A claim that prior coaching tweaks have generally triggered positive outcomes for the All Blacks

Jason Holland will become the second member of Scott Robertson's original team to depart, following the end-of-year tour.

Former All Black-turned-pundit Justin Marshall says Robertson's predecessor Ian Foster also rang the changes.



Jason Ryan and Scott Hansen remain from Robertson's original team.

The All Blacks are flying out for Chicago tonight for the first leg of the Grand Slam attempt, against Ireland.



Otago rugby coach Mark Brown is applauding his team's array of skillsets ahead of tomorrow's NPC final against Canterbury in Christchurch.

The blue and golds finished the regular season in second, with 20-year-old halfback Dylan Pledger and 22-year-old loose forward Lucas Casey scoring eight tries each.

Brown says the connection between different characters in the group translates to top-class rugby.





Warriors boss Cameron George has dispatched any lurking Luke Metcalf exit rumours, after the 26-year-old halfback signed an extension until the end of the 20-28 NRL season.

George says both parties were focused on a new deal rather than him opting for free agency.

The New Zealand club boss says confirmation took longer than expected because Metcalf was honeymooning overseas.