There’s not much riding on Eden Park tomorrow only immortality for a group of lads from Britain and Ireland, writes Ronan O’Gara.

Three years on and Aaron Cruden is returning to the scene of the crime.

Italy 10, New Zealand 68: Conor O’Shea’s mantra since day one of his Italian job has been “Rome was not built in day”. The 10-try drubbing on Saturday seemed like a reminder it only took the Goths three days to destroy it.

New Zealand put Italy to the sword as they ran in 10 tries at Rome's Stadio Olympico in a 68-10 victory.

It was such an uplifting, outlandish tale, one which saw a figure who had once been derided and abused become nothing less than an instant national treasure, that Stephen Donald was told by his one of his teammates after they’d won the World Cup: “Beaver, mate, there’s gotta be a film in your story.”

Sonny Bill Williams scored twice on his All Blacks return as New Zealand thrashed the United States 74-6 at Soldier Field, Chicago.

New Zealand fly-half Aaron Cruden has issued a statement apologising after he missed a flight due to a drinking session and was subsequently dropped by management.

New Zealand 14 South Africa 10

Australia foiled New Zealand’s bid to win an historic 18th consecutive Test as the Bledisloe Cup rivals played out a 12-12 stalemate at the ANZ Stadium.

England imploded at the Waikato Stadium to conclude their series against New Zealand with an error-ridden 36-13 defeat as the All Blacks amassed a record-equalling 17th successive victory.

New Zealand 28 England 27

New Zealand 28 England 27

Manu Tuilagi has been warned to expect an aerial bombardment as New Zealand seek to expose the England wing’s inexperience in his new position.

England slipped to a painful late defeat in their first Test against New Zealand knowing that a glorious opportunity to topple the world champions had eluded them.

New Zealand’s get-out-of-jail victory over Ireland did not just come down to a re-set conversion, according to goal-kicker Aaron Cruden.

Filling in for one of the best out-halves the game has ever seen must be daunting. Yet injuries to Dan Carter have offered up stupendous opportunities for his understudies in recent years.

Ireland were sensational, but New Zealand are special. Steve Hansen summed it up pretty accurately as his players produced a smash-and-grab performance to complete the season with a 100% record from 14 challenges.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt admitted missing the opportunity to end 108 years of hurt against New Zealand was "devastating".

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

There has been no shortage of photo ops for the few dozen fans lingering around the lobby of the All Blacks’ hotel in West Dublin this week but none left happy unless they came away with a snapshot or signature from Dan Carter.

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

NOVEMBER INTERNAIONAL:

Gentleman, that he is, Beaumont whispers to Moss “may the best team win”.

New Zealand managed to take victory tonight in a closely-fought game in Paris.

South Africa 27 New Zealand 38

Argentina 15 New Zealand 33

Australia 29 New Zealand 47

New Zealand 30 France 0

Dan Carter has been ruled out of the New Zealand team for tomorrow’s Test match against Wales in Cardiff, Press Association Sport understands.

New Zealand 21 South Africa 11

New Zealand 60 Ireland 0

Ireland assistant coach Les Kiss has warned his side to expect a different threat from New Zealand’s changed line-up for the third and final Test tomorrow.

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll believes New Zealand remain formidable opponents despite the loss of Dan Carter to injury.

Aaron Cruden feels the new-found confidence he has in his game means the team will not miss the presence of the injured Dan Carter as keenly as anticipated.

Ireland 10 New Zealand 42

France 7 New Zealand 8

France 0 New Zealand 5

THE bigger the game, the smaller the margins and the fewer the chances: never was that more obvious that in Saturday’s Wales-France semi-final.

NEW ZEALAND head coach Graham Henry hailed the All Blacks’ 20-6 destruction of Australia in the Rugby World Cup semi-final as “outstanding”.

New Zealand 20 Australia 6

IF THERE is one thing the All Blacks appreciate more than any other aspect of the game, it is the importance of controlling the breakdown.

ALEX FERGUSON, who has enjoyed a bit of success over the years, would call this “squeaky bum time.”