Winger Drew Mitchell has vigorously defended the recall of the Wallabies' overseas-based veteran backs.

Williams' absence from Bledisloe II and III will be a talking point in Australia, but not so much in New Zealand.

Former All Blacks lock Colin Meads, named as New Zealand's best player of the 20th Century, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, New Zealand Rugby said on Thursday.

Too old, too slow, still here. Jerome Kaino reveals how he keeps up with - and ahead of - the young guns in New Zealand and Australian rugby.

​The Wallabies hope to catch the mighty All Blacks second guessing in what shapes as a must-win Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney.

Former loose forward Jerry Collins was a big part of the inspiration behind the Hurricanes' defence this year, the new Super Rugby champions have revealed.

The final word on Israel Folau's centre switch and why Michael Cheika will not be grilling former All Blacks skills coach Mick Byrne.

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The Wallabies will come out swinging, metaphorically at least, and Bledisloe will be worth watching.

Sonny Bill Williams answered questions about Roger Federer to the Swiss media, posed for photos with eager journalists and happily spoke with a large chunk of the Kiwi media shadowing the New Zealand rugby sevens team at the Olympics. But he wouldn't speak to the Australian media.

Sonny Bill Williams is back while brilliant youngster Damien McKenzie has been omitted from the All Blacks squad for the 2016 Rugby Championship.

Steve Hansen has had his All Blacks coaching position extended through to the next World Cup.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will make a decision on his future with the side before this year's Rugby Championship begins in August.

Liam Messam can't wait to put on the Chiefs jersey for the first time in over a year when he faces the Reds in Brisbane on Friday.

All Blacks five-eighth Beauden Barrett grabbed two tries in his 26 point haul as the All Blacks completed a series sweep over Wales with a 46-6 third test victory at Otago Regional Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read had a simple message on Friday for the newcomers to his side ahead of the third test against Wales - don't expect it to be easy.

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With the Cook Cup in the hands of the English, Michael Cheika and co. will be scrambling to try to come up with how best to address the deficiencies the Wallabies showed during the series in time for an onslaught from New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina.

As if a first ever series loss to England wasn't bad enough, a top analyst is predicting more Bledisloe Cup pain for Australia.

The next generation of superstars has emerged and while judgments about the 'best' players will always be subjective, these are the 10 men we think rise above the rest.

The shadow of Sonny Bill Williams looms over the candidates vying for All Blacks midfield slots later this year.