formation while the All Blacks perform the haka. Photo / Getty

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V for Vendetta: The inside story of how England got upper hand on haka

27 Oct, 2019 11:00am
4 minutes to read

England provided the zig to the ABs' zag - and it proved to be important for many reasons.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read hunched over in defeat. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'It's gutting': Emotional Read reacts to World Cup woe

27 Oct, 2019 12:00am
4 minutes to read

Kieran Read won't get lift the Webb Ellis trophy as All Blacks captain.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read after losing to England in the Rugby World Cup semifinal. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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End of the World! All Blacks stunned by incredible English

26 Oct, 2019 11:00pm
4 minutes to read

The sun has set on the All Blacks' dream of winning three World Cups in succession.

Elliot Daly and Beauden Barrett. Photos / Getty Images

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Expert analysis: ABs v England head to head - Who has best starting XV?

26 Oct, 2019 5:00pm
6 minutes to read

We compare the ABs and England starting XVs. Which team has the head-to-head advantage?

Owen Farrell and Kieran Read. Photos / Getty Images

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The most anticipated semi in history: Inside the pressure-cooker

26 Oct, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

It's going to be a great contest isn't it? Two heavyweights - one in black, one in white.

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SBW opens up: The unlikely message that inspired ABs dynasty

25 Oct, 2019 4:30pm
5 minutes to read

Sonny Bill Williams reveals a message from Graham Henry that's come to define his career.

Scott Barrett of the All Blacks. Photo / Getty

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Patrick McKendry: How England's biggest weapon has just been blunted

24 Oct, 2019 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Will Barrett's inclusion be a masterstroke of generalship or a failed gamble?

The Barrett brother All Blacks, from left, Jordie, Scott and Beauden. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'It's been tough': Barretts given option to leave World Cup

24 Oct, 2019 6:30pm
4 minutes to read

Grandfather's passing results in option of compassionate leave for All Blacks brothers.

England midfielder Manu Tuilagi. Photo / Getty

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How English star plans to respond to the haka

24 Oct, 2019 10:00am
4 minutes to read

Manu Tuilagi is set for a different approach to that of the English fans.

Assistant Head Coach Ian Foster and All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen. Photo / Jason Oxenham.

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Patrick McKendry: The hidden message behind Hansen's praise of Foster

24 Oct, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: There was more in it than Hansen merely endorsing attack coach Foster's methods.

Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga during an All Blacks training session in Japan. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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How the All Blacks are preparing for what happens after extra-time

23 Oct, 2019 9:00am
4 minutes to read

All Blacks will have the Cricket World Cup final debacle in the back of their minds.

Shattered Dreams...the tears flow from Japan's Fumiaki Tanaka after their loss to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup quarter final at Tokyo Stadium, Japan. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

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Patrick McKendry: 'Backward-thinking Japan' set to undo all their good work

23 Oct, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Japanese backrooms are staffed with old-fashioned attitudes and amateur ethos.

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'Fans with keyboards': England coach slams Kiwi media

22 Oct, 2019 7:24pm
4 minutes to read

Jones ensured the build-up to semifinal will carry edge following extraordinary presser.

Shattered dreams ... Japan captain Michael Leitch farewells supporters after the team lost to South Africa. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Opinion: Farewell then Japan - you made the show a lot of fun

22 Oct, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Farewell Japan. You did a nation - and a tournament - proud, writes Patrick McKendry.

All Blacks flanker Sam Cane and lock Brodie Retallick during their press conference. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'Is that supposed to be funny?': All Black snaps at English writer

21 Oct, 2019 6:30pm
4 minutes to read

The response typified how Brodie Retallick plays; direct and occasionally brutal.

Japan react after their loss to South Africa. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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McKendry: The World Cup is poorer after Japan's exit

21 Oct, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Japan's World Cup dream is over - but the legacy must remain and surely will.

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Patrick McKendry: Beat England and World Cup as good as won for ABs

21 Oct, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: A week after Typhoon Hagibis blew through, the Irish were hit by a perfect storm.

Matt Todd lines up for the national anthem ahead of the quarter-final win over Ireland. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Injury blow: All Black set to miss World Cup semifinal

20 Oct, 2019 6:04pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their semifinal against England.

All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett celebrates with teammates. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Fantastic formula: Immaculate Barrett reveals secret ABs plan

20 Oct, 2019 10:49am
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks trusted a game plan they believed could put the Irish under pressure.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen during a press conference. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

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'Best ever': Steve Hansen takes aim at All Blacks critics

20 Oct, 2019 5:50am
5 minutes to read

Coach lifts lid on how Irish thrashing was achieved (but won't think about England yet).

New Zealand's Aaron Smith celebrates with teammates after scoring a try. Photo / AP

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Black magic! Incredible All Blacks destroy Ireland

20 Oct, 2019 1:15am
4 minutes to read

A three-peat remains on for Steve Hansen's men after a truly superb victory.

All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown at the team's hotel. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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All Blacks star's stunning revelation: The day I nearly quit

18 Oct, 2019 4:40pm
6 minutes to read

Exclusive: "A lot of people wouldn't have known. I probably put on a pretty good front."

Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga during the All Blacks training in Tokyo, Japan. Rugby World Cup 2019. 17 October, 2019. NZ Herald Photograph by Mark Mitchell

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Young All Black's joke shows the kids are all right

18 Oct, 2019 11:23am
4 minutes to read

Mo'unga is so comfortable in ABs environment ahead of the biggest game of his life.

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Patrick McKendry: How will Ireland handle the pressure?

18 Oct, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: If Ireland can't progress at this tournament, when will they?

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Hansen's hidden message from All Blacks' selection

17 Oct, 2019 6:25pm
4 minutes to read

Matchday 23 gives away several clues as to how the All Blacks plan to take down Ireland.

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Key to unlocking the Irish: Why ABs will name this team

16 Oct, 2019 4:30pm
4 minutes to read

Patrick McKendry: Now is not the time for the ABs to suddenly develop a fear of heights.

Ireland's Johnny Sexton celebrates after scoring a try during the Rugby World Cup Pool A game at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium between Ireland and Samoa. Photo / AP

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The world's best? All Blacks plan for Irish danger man

15 Oct, 2019 8:23pm
4 minutes to read

As a key figure in Irish attack, All Blacks have made it clear they will target Sexton.

Referee Nigel Owens (Wales), looks on during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group C game between England and Argentina at Tokyo Stadium. Photo / Getty Images.

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'We're happy': All Blacks satisfied with ref appointment

15 Oct, 2019 6:39pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks have expressed their satisfaction at the appointment of Nigel Owens as ref.

Japanese rugby fans, reacting while watching their team's winning performance against Scotland, in a central Tokyo bar. Rugby World Cup 2019. 13 October, 2019. NZ Herald Photograph by Mark Mitchell

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Patrick McKendry: There's something special happening in Japan

15 Oct, 2019 3:00pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: The Japanese attitude is one we can learn from, and would do well to adopt.

Coach Steve Hansen chatting with Ryan Crotty during an All Blacks training session. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Secretive strategy: The intriguing way ABs are preparing for Ireland

14 Oct, 2019 8:00pm
4 minutes to read

All Blacks produce test-match intensity in training as they get ready for quarter-final.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will have plenty to ponder ahead of the World Cup quarter-final clash with the All Blacks. Photos / Mark Mitchell. Photosport

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How Ireland can beat the All Blacks - and the big reason they won't

14 Oct, 2019 5:40pm
7 minutes to read

NZME rugby experts big Rugby World Cup questions ahead of the quarter-finals.