Latest from International Rugby

Wynne Gray: George Smith omission a mistake

George Smith isn't in the Wallabies for the second test with the Lions, and that's a big mistake, writes Wynne Gray.

Chris Rattue: McCaw x-factor a must to get team on track

Richie McCaw - your country still needs you, writes Chris Rattue. I've long believed that the great one has covered up fairly serious deficiencies in New Zealand rugby and the series against France has done nothing to dispel the theory.

Rugby: All Blacks' great win percentage

Rugby: Series a Lion's dream

A handful of rugby players are born into Lionhood and the very best of them, the creme de la creme, grow to their fullest size in the red jersey. Brian O'Driscoll is among that number.

Sean Fitzpatrick: Junior result a major wake up call

It's been a worthwhile series against the French but I still have a worry nagging away at me about the development of our players.

All Blacks: ABs end series content

Contentment rather than elation flooded the All Black camp last night. Their ability to emerge triumphant against what they felt was the best French performance of the series was being cherished.

Rugby: All Black Smiths forge new hope

The dominant theme of the June series has been the Smiths - Aaron, Conrad and Ben - a trio whose value to the national game goes way beyond the respectively increasingly important roles they play for the All Blacks.

Rugby: Welsh Dragons have a key role in making the Lions roar

Asked on the Lions trip to South Africa four years ago what touring qualities galvanised such a group and spurred team unity, Brian O'Driscoll offered a simple explanation.

Smith poised to take centre stage

The series in the bag, the All Blacks will shift their emphasis to preparing for the future this week which is why Ben Smith is likely to be picked at centre.

All Blacks: Hansen ignores Dwyer's cheating claim

All Black coach Steve Hansen refuses to enter the debate over claims by former Australia coach Bob Dwyer that New Zealand-coached teams cheat.

Wynne Gray: ABs repay try from world's end

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre is now absorbing the pain he inflicted on the All Blacks 19 years ago.

Gregor Paul: Whitelock puts mongrel back in All Black pack

There was a try from the end of the world but Sam Whitelock stole the show in Christchurch.

All Blacks: Reliance on Dan, Richie still vexing

However much the All Blacks invest in the next generation and empower them to take charge, the spectre of Richie McCaw and Dan Carter will continue to loom large.

Sean Fitzpatrick: All Blacks ramp up the pressure

The All Blacks did their homework and executed their game plan almost perfectly last night.

Read shows grit and power

Richie McCaw said an interesting thing about Kieran Read this week.

Defensive effort par excellence

Some subtle structural amendments and more time in training were credited with the vast improvement in the All Blacks' defensive effort - the unquestionable area of excellence that allowed them to hold France scoreless for the first time in history.