A loss to the Springboks has never been considered career-enhancing for an All Black, but for a host of borderline World Cup selections the Tri-Nations loss in Port Elizabeth has had positive repercussions.

All Black legends Colin Meads and Buck Shelford say Ali Williams was lucky to make it into the Rugby World Cup squad announced today, but Andy Haden says Williams is still the best in-form lock in the country.

With 17 days to go until the start of the World Cup, and 42 days for the tournament to run, ticket sales are still $30.5 million short of the $268m target. NZ will still lose $39m if all the tickets are sold.

While attention is focused on who will get the cruellest cut at 2pm today - with at least two members of the squad...

There will be some surprises when the All Black selectors name their squad of 30 for next month's Rugby World Cup today. A 45-test veteran faces the chop while the Herald understands other high profile casualties will include....

A Kiwi, a Welshman, two Aussies and two Irishmen walk into not one, but two, Rugby World Cup semifinals.

Prince William and Harry won't be here, but we might get one high profile royal couple and celebrities galore...