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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.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read during his press conference at the team's hotel in Tokyo. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Kieran Read's message to All Blacks ahead of quarter-final

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

All Blacks ready to overcome the challenges that have come for them in Japan.

Japan's Kenki Fukuoka celebrates with teammates after scoring against Scotland. Photo / AP

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History! Japan make World Cup quarters with stunning win

14 Oct, 2019 1:50am
4 minutes to read

Japan are in a Rugby World Cup quarter-final for the first time after amazing display.

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Patrick McKendry: Scotland's World Cup threats utter nonsense

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

COMMENT: Scots don't seem to have a handle on contract law or the definition of fairness.

All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea at the team's hotel in Tokyo, Japan. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Ardie Savea on his rise, his heroes, and a warning to aspiring All Blacks

12 Oct, 2019 6:00am
6 minutes to read

Savea reflects on rapid rise to top of world rugby, and the warning that comes with it.

Japan's head coach Jamie Joseph. Photo / AP

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World Cup fury: Fiery Japan coach hits out following Scottish threats

11 Oct, 2019 8:15pm
5 minutes to read

Joseph, a straight talker at the best of times, is keen for match v Scotland to go ahead.

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McKendry: The glaring offence World Cup refs are missing

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

While refs scrutinise the legality of every contact, it's a free for all on the ground.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and captain Kieran Read, during their press conference after the cancellation of their pool match against Italy. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Typhoon trouble: The new World Cup danger for All Blacks

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

Italian cancellation leaves one big problem for the All Blacks.

The All Blacks at training last week. Photo / Getty Images

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World Cup calamity: First match in World Cup history called off

10 Oct, 2019 4:40pm
3 minutes to read

Safety concerns see All Blacks share points with Italy as Typhoon Hagibis set to hit.

All Blacks wing George Bridge runs at Namibian defenders. Photo / AP

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'Skinny' All Blacks star packing on the pounds at World Cup

9 Oct, 2019 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

All Blacks wing George Bridge is doing the near impossible during this World Cup in Japan.

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Homesick All Blacks: 'It hits people in different ways'

8 Oct, 2019 7:54pm
3 minutes to read

Homesickness has potential to badly affect performance. But the All Blacks have a plan.

Tokyo Disneyland is a 115-acre theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, near Tokyo. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

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World Cup diary: Sharing space with 'Money' Mayweather and $37 beers

8 Oct, 2019 6:10pm
5 minutes to read

The All Blacks will return to the Conrad Hilton, a luxury hotel of giant proportions.

Ardie Savea of the All Blacks wears rugby goggles during a New Zealand training session at Jissoji Tamokuteki Ground. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

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The goggle dilemma: Savea's tricky situation

8 Oct, 2019 5:58pm
4 minutes to read

Ardie Savea is committed to wearing his goggles despite having issues with them.

Scott Barrett is shown a red card in the All Blacks' defeat to the Wallabies in Perth. Photo / Getty

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All Blacks' plan to deal with World Cup red card

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

Steve Hansen and Co practice pulling out of tackles with their big men 'most vulnerable'.

Head coach Steve Hansen was in fine form at his press conference following the All Blacks' pool clash against Namibia. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'Only one Richie McCaw': Steve Hansen after 'epic' dressing room spray

7 Oct, 2019 7:30pm
3 minutes to read

Asked if the ABs would fall into the same trap again, Hansen had an analogy for the ages.

Nepo Laulala was sin-binned for a swinging arm to the head of a Namibian player, while things got heated between Argentina and England following a red card. Photos / Getty Images, Photosport

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Patrick McKendry: Strap in - World Cup about to get even 'dirtier'

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

We've seen 22 cards in the first 28 matches in Japan - and there's no turning back.

All Blacks prop Nepo Laulala gets a yellow card. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Steve Hansen reacts to 'tough' calls against All Blacks

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

All Blacks coach admits guidelines make high tackles a gamble as two props sin-bined.

All Blacks' Jordie Barrett in action. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Big brother Barrett's advice: How Jordie took it to next level for ABs

7 Oct, 2019 7:30am
4 minutes to read

Jordie Barrett says he's never giving his All Black World Cup No 10 jersey away.

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'Haven't seen him like that': Steve Hansen's epic halftime spray

6 Oct, 2019 10:00pm
4 minutes to read

All Blacks coach gives struggling players the halftime rev-up to end all rev-ups.

All Blacks inside back TJ Perenara produces some magic to score. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Sloppy, then superb: All Blacks (eventually) romp past Namibia

6 Oct, 2019 7:45pm
4 minutes to read

All Blacks overcome a slightly uncertain start as new-look line-up shines in second half.

