Rugby

Live wire Damian McKenzie faces his first real test as an All Blacks first-five this weekend, but is he a contender, or pretender, for Beauden Barrett's throne?

The All Blacks are banking on four uncapped players to step up in this weekend's third and final test against France in Dunedin.

France captain Mathieu Bastareaud has been left out of the side for the third test against the All Blacks with Wesley Fofana joining Remi Lamerat in a new midfield combination.

The former All Blacks winger Julian Savea is making no bones about it...the lure of the French franc is behind his decision to leave New Zealand rugby.

Scotland left Houston embarrassed as they became the first Tier One nation to lose a rugby Test to the US.

Britain's unforgiving rugby media have launched into England coach Eddie Jones after his side suffered a fifth successive Test loss.

All Blacks first five Beauden Barrett and loose forward Vaea Fifita won't travel to Dunedin with the team for the third and final test against France because of concussion.

Wales completed their first rugby test series victory in Argentina since 1999 when they overran the Pumas 30-12 in a one-sided match in Santa Fe.

Beauden Barrett's "scary" plunge against France has left his All Blacks brother pleading for players to reduce the inherent danger in mid-air collisions.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has suggested World Rugby should consider the introduction of a disciplinary report system like rugby league's rather than issuing red cards after his side beat a 14-man…

First-five Johnny Sexton and a fired-up pack sparked Ireland to a clinical 26-21 victory over Australia in their second rugby test in Melbourne and kept alive their chances of winning the three-test…

South Africa profited from a second-half penalty try to inflict more misery on England with a 23-12 victory and a series win in the second rugby test at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

The All Blacks have beaten France 26-13 in a second test defined by the contentious early dismissal of visiting fullback Benjamin Fall.

Tongan halfback Sonatane Takulua has orchestrated his side's 28-18 victory over Samoa in their Pacific Nations Cup rugby clash in Suva, Fiji.

Analysis - The All Blacks are all set to take on France in the second test in Wellington and it could be a fiery affair in the capital, Joe Porter writes.

The former All Black Jono Gibbes is to become director of rugby at French Top 14 club La Rochelle in November.

The former All Blacks winger Julian Savea has reportedly signed a two year deal with French club Toulon.