The All Blacks will prepare for a greater confrontation at the breakdown, as a desperate British and Irish Lions look to level their test series, in the second match in Wellington, coach Steve Hansen has said.

New Zealand 30

Israel Dagg has promised the All Blacks are going to come back even stronger when they face the British & Irish Lions for the second Test in Wellington next Saturday, writes Simon Lewis.

Elite sport holds no respect for age.

Here's how we rated the players at tonight's clash at the Aviva.

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.

Donal Lenihan looks at three key areas where Ireland must excel just to compete against New Zealand at Soldier Field tonight.

Ireland went for a cruise along the Chicago River yesterday afternoon, wending their way between the towering skyscrapers and enjoying some peaceful moments before the storm brewing in tonight’s clash with New Zealand. 

New Zealand overcame the absence of suspended half-back Aaron Smith to seal a clean sweep in the Rugby Championship with a nine-try, 57-15 victory over South Africa in Durban.

If you’re an All Black waiting to hear if you’ve made the World Cup squad, the one name you don’t want to see on your mobile phone is Steve Hansen’s.

Steve Neville looks at five backs who could have a breakthrough tournament in England at the World Cup.

Defending champions New Zealand have announced their 31-man squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, with Waisake Naholo included but Israel Dagg and Cory Jane among those to miss out.

Ulster have broken into their bank vault to sign All Blacks scoring machine Charles Piutau with a reputed £1million-plus two-year deal.

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 clinched the 2014 Rugby Championship with a bonus-point 34-13 win over Argentina in La Plata last night.

New Zealand 14 South Africa 10

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.

The use of sleeping pill and energy drinks ‘cocktails’ may be a problem among rugby players in the southern hemisphere, but Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor says it is not an issue in this part of the world.

Ireland 22 New Zealand 24

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

New Zealand 29 South Africa 15

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

Robbie Deans has brushed aside comments by David Campese that he has “destroyed Australian rugby,” but admitted he understands criticism of his regime.

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

Scotland 22 New Zealand 51

Scotland 22 New Zealand 51

South Africa 16 New Zealand 32

New Zealand 21 South Africa 11

Australia 19 New Zealand 27

Sonny Bill Williams made a triumphant return to ANZ Stadium as New Zealand claimed victory over Australia in the Rugby Championship opener.

It’s now or never for the Irish rugby squad if they wish to create history and beat New Zealand on their own hollowed turf.

Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara is confident his side’s improved showing in the second Test against New Zealand proves that “normal service has resumed”.

Under-pressure Australia coach Robbie Deans said something fascinating in the wake of his side’s shock loss to Scotland in Newcastle a fortnight ago.

Like many of his Irish comrades, Conor Murray was a different player in Christchurch from the opening night disaster in Auckland.

Jonathan Sexton missed out on his chance to kick Ireland to a maiden Test victory over New Zealand in yesterday‘s second Test, but he is eager for one more chance to topple the world champions.

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll claimed his side restored a large measure of pride, despite suffering a last-minute defeat to New Zealand in Christchurch.

Captain Brian O’Driscoll could not hide his disappointment after Ireland suffered a last-minute defeat to New Zealand in Christchurch.

It was only his second start in his fledgling Irish career, but Peter O’Mahony did not look out of place at Eden Park against Richie McCaw and Kieran Read.

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.

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll believes mistakes proved costly as his side lost 42-10 to New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.

Ireland 10 New Zealand 42