By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, June 29 NZPA - The cavalry can't arrive soon enough for an All Blacks side who otherwise enter the Tri-Nations low on test rugby experience as well as confidence.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Sydney, June 28 NZPA - The French rate the current Wallabies as a better rugby side than the All Blacks, and a fair few New Zealand fans would probably agree.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, June 28 NZPA - Luke McAlister says he is not the answer to the All Blacks' first five-eighth rugby conundrum -- at least in the short term.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, June 28 NZPA - The toilet analogy was spot on.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, June 28 NZPA - Before his demise at the judiciary today, Italy captain Sergio Parisse predicted a clash of styles when the All Blacks host Australia in the opening Tri-Nations rugby test next month.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, June 28 NZPA - The All Blacks coaches are thrilled at the test rugby arrival of Isaac Ross although they have warned against premature comparisons with Ali Williams.

Wellington, June 28 NZPA - The New Zealand junior men's basketball team continued their preparations for this week's under-19 world championship with a 71-77 loss to Lithuania here last night.

Wellington, June 28 NZPA - Italian captain Sergio Parisse has been suspended for eight weeks for eye gouging during his team's 6-27 rugby test loss to New Zealand in Christchurch last night.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Christchurch, June 27 NZPA - The All Blacks stuttered and stalled on the way to an unconvincing 27-6 test rugby win over Italy that failed to ignite chilly Christchurch tonight.

Christchurch, June 27 NZPA - Result of the rugby test between the All Blacks and Italy at AMI Stadium here tonight:

New Zealand 27 (Joe Rokocoko, Isaac Ross, George Whitelock tries; Luke McAlister 2 pen, 3 con) Italy 6 (Luke McLean 2 pen). Halftime: 13-3.