One of England's brightest back row talents has been working alongside Richie McCaw to develop his game during a three-month spell in New Zealand.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 27 NZPA - Captain Richie McCaw vows the All Blacks won't be bullied by a fired-up French side as they brace for plenty of early niggle in tomorrow's much-awaited rugby test here.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 27 NZPA - Neemia Tialata is proud of hitting 1000 followers on his Twitter page. But, thankfully, that is not the All Blacks prop's biggest achievement of 2009.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 27 NZPA - The All Blacks' mental strength will get its sternest test here on Sunday (NZT), with some admitting France present the tourists' toughest motivational assignment of their rugby season.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 27 NZPA - He described himself as "a walking carcass" after the All Blacks' rugby test win over the Wallabies in Sydney.

That was five tests ago, and Brad Carnegie Thorn was by no means finished.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 26 NZPA - It may be a grey area, but All Blacks wrecking ball Brad Thorn is more than happy for the team to be wearing white in Sunday's (NZT) rugby test against France.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 26 NZPA - It was not the delightful autumn afternoon in Marseille but a chilly night in Dunedin that occupied the All Blacks after their final serious training session for their big rugby test of the year.

By Peter Martinez of NZPA

Wellington, Nov 26 NZPA - New Zealand sevens rugby coach Gordon Tietjens is confident his squad will give a good account of themselves in the opening two legs of the world series which begins next month.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 26 NZPA - Respect. The All Blacks didn't show it in Dunedin, claim the French, as an irked Graham Henry almost fell over himself trying to redress the balance here today.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 26 NZPA - Jerome Kaino believes his gripping duel for the All Blacks No 6 jersey with Adam Thomson was the rugby jolt he needed.