Inga Tuigamala believes Rodney So'oialo's presence in the starting XV gives the All Blacks their best loose forward trio.

New Zealand's top rugby players believe the game has become too complicated, according to a survey released this week.

The underdog factor is long gone but Hawke's Bay rugby coach Peter Russell doesn't care.

Auckland have been kind to Hawke's Bay this season. They started by allowing the Magpies to crush them and ended it by giving them safe passage to the semifinals.

A crowd estimated at 3000 has given the Ranfurly Shield-winning Southland rugby team a heroes' welcome in Invercargill.

Invercargill is preparing for the party to beat all parties, as the city's rugby heroes return with the Ranfurly Shield.

The Ranfurly Shield is a trophy that holds a special place in the hearts of rugby lovers in New Zealand.

Southland tackled their way into Ranfurly Shield rugby folklore with victory over Canterbury last night.