Dan Carter is one of several New Zealand players in doubt for Saturday’s series finale against Wales in Hamilton.

Keven Mealamu is under no illusions that the Tri-Nations series will present far greater challenges for New Zealand than they have encountered against either Ireland or Wales so far this month.

Wales centre Andrew Bishop has been ruled out of Saturday’s final Test match against New Zealand after breaking his hand during the 42-9 defeat to the All Blacks in Dunedin.

New Zealand 42 Wales 9

IT appears conceding four tries to an under-manned Ireland team last weekend still rankles with New Zealand.

It appears conceding four tries to an under-manned Ireland team last weekend still rankles with New Zealand.

Gavin Thomas’ exile from international rugby will end on Saturday after he was named in Wales’ starting line-up for the first Test against New Zealand in Dunedin.

Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll has warned Wales they will need to slow down New Zealand’s quick ruck ball if they are to stand a chance of winning their opening Test against the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday.

International Rugby Board officials are confident that preparations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand are on track despite the financial uncertainties arising from the current global economic crisis.

New Zealand 14 France 10

GET SET for a rare treat in modern international rugby — a three-test series. The question on everyone’s lips, however, is how competitive will it be and for how long?

New Zealand 22 France 27

South Africa hooker Bismarck du Plessis has been banned for three weeks following a SANZAR judicial hearing in Dunedin.

The South African team hailed the influence of John Smit after their historic 30-28 victory against New Zealand today.

New Zealand 28 South Africa 30

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers and his New Zealand counterpart Graham Henry will meet with Australian referee Matt Goddard tomorrow to discuss officiating standards in the Tri-Nations.

MUNSTER’S Christian Cullen is set to announce his retirement from all levels of rugby.

Over a decade ago, Ireland almost pulled off a remarkable victory over the mighty All Blacks. Barry Coughlan recalls the day Ronny Carey almost became a national hero.

ALL BLACKS flanker Jerry Collins will miss the Tri-Nations rugby decider against Australia after receiving a two-week ban yesterday for punching in the crucial 31-27 Test win over South Africa.

New Zealand 31 South Africa 27

South Africa coach Jake White has sprung a surprise by switching Jean de Villiers to the wing in place of Breyton Paulse to face New Zealand in Dunedin on Saturday.

EGOS were bruised and Gavin Henson was “absolutely devastated”, but Clive Woodward had no room for sentiment in naming the Lions side to play Southland, which by attrition broke the news to half his squad that they were not in the first Test.

THEY have a sense of humour in Invercargill and, let’s face it, you would need one to live here.

Otago 19 Lions 30

Will Greenwood tonight hailed the “fantastic impact” Irish flanker Simon Easterby has had on the Lions’ New Zealand tour.

Lions coach Clive Woodward believes his squad are on the brink of “something special” following their 30-19 victory over Otago today.

Otago 13 Lions 13

The Lions arrived at New Zealand rugby’s infamous “House of Pain” today, knowing history was against them emerging unscathed.

IF MENDING fences was Clive Woodward's plan, he used the wrong hammer.

Simon Easterby openly admits that filling Lawrence Dallaglio’s boots is effectively an impossible task.

LIONS coach Clive Woodward insists there are Test places up for grabs for the players involved against Otago at Carisbrook tomorrow morning (8.10am).

AS a consequence of their first defeat on tour to the Maoris last Saturday, it has been a difficult week for the Lions.

Scottish hooker Gordon Bulloch will lead the Lions when they tackle Otago in Dunedin on Saturday.

IAN McGEECHAN has insisted Lions flanker Lewis Moody will be available for selection against Otago on Saturday.

New Zealand 36-12 England

New Zealand 10-06 England H/T

JOE WORSLEY wants to leave New Zealand on Sunday with his head held high and answers at the ready for England’s many critics in All Blacks country.

Joe Worsley wants to leave New Zealand on Sunday with his head held high and answers at the ready for England’s many critics in All Blacks country.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry is determined New Zealand will not take victory over England for granted.

New Zealand 36 England 3

GRAHAM HENRY last night claimed that New Zealand face a task of “Everest” proportions to prise the World Cup away from England in three years’ time.

Graham Henry tonight claimed New Zealand face a task of “Everest” proportions to prise the World Cup away from England in three years’ time.

ENGLAND captain Lawrence Dallaglio called for “courage and intensity” from his players as the world champions finalised plans to storm New Zealand’s Dunedin fortress.