Owen Farrell of England is high tackled by Tomas Lavanini of Argentina. Photo / Getty

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Winners and losers from the World Cup week

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

Patrick McKendry runs through the winners and losers from the recent World Cup clashes.

England first five-eighths George Ford diving jubilant after scoring against Argentina during their their Rugby World Cup 2019 pool match played at Tokyo Stadium. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

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England book spot in World Cup quarters after Argentina see red

5 Oct, 2019 11:05pm
4 minutes to read

Pumas need a miracle to stay alive at Rugby World Cup after being thrashed by England.

All Blacks locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Reunited (and it feels so good): The pairing that will boost AB's Cup chances

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

The band, which has entertained crowds for more than 50 tests, is back together at last.

Jordie Barrett has been named to play first-five for the All Blacks against Namibia. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Why it doesn't matter who wears 10 for All Blacks

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

Not much will change for Jordie Barrett as he prepares to run the cutter against Namibia.

Lock Scott Barrett was one of the few All Blacks to have trouble handling the ball against Canada. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Hansen reveals incredible stat from All Blacks' win

4 Oct, 2019 6:10pm
3 minutes to read

Hansen reveals interesting data to put All Blacks' performance v Canada into context.

Brodie Retallick training with the All Blacks. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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The missing link: How Retallick's return can push All Blacks to next level

3 Oct, 2019 7:00pm
3 minutes to read

Retallick's return would leave Hansen with perhaps the strongest hand at this tournament.

All Blacks second five eighths Sonny Bill Williams setting up a try for left wing Rieko Ioane. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Patrick McKendry: Winners (and loser) from ABs v Canada

3 Oct, 2019 5:40pm
2 minutes to read

The positives (and one negative) from the All Blacks' 63-0 win over Canada.

All Blacks left wing Rieko Ioane scoring during the Rugby World Cup pool match against Canada at the Oita Stadium. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'Emotional' fightback: All Black who gained the most from Canada win

3 Oct, 2019 6:25am
4 minutes to read

Winger's fightback has started and is nearing his best again.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. Photo / Getty

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'It was planned': Hansen explains strange strategy

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

All Blacks coach sheds light on move which had fans and pundits scratching their heads.

New Zealand's Rieko Ioane celebrates after scoring a try against Canada. Photo / AP

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Second-half stunner: All Blacks demolish Canada

3 Oct, 2019 1:10am
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks have provided another reminder of the weaponry at their disposal.

Beauden Barrett is one of the All Blacks' most important players. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Our experts predict: What All Blacks will prove tonight

2 Oct, 2019 5:00pm
5 minutes to read

Japan's victory over Ireland is proof upsets do still happen but don't bet on it tonight.

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Patrick McKendry: My rookie error in the 'Rotorua of Japan'

1 Oct, 2019 5:24pm
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Herald reporter goes above and beyond in Kyushu with heat-related activities.

All Blacks midfielders Sonny Bill Williams and Jack Goodhue during their good humoured press conference in Beppu, Japan. Rugby World Cup. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

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Worst-case scenario: All Black giant's brutal plan for Canada

1 Oct, 2019 5:11pm
4 minutes to read

SBW will push his All Blacks case in the most physical way possible.

Atu Moli (right) is making his World Cup debut in a front row alongside Angus Ta'avao (left) and Liam Coltman (middle). Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'Inspirational' comeback: All Black's remarkable recovery to make Cup debut

30 Sep, 2019 6:45pm
4 minutes to read

"I didn't see this coming," says All Black who could have lost his leg after freak injury.

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Hansen explains All Blacks' selection surprise

30 Sep, 2019 5:40pm
5 minutes to read

Not many people were picking both Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga to start v Canada.

Australia's Samu Kerevi in action against Wales. Photo / Getty

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Patrick McKendry: World Cup is a mess - and one man is to blame

30 Sep, 2019 1:00pm
3 minutes to read

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was right - last night's call was an utter nonsense.

Japan's Kenki Fukuoka makes a break during his side's shock win over Ireland. Photo / AP

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Attack mode: How Japan upset proves ABs have the right gameplan

29 Sep, 2019 5:35pm
4 minutes to read

.COMMENT: The All Blacks' plan to play an up-tempo game is the right one.

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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ABs coach: World Cup controversy that'll have biggest impact

29 Sep, 2019 3:31pm
3 minutes to read

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has warned of the potential "double whammy".

Jack Goodhue in action during an All Blacks training session in Beppu, Oita, Japan. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'Frustrating': All Black's mental battle ahead of World Cup debut

29 Sep, 2019 12:26pm
4 minutes to read

Jack Goodhue will almost certainly play his first World Cup match on Wednesday.

