All Blacks

All Blacks struggle to win over Georgia

The All Blacks scored four first-half tries and led 22-10 at the break.

But Steve Hansen won't be happy with his team's performance as they made far too many errors.

Our rugby reporter says while the All Blacks had the vast majority of the ball they were generally unable to break the Georgian defence, while their handling let them down.

Waisake Naholo makes remarkable comeback

Barely six weeks after Waisake Naholo limped off with a broken leg on test debut, the Taranaki and Highlanders wing bolted into the All Blacks' World Cup squad of 31, named on Sunday.

The 24-year-old was the big talking point of the announcement at the Beehive in Wellington as he filed out in his suit and tie with the team-mates tasked with defending the Cup in England, starting next month. He was one of four outside backs named, joining Ben Smith, Julian Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder, the latter forcing his way in with two impressive tests against Australia.

Sopoaga excited to play with hero

Highlanders first five Lima Sopoaga and Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst will make their first appearances in the black jersey against South Africa on Sunday morning.

Sopoaga says playing inside Ma'a Nonu has been just a dream until now.

"Y'know I grew up in the 04 looking up to Nonu, never did I imagine playing a test with him, especially at Ellis Park in the ten jumper."

Sopoaga says Highlanders coaches Jamie Joseph and Tony Brown told him to strip back his game.

All Blacks coach made Samoan Matai in 'special' ceremony

A traditional ceremony took place giving Hansen the title of Tupuivao in the village of Vaiala in Apia.

The family of a former MP Patu Ativalu Togi II decided to honour Hansen because of his close friendship with one of his nephews.