By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Wellington, June 22 NZPA - The improvement curve shown against France must continue against Italy for a clutch of All Blacks rugby players battling to retain their place for the Tri-Nations.

Sydney, June 21 NZPA - England won the toss and chose to bowl first in the women's world Twenty20 cricket final against New Zealand at Lord's in London today.

Wellington, June 21 NZPA - New Zealand remain the nation to beat in under-20 rugby after beating England in the junior world championship final in Japan tonight.

Wellington, June 21 NZPA - Result of the under-20 rugby junior world championship final in Tokyo, Japan, tonight.

Wellington, June 21 NZPA - New Zealand lead England 25-14 at halftime in the under-20 rugby junior world championship final in Tokyo, Japan, tonight.

Wellington, June 21 NZPA - Junior All Blacks co-coach Ian Foster is keen for his team to build on their 45-17 win over hosts Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup last Thursday when they meet Japan on Tuesday.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Wellington, June 21 NZPA - All Blacks' confidence is restored but at this rate France will not be the only team knocking hard on their rugby trophy cabinet door this year.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Wellington, June 21 NZPA - Two senior statesmen of All Blacks rugby were lauded for their contribution in last night's 14-10 second test defeat of France here.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Wellington, June 21 NZPA - While the All Blacks' emotions churned over the loss of the Dave Gallaher Cup, there is no doubt how France were feeling after the two-test rugby series was squared 1-1 here last night.

NZPA correspondent

Sydney, June 21 NZPA - Italy rugby coach Nick Mallett has a simple wish as his team eye the All Blacks on Saturday after his 10th consecutive defeat in charge last night.