By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Sydney, July 14 NZPA - Wallabies rugby coach Robbie Deans' bench offered the most intrigue today as he stacked it with loose forwards and predicted a fast and furious Bledisloe Cup battle in Auckland.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Auckland, July 14 NZPA - Mick Byrne still get his kicks with the All Blacks, despite joining former international John Kirwan on Japan's coaching staff for the 2011 rugby World Cup.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Auckland, July 14 NZPA - All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith doubts Lote Tuqiri's fall from grace will cloud the Wallabies' focus as they prepare for the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup rugby test here at Eden Park on Saturday.

Wellington, July 14 NZPA - Tri-Nations rugby factbox ahead of the 2009 tournament:

SQUADS:

New Zealand:

Wellington, July 14 NZPA - How South Africa shake off their Lions hangover will go a long way towards deciding the outcome of this year's Tri-Nations.

Sydney, July 14 NZPA - It's been seven years since the Wallabies last hoisted rugby's Bledisloe Cup aloft, and even longer since they were called Tri-Nations champions.

Could this be the year the itch is finally scratched?

Wellington, July 14 NZPA - Almost to the second, a solemn-looking Luke McAlister walked into the Christchurch interview room just as Australian Matt Giteau was crossing for his match-defining try against France in Sydney.

Wellington, July 14 NZPA - Canterbury has secured the services of Auckland batsman Rob Nicol for the domestic cricket season.

Former New Zealand A player Nicol, 26, is expected to be named in Canterbury's list of 12 contracted players on Friday.

Wellington, July 14 NZPA - South African Mark Lawrence has been replaced by compatriot Craig Joubert as referee for Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby test between the All Blacks and Wallabies in Auckland.

Wellington, July 14 NZPA - French referee Joel Jutge has announced his retirement from international rugby because of a persistent knee injury.

The last of Jutge's 35 tests in charge was the 2007 World Cup quarterfinal between Argentina and Scotland.