American college basketballer James Young scores on his own basket in the most unlikely fashion. Video / Youtube: KentuckyWildcatsTV

All Black captain Richie McCaw and returning number eight Kerian Read face up to the challenge of a French side playing at home. The perception that the French draw something extra out of themselves when they play the All Blacks isn't strictly true. What's happened is that two games, where they have done exactly that, have tainted the picture. It's not like any New Zealanders can easily forget what happened at the World Cup in 1999. Even less likely they will forget 2007.

Ron Burgundy has a message for all Australians on the day of the 2013 Melbourne Cup. courtesy ParamountPicturesAU

If mental adjustment from playing Japan to playing France was even required, it has been done already says All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen declared himself less than satisfied with a smattering of individuals last night, suggesting there will be some uncomfortable conversions behind closed doors in the next few days.

The All Blacks trounced Japan 54-6 in New Zealand's first official test in Japan. Winger Charles Piutau scored his first of two tries for New Zealand before two early penalty kicks by Ayumu Goromaru cut the visitor's lead to 7-6, but that was as close as Japan would get.

The draw for the inaugural Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines has, in the best traditions of tournament play, come up with a ‘Pool of Death’. The NRL premier Roosters have been drawn alongside the Broncos, Bulldogs and Eels in a draw that will thrill fans but offer no easy introduction to Nines play for the respective coaches.

Brazilian surfer Carlos Burle is waiting to find out if he has surfed the world's biggest wave. Burle rode the wave, which reportedly reached heights of up to 30 metres, near the fishing village of Nazaré in Portugal. Video / Youtube: Pulsevideostar

Heavyweight boxer David Tua talks to nzherald.co.nz Video Producer Steven Orsbourn about the challenge of the Ustinov fight, the comparisons to the Lennox Lewis title fight with a pre-fight injury and the tactics of fighting a much larger and higher ranked pugilist; and what happens if he loses the David v Goliath bout to resurrect his career.

James Ennis, taken in the second round of June's NBA Draft, remains Miami Heat property but his incendiary form for the Wildcats has already marked him as one of the Australian NBL's brightest ever imports. Video / CityLeagueHoopsTV

Boxer David Tua talks to Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking about his upcoming fight and how he rates Joseph Parker's fight earlier this month

Sixteen year-old golfer Lydia Ko has today made a 'monumental decision' to become a professional. Video / Youtube: New Zealand golf

Republic of Ireland international Stephanie Roche volleys stunning strike against Wexford Youths Womens. Video / Youtube: Eileen gleeson

Ma'a Nonu has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Blues for the next two years. While Nonu has been a consistent performer for the All Blacks, his poor form at the Hurricanes, Blues and Highlanders over the past three seasons had left him with few Super Rugby options until Sir John Kirwan stepped in to take him back at the Auckland franchise.

Victory for the All Blacks in this Bledisloe test, hear from star players Sam Cane, Quade Cooper and captains and coaches James Horwill and Kieran Read along with Steve Hansen and Ewen McKenzie in these post-match interviews.

NEW ZEALAND 41 AUSTRALIA 33 Anything the All Blacks can do, the All Blacks can do better. Brilliant against South Africa, they were somehow at a level above against the Wallabies in a thrilling game in Dunedin. Courtesy Sky Sport

Reaction from All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and new skipper Kieran Read to the withdrawals of Richie McCaw and Cory Jane to play in the Bledisloe. Wallabies skipper James Horwill will look to this test to be a benchmark for the upcoming Grand Slam tour in the autumn.

Herald Rugby scribes Wynne Gray and Gregor Paul's analysis of the late withdrawals of All Black skipper Richie McCaw and recalled winger Cory Jane from the Bledisloe in Dunedin.

Herald journalists David Leggat, Michael Brown and Andrew Alderson discuss the spate of recent doping issues in sport from Jock Paget's horse to Jamaican sprinters to NRL footballers.

The New Zealand rugby league squad arrive in Doncaster ahead of their World Cup warm-up match on Sunday and are welcomed by children performing their haka. Video / Youtube.

Recalled All Black wing Cory Jane is prepared to spoon for his country in an effort to be match ready for the Bledisloe clash. Jane has been picked on the right wing after two provincial matches as the selectors look to get as much rugby as they can into his frame before the tour. Ben Smith has been signposted as the successor at centre to Conrad Smith, his namesake will start at centre on his home ground in Dunedin.

Japan coach Eddie Jones will remain in a Tokyo hospital indefinitely while he has tests after showing signs of a stroke. The 53-year-old Jones was hospitalized on Tuesday, after complaining of a severe headache while checking a training camp site.

Expert analysis and opinion from Herald Rugby scribes Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray as the All Blacks prepare for the Bledisloe in Dunedin and aim to remain unbeaten this season at home.

The All Blacks assembled in Dunedin for the Bledisloe aware they have now begun the big push to the summit - so to speak. They want to reach December unbeaten and with daylight between them and the chasing pack.

Wallabies openside flanker Michael Hooper says the side are aiming for consistent performance and securing back-to-back wins leading into a Bledisloe Cup match against New Zealand. Meanwhile, prop James Slipper thinks the sides scrum continues to improve as the squad continue to adjust to the new scrum laws, an area he thinks will be vital against the old enemy on the weekend.

A snake was found inside the New Zealand Rugby League World Cup squad's training base at Narrabeen, much to the surprise of the players,including Sonny Bill Willams. Alex Glenn (misfit4) posted the action to Instagram.

New Zealand Herald rugby scribes Wynne Gray and Gregor Paul discuss the upcoming test match between the Wallabies and All Blacks in Dunedin.

Newly-appointed Levski Sofia coach Ivaylo Petev resigned today, a day after angry fans stripped him of his team shirt and forced him out of the room during his first news conference. Courtesy: www.bgnes.com

Herald scribes Andrew Alderson and Michael Brown discuss what should SBW be doing?. Sonny Bill Williams has said he changed his mind about playing in the World Cup after having some time to think about how much representing New Zealand really meant to him.

How many times did this bloke attempt this basketball trick shot before sinking it? We can never know, but regardless this is an almighty effort. Video / Youtube: Nick Battisto