By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 23 NZPA - Ma'a Nonu can brush off defenders as well as anyone. But this was more persistent than any test rugby opponent.

The captain of the Wellington Diplomats rugby side has dismissed claims that they have secretly signed French star Sebastien Chabal for next weeks clash of parliamentarians and diplomats at Prince of Wales Park in Newtown.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Marseille, Nov 23 NZPA - Two years ago the All Blacks arrived in Marseille full of optimism.

They started strongly, demolished Italy in their World Cup rugby opener ... but we know how it all ended, not here but at the hands of the French in Cardiff.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

London, Nov 23 NZPA - It all starts up front, but the All Blacks' back-three are looming as their potent weapon against France as they look to finish a frustrating rugby tour with a much-needed flourish.

Wellington, Nov 22 NZPA - Defending women's rugby world champions New Zealand were jolted as England ground out a 10-3 win at Twickenham today (NZT).

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

London, Nov 22 NZPA - Coach Graham Henry described it as the best performance of the All Blacks rugby tour, but halfback Jimmy Cowan said the dressing room mood was decidedly flat.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

London, Nov 22 NZPA - Nothing less than victory will be acceptable for the All Blacks as they eagerly cast their minds ahead to Marseille and the defining match of their rugby tour.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

London, Nov 22 NZPA - SuperDan showed he was a mere mortal, but by the fulltime whistle at Twickenham normal transmission had resumed for the All Blacks' record-breaking test rugby pointscorer.

Wellington, Nov 22 NZPA - Women's rugby world champions New Zealand have been beaten 10-3 by England for the first time in eight years.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

London, Nov 21 NZPA - The All Blacks repelled a much-improved England 19-6 in a dour rugby test at Twickenham as they kept their opponents tryless for a seventh consecutive northern hemisphere international.