Sam Cane counts his lucky stars and looks forward to the future in Japan yesterday. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Sam Cane: The moment that changed my life

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

Captain Cane looks the face of the future for All Blacks.

All Blacks prop Joe Moody during their press conference. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Joe Moody: Why All Blacks won't make the same mistake as Wallabies

29 Sep, 2019 9:12am
4 minutes to read

Australia overstep 'very fine line', but ABs confident they won't have the same problem.

Ardie Savea in action during the All Blacks training session in Beppu, Oita. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Patrick McKendry: The upset that could throw off ABs' plans

26 Sep, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

We're now a week into the Rugby World Cup here in Japan and there's something missing.

All Blacks star Beauden Barrett takes a photo with a fan after arriving in Japan at the Rugby World Cup. Photo / AP

SPORT

Mr Popularity: 'They're all screaming Beauden's name'

26 Sep, 2019 4:56am
4 minutes to read

Beauden Barrett is a pretty big deal in Japan.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen wouldn't be drawn to comment on images circulating on social media. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'We're not judged by social media': Hansen responds to 'dirty' claims

25 Sep, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen was in no mood to engage on social media footage.

New Zealand Herald rugby writer Patrick McKendry in a restaurant in the Shimbashi district in Tokyo, Japan. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Tour Diary: Chicken skins anyone? The challenge of ordering in Japan

24 Sep, 2019 10:32am
3 minutes to read

Attempting to accurately order food off a menu written in Japanese is a work-on.

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The 'little magician' who turned down Fiji to star for the All Blacks

24 Sep, 2019 8:00am
4 minutes to read

"It has always been a dream of mine to play with the All Blacks," says Fijian-born Reece.

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster during their press conference at the team's hotel in Tokyo, Japan. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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'Have a bit of faith': All Blacks respond to 'cheating' claims

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

All Blacks assistant coach responds to Kieran Read incident after South African outrage.

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles during his press conference at the team's hotel in Tokyo. Photo / Mark Mitchell

SPORT

Revealed: The wise advice that led to All Blacks' victory

23 Sep, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Kieran Read had to gather the team together after they looked rattled early on v Boks.

Ireland's Conor Murray, right, congratulates teammate Andrew Conway after he scored their fourth try. Photo / AP

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McKendry: What Ireland win means for Cup quarter-finals

22 Sep, 2019 10:15pm
3 minutes to read

On evidence shown against Scotland, they look capable of going a long way at the Cup.

Australia's Reece Hodge flies into a tackle against Fiji's Peceli Yato. Photo / AP

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Patrick McKendry: The one big problem with the World Cup so far

22 Sep, 2019 8:00pm
3 minutes to read

COMMENT: Genuine mystery in Australia game a potentially dire sign of what's to come.

All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett on attack against the Springboks. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Patrick McKendry on the player the All Blacks can't do without

22 Sep, 2019 3:50pm
3 minutes to read

The highlights and lowlights from the All Blacks' opening World Cup victory.

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Room for improvement: How ABs overcame 'shaky' start

22 Sep, 2019 1:00pm
4 minutes to read

Beauden Barrett believes the All Blacks have plenty more room for improvement yet.

Kieran Read celebrates with George Bridge and Sam Whitelock. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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What AB coach Steve Hansen liked most from 'titanic struggle'

22 Sep, 2019 1:00pm
4 minutes to read

Steve Hansen was effusive in his praise for a key area during the All Blacks' win.

All Blacks left wing George Bridge scores against the Springboks. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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Boks banished! All Blacks start Cup with superb win

22 Sep, 2019 5:22am
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks have begun their World Cup defence with a victory over the old foe.

Japan's Kotaro Matsushima, left, fends off Russia's Vladislav Sozonov to score his third try. Photo / AP

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We're underway! Hat-trick hero saves Japan in Rugby World Cup opener

21 Sep, 2019 12:50am
3 minutes to read

Fasten your seat belts for what could occasionally be a wild ride over the next six weeks.

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'I'm disappointed': The real reason Hansen got fired up over ABs claim

20 Sep, 2019 2:30pm
4 minutes to read

Claims over All Blacks skipper one of the few times Steve Hansen got annoyed at the media.

It's wall-to-wall coverage as Aaron Smith goes through passing drills at All Blacks training. Photo / Getty Images

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Patrick McKendry: Only three teams truly capable of winning World Cup

20 Sep, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Comment: Hansen's heroes ready to clip the ticket all way to final and third RWC in row.

SPORT

Richie Mo'unga's revelation: My big World Cup fear

19 Sep, 2019 5:45pm
4 minutes to read

"This is going to be tough," thought All Blacks first five after untimely injury.