Latest from Best of Sport Analysis

Paul Lewis: Troubled bridge over San Fran waters

Take a look at the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Now imagine a part of it gone after an earthquake. Then think about US$6.4 billion ($7.8 billon) and 24 years spent repairing it.

Chris Rattue: McCaw will never stop playing

Having watched Richie McCaw motoring around in the Sydney test I'm predicting he might make the 2019 World Cup, writes Chris Rattue.

Richard Loe: McKenzie was left smarting at loss

Hugh McGahan: Title tussle shapes as a fight for four

Unfortunately, the nature of knockout football is that we reward mediocrity by giving weaker teams a second chance.

Andrew Alderson: Long jump in need of 'Boltesque' competition

Sean Fitzpatrick: All power to sabbaticals if players are recharged

I know there will be some who will disagree with me - but I am of the mind that the Dan Carter and Richie McCaw sabbaticals are a good thing.

Rugby: Toomua to make Test debut

Rugby: All Blacks super-size squad

The All Blacks plan to take an extended squad on their end-of-year tour and are leaving several places open to pick provincial players.

Chris Rattue: Missed chance to lift Read

This was actually the perfect time to hand over the All Blacks captaincy permanently to Kieran Read, a far more likely World Cup starter, writes Chris Rattue.

Chris Rattue: Benji a player 'on the slide'

Benji Marshall was a footballing genius, but not any more. He's been a player on the slide throughout the NRL season, writes Chris Rattue.

Wynne Gray: Hooker only puzzle picking All Blacks test side

Wynne Gray: Rusty McCaw fortunate Smith heading to Japan

Richie McCaw is one of the All Black greats but his lack of condition would suffer against George Smith if the pair were in Bledisloe Cup combat next week, writes Wynne Gray.

Wynne Gray: 'Weka's' leadership a core component of Chiefs' triumph

Honours boards or statues do not suit the Chiefs' balanced culture, but some recognition for captain Craig Clarke seems appropriate.

Richard Loe: Wasn't pretty to watch but finals football seldom is

It wasn't pretty and two or three reputations suffered as the Chiefs let the Brumbies too far into this game - but they pulled it out of the fire, writes Richard Loe.

Hugh McGahan: Don't place unrealistic goals on the Warriors

The Warriors have unequivocal support from their long-suffering fans amid their current form.

Dylan Cleaver: Izzy joking or in the know?

He's a real card, that Israel Dagg. The type of guy that can keep you entertained for hours armed only with a sock puppet and a whoopee cushion.

Richie Barnett: Warriors face big challenge from dogged Sharks

David Leggat: Valentine's card a little beauty

The tournament will last 44 days - including five rest days - one more than the 2011 event hosted by three sub-continental countries, writes David Leggat.