Luke McAlister will be available for New Zealand’s end of year tour after an MRI scan on his injured ankle confirmed the damage was not as serious as first thought.

Dan Carter has been called into the New Zealand squad for the remainder of the team's Tri-Nations campaign.

SCHALK BURGER has been recalled to the South Africa squad for the next stage of their Tri-Nations campaign, following the eight-week ban he picked up during the British and Irish Lions tour of the country.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw is suffering from a nerve problem in his neck which is likely to prevent him from playing any rugby prior to the All Blacks’ next Test against Australia on August 22.

Canterbury coach Rob Penney is confident Dan Carter is ready to return to the New Zealand squad for the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Sydney in three weeks' time.

Dan Carter kicked 14 points but it was not enough for Canterbury as the defending champions went down 22-19 to North Harbour in their opening Air New Zealand Cup match.

Hosea Gear is looking forward to getting some game time with the Wellington Lions after a frustrating few weeks on the sidelines with New Zealand.

Cardiff Blues have completed a double swoop, landing New Zealand centre Casey Laulala and former Wales and British and Irish Lions outside back Dafydd James.

He’s skipper at Richie McCaw’s Canterbury, but new All Black Kieran Read is still learning his trade and keeping his feet on the ground. Diarmuid O’Flynn spoke to him.

THE GREAT New Zealand wing Joe Rokocoko is the only starting member of Saturday’s All Blacks XV at Croke Park included in the lineup for tomorrow night’s clash with Munster at Thomond Park.

New Zealand 19 Australia 14

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has named seven new players in his 35-man squad for the autumn tour to Hong Kong and Europe.

Canterbury will travel to Wellington for next weekend’s Air New Zealand Cup final after defeating Hawke’s Bay 31-21 in Christchurch.

THE great northern hemisphere debate on the contentious Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) is expected to rumble on throughout the season until, perhaps, the IRB finally come to a decision regarding their future in rugby union next March.

TOULON believe they have reached an agreement that will see Daniel Carter play six months for the Mediterranean club if they gain promotion.

Harlequins-bound Nick Evans is unsure if his decision to leave New Zealand rugby at the end of the year will negatively affect his chances of playing for his country.

Daniel Carter was non-committal about his rugby future when he returned to Crusaders training on Monday.

THERE were a few surprises in the All Black side announced to face Italy in their opening game of the Rugby World Cup in Marseille on Saturday.

MUNSTER rugby chiefs are hot on the trail of All Black speedster, Doug Howlett, but face opposition from clubs in England and France.

NEW ZEALAND Maori captain Rua Tipoki teams up with Munster today, and is all set to get medical and work-permit clearance.

Munster expect to add Rua Tipoki to their squad for the coming season, subject to the New Zealander getting medical clearance securing a work permit.

Former Wasps and Ireland boss Warren Gatland has hinted he is interested in taking over as coach of Auckland Blues.

New Zealander Clarke Dermody is to join his fellow All Blacks prop Carl Hayman in moving to the Guinness Premiership next season.

Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Gary Dawson does not expect Warren Gatland to succeed Andy Robinson as England head coach.

Waikato lock Keith Robinson has capped a dream comeback with selection for New Zealand’s November tour.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has intervened in the on-going saga surrounding All Black winger Rico Gear’s future.

Jonah Lomu will make his latest comeback in North Harbour’s club competition this weekend.

Jonah Lomu’s provincial coach expects the winger to play some part in this season’s Air New Zealand Cup.

THE Ireland A team to play New Zealand Maori in tonight’s Pool B Churchill Cup tie shows four changes from that which defeated USA 28-13 last weekend.