Full-back Rob Kearney insists Ireland do not suffer from a lack of belief.

Ireland failed to hold out for a first-ever victory over the All Blacks because they "didn't believe they are as tough as they are", according to New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen.

Ireland 22 New Zealand 24

Andrew Hore has been named to start against Ireland in what could possibly be his last All Blacks Test.

South Africa 27 New Zealand 38

New Zealand have selected uncapped scrum half TJ Perenara ahead of veteran Piri Weepu in their squad for the Investec Rugby Championship.

Kieran Read will captain New Zealand for the first time when the All Blacks tackle Italy on Saturday.

Gut wrenching is the word that comes to mind, and it’s as good as any to describe Irish emotions at the final whistle in Christchurch on Saturday.

It was always going to be a monumental challenge playing the world champions on their home turf, but any notions Ireland could catch the All Blacks cold on their first run-out of the season were quickly dispelled at Eden Park on Saturday.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has drafted in seven new caps for the forthcoming Steinlager Series of three Test matches against Ireland.

New Zealand have announced a 35-player squad to attend two training camps ahead of the three-Test Series against Ireland in June.

Rugby’s heavyweights have come up with a new excuse for the number of collapsing scrums at this year’s World Cup – skin-tight jerseys.

A number of New Zealand fringe players have been given their chance to impress along with a solid mix of experience for Friday’s World Cup opener against Tonga.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has announced his 30-man squad for the Rugby World Cup with no place for quintet Sitiveni Sivivatu, Wyatt Crockett, Liam Messam, Jarrad Hoeata and Hosea Gear.

A host of fringe players will get the chance to stake a final claim for a place in New Zealand’s World Cup squad after being named in the starting XV for Saturday’s Tri Nations clash with South Africa.

Former New Zealand rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams will make his All Blacks Test debut against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Former rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams has been named in New Zealand’s 30-man squad for their end-of-season tour of the northern hemisphere but there is no place for Aaron Cruden, Robbie Fruean or Colin Slade.

GRAHAM HENRY expects his New Zealand side to face a much-changed South Africa one when the two countries meet in the Tri-Nations on Saturday.

New Zealand have drafted Jimmy Cowan and Ben Franks into their starting XV to face South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday.

John Afoa, Corey Flynn, Liam Messam and Ma'a Nonu have been recalled to the New Zealand squad for the Tri-Nations series with Australia and South Africa.

New Zealand 42 Wales 9

Jamie Heaslip’s five-week ban capped off a sorry weekend in New Plymouth for the Ireland rugby team.

Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip has been cited for striking during the heavy 66-28 loss to New Zealand and will face a hearing in New Plymouth tomorrow.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney admitted his side had suffered a “horror show” as they slipped to a 66-28 defeat against New Zealand in New Plymouth.

New Zealand 66 Ireland 28

INJURIES and rich Super 14 form have prodded All Blacks coach Graham Henry into picking three new caps for the starting team for the Irish Test on Saturday, along with three more on the reserves bench.

Israel Dagg, Benson Stanley and Ben Franks will make their New Zealand Test debuts against Ireland on Saturday after being named in a new-look starting line-up for the one-off match in New Plymouth.

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.

Wellington scrum-half Piri Weepu will captain New Zealand for the first time against Munster at Thomond Park.

NEW Zealand coach Graham Henry revealed the decision to play Dan Carter at inside centre for the historic Bledisloe Cup match with Australia on Saturday was one borne out of necessity.

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