No one could know it at the time but Ireland’s relationship with the All Blacks changed irrevocably in November of 2013.

No-one could know it at the time but Ireland's relationship with the All Blacks changed irrevocably in November of 2013.

Kieran Read precariously sat upon his team-mates’ shoulders holding the Super Rugby trophy aloft on Saturday, satisfied he had ended his career with the Canterbury Crusaders with one final title.

It’s impossible to get used to -2 degrees in July. Irrespective of how many years a Paddy spends in Christchurch, heading out with a couple of Crusader coaches to a Japanese restaurant dressed like a lagging jacket always seems odd.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen named four uncapped players in an extended 39-man squad for the Rugby Championship as he looks to finalise his World Cup selections over the next six weeks.

Dan Leavy has been ruled out of Ireland's November test against New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.

First impression in Blanchardstown yesterday was that the All Blacks were just flat out trolling their hosts.

All Blacks centre Ryan Crotty has hailed the impact made by Ronan O’Gara in his debut season as Crusaders assistant coach.

Being back in Cork next week affords the pause and opportunity to pick the bones of a remarkable eight months here in Christchurch, writes Ronan O’Gara.

Beauden, Jordie, and Scott Barrett will become the first trio of brothers to start a Test together for the All Blacks when they line up in the series-opener against France at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday.

I predicted last week that the opening six hours of rugby action that would launch this season’s Six Nations championship would prove very revealing and that’s exactly what transpired, writes Donal Lenihan.

New Zealand became the first team in international rugby to cross for 2,000 Test tries as they secured a 38-18 victory over France, who produced a spirited second-half display in Paris.

France have named inexperienced half-back duo Anthony Belleau and Antoine Dupont in the starting XV to face New Zealand tomorrow.

South Africa restored pride but could not deny New Zealand a sixth successive win in the Rugby Championship.

The British and Irish Lions must win Saturday's third Test in Auckland to claim a first series victory over world champions New Zealand since 1971.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has warned “the job is far from done” ahead of Saturday’s second Test against the Lions.

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.

Steve Hansen took a swipe at the British and Irish Lions' bid to become the world's best forward pack after the All Blacks' muscular first Test victory.

All Blacks 30, Lions 15: Simon Lewis talks through the moments that mattered as the All Blacks see off the Lions, writes Simon Lewis.

Kieran Read has recovered from injury and will captain New Zealand in Saturday's first Test against the British and Irish Lions.

New Zealand have suffered two further injury scares ahead of the fast-approaching three-Test series against the Lions.

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

Dane Coles is in the dog house. Or so he says.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Former All Blacks head coach Graham Henry believes the lessons learned by Joe Schmidt in defeat three years ago proved crucial in Ireland’s victory over the All Blacks on Saturday night.

After an incredible test at Soldier Field during which Ireland reached into physical and mental reserves to achieve one of the most famous of all their rugby victories, the reaction here in New Zealand is — shock horror — joy.

This New Zealand team don’t want to be that team that loses the first one to Ireland, writes Simon Lewis. 

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen believes his all-conquering side cannot afford to let their standards slip at Soldier Field tomorrow if the world champions are to secure a 19th successive victory with a win over Ireland.

The final score was embarrassing for the Wallabies.

Leinster ace claims Ireland were ‘lucky’ to win back-to-back Six Nations on points difference

With his rampant Ireland team currently churning out far more answers than it raises questions, Joe Schmidt’s place at the coaching top table cannot be disputed. But is he the pick of the current crop?

For some, the sight of Jared Payne, Richardt Strauss and Rodney Ah You in an Irish shirt will never sit right, but all three will stand for the anthems tomorrow before Joe Schmidt’s side gets to grips with South Africa at Lansdowne Road.

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

Fasten the seat-belt and take a firm grip of something solid, suggests Donal Lenihan.