By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Wellington, Feb 8 NZPA - It's the scoreline to leave even the optimistic New Zealand Super 14 rugby supporter sweating ahead of this weekend's competition kickoff.

61-17.

Auckland, Jan 27 NZPA - All Black Tanerau Latimer is hopeful of being able to have a hitout before the Super 14 rugby season starts in just over two weeks.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have today named the team to play the Barbarians at Twickenham, London, on Saturday 5 December, in the final match of the All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour.

Starting XV

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 30 NZPA - The All Blacks have been told not to drop their standards in a difficult final tour week as the second-stringers get one more chance in the spotlight against a powerful Barbarians side.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 25 NZPA - Keeping his All Blacks fresh and alert after a marathon rugby season is the major concern for coach Graham Henry after he named a full-strength side to face France at Stade Velodrome here on Sunday (NZT).

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 13 NZPA - Italy rugby coach Nick Mallett claims the All Blacks have done his side few favours by picking a midweek lineup for tomorrow's (3am NZT) test at San Siro here.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 13 NZPA - As the All Blacks visit Leonardo da Vinci's famed depiction of The Last Supper on test eve, it's a big weekend for some to earn repeat bookings to dine at rugby's top table.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 12 NZPA - Returning All Blacks rugby flanker Tanerau Latimer still talks about Graham Henry's halftime blast in Christchurch in hushed tones.

Ask for a censored version and there's not much to offer.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 11 NZPA - The nerves have kicked in for Mike Delany as the All Blacks rugby coaches say to he and the other second-stringers: 'show us you're a test player'.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Milan, Nov 10 NZPA - Mike Delany outlined the gameplan for Italy to his All Blacks rugby teammates today as he eyes one of the fairytale test debuts at the famous San Siro stadium here on Sunday (NZT).