McKendry, Patrick

Analysis: Proctor's injury opens door for Mo'unga's return to All Blacks

Coach Dave Rennie chuckled when asked whether the No.10 could replace the midfielder, but talks have almost certainly begun, writes Patrick McKendry.

12:25pm

1:31

Luke Jacobson carries the ball for the All Blacks against Italy in Wellington last month.

Luke Jacobson to captain All Blacks against Sharks

Head coach Dave Rennie said the flanker was the obvious choice as leader after naming a much-changed side for the second tour match in South Africa.

Mon, Aug 10

1:31

Canterbury first-five Richie Mo'unga with the Ranfurly Shield after his team's win over Otago.

Canterbury take back Shield in chaotic thriller against Otago

A collision with the referee leads to Canterbury going down to 13 men at one point but they still got the job done in Dunedin.

Sunday 5:00pm

Stormers wing Seabelo Senatla dives over the All Blacks' tryline in Cape Town.

'They exposed us' - All Blacks vow to quickly fix mistakes

The selectors will pick a stronger team to play the Sharks on Wednesday but the tough lessons from the Stormers won't be wasted.

Sunday 2:20pm

David Nyika connects with a right hand against Floyd Masson.

Kiwi Nyika gets another world title shot after 'ugly but great fight'

Cruiserweight boxer David Nyika had to work hard for his points victory over Floyd Masson - now he hopes to fight for the IBF world title in December.

Sunday 1:58am

Analysis: Proctor's injury opens door for Mo'unga's return to All Blacks

Coach Dave Rennie chuckled when asked whether the No.10 could replace the midfielder, but talks have almost certainly begun, writes Patrick McKendry.

12:25pm

1:31

Luke Jacobson to captain All Blacks against Sharks

Head coach Dave Rennie said the flanker was the obvious choice as leader after naming a much-changed side for the second tour match in South Africa.

Mon, Aug 10

1:31

Canterbury take back Shield in chaotic thriller against Otago

A collision with the referee leads to Canterbury going down to 13 men at one point but they still got the job done in Dunedin.

Sunday 5:00pm

'They exposed us' - All Blacks vow to quickly fix mistakes

The selectors will pick a stronger team to play the Sharks on Wednesday but the tough lessons from the Stormers won't be wasted.

Sunday 2:20pm

Kiwi Nyika gets another world title shot after 'ugly but great fight'

Cruiserweight boxer David Nyika had to work hard for his points victory over Floyd Masson - now he hopes to fight for the IBF world title in December.

Sunday 1:58am

Fabian Holland has Beauden Barrett in support against the Stormers.

Coach Rennie on All Blacks' win: 'We're going to have to do a lot of work'

The All Blacks' catching, scrummaging and poor discipline were all problems during their victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.

Sat, Aug 8

Samisoni Taukei'aho scores for the All Blacks against the Stormers in Cape Town.

Reality bites as All Blacks struggle to subdue Stormers

The All Blacks lost two men to yellow cards and only asserted themselves in the final quarter of a tough victory in Cape Town.

Sat, Aug 8

'I'm looking for a big fight' – Joseph Parker on lifted drugs ban

The Kiwi heavyweight boxer could fight before the end of the year after his suspension for a failed drugs test was suddenly quashed.

Fri, Aug 7

2:18

'Pot of gold': David Nyika's extra incentive in world title eliminator

Should the Kiwi cruiserweight boxer beat Floyd Masson on Saturday – a world title fight against the English champion could be held in Auckland.

Thu, Aug 6

All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett's wait for game time is almost over.

'I don't want to overdo it' - Barrett to follow plan after All Blacks' recall

Veteran No.10 excited about return but is wary of trying too much too soon in Cape Town.

Thu, Aug 6

All Blacks first-five Josh Jacomb is in line to make his debut against the Stormers on Saturday.

Two players in line to make debuts for All Blacks against Stormers

First-five Josh Jacomb and prop Siale Lauaki have been named on the bench for the match in Cape Town on Saturday.

Thu, Aug 6

1:31

Beauden Barrett congratulates teammates after the All Blacks' victory over Ireland at Eden Park.

Analysis: Beauden Barrett's bid to make up for lost time with All Blacks

The 144-Test veteran is likely to start against the Stormers after being usurped by Ruben Love. His response will be revealing, writes Patrick McKendry.

Wed, Aug 5

1:34

All Blacks prop Fletcher Newell is welcomed to DHL Stadium in Cape Town by local All Blacks fans.

Big Cape Town welcome for All Blacks annoys some Boks' fans

In many cases the All Blacks' support in South Africa has its origins in the nation's divided history, but some rugby fans say it's time to move on.

Mon, Aug 3

1:31

Richie Mo'unga celebrates Canterbury's win over Auckland at the final whistle.

Analysis: Richie Mo'unga and the return of the prodigal son

Mo'unga's first game back in New Zealand was triumphant, as many expected, but what now of his All Blacks ambitions, asks Patrick McKendry.

Sun, Aug 2

July 2026

Canterbury halfback Graeme Bachop, left, goes for the ball during his side's dramatic Ranfurly Shield defence against Otago in 1994. Otago captain David Latta is in the background, left.

NZ rugby's NPC - 50 years of glory, drama, and occasional madness

Analysis: The national provincial competition celebrates a milestone this year and still retains huge value and a whole lot of memories for Patrick McKendry.

Thu, Jul 30

Emoni Narawa scores against the Springboks at Eden Park last year.

'Blessed and grateful': recalled All Blacks flier hopes for change in fortune

Wing Emoni Narawa punctured a lung against the Boks last year – now he's back in the squad and facing up to a trip to South Africa.

Wed, Jul 29

1:29

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie speaks to the media in Auckland after his squad announcement.

'Important for us' – All Blacks to alert officials about up-tempo intent

New Zealanders want to play at pace in South Africa and will ask the refs to rule accordingly – but the Tests will require an element of caution.

Tue, Jul 28

New All Blacks, from left, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Josh Jacomb and Siale Lauaki.

All Blacks: Joy for three new caps – and Beauden Barrett too

The All Blacks' squad of 44 for South Africa contains three uncapped players and some overdue good news for the most experienced of the lot.

Tue, Jul 28

1:29

Live updates: Dave Rennie names All Blacks squad for South Africa series

The All Blacks will be travelling to South Africa and the US as part of the tour.

Mon, Jul 27

First-five Josh Jacomb runs the ball for the Chiefs.

Three new All Blacks in squad for epic tour of South Africa

Siale Lauaki, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa and Josh Jacomb will wear black jersey for the first time as skipper Ardie Savea prepares to join squad for first Test.

Mon, Jul 27

1:31

Ma'a Nonu pictured while playing for Toulon last year.

Former All Blacks' great joins Sharks in South Africa

One of Ma'a Nonu's first tasks will be to help prepare his new team for a clash against the All Blacks.

Sun, Jul 26

All Blacks, from left, Cam Roigard, Fletcher Newell, Anton Segner, Luke Jacobson and Ardie Savea during the victory over Ireland.

Analysis: The five big movers for the All Blacks

Dave Rennie's first three Tests highlight enormous promise for his team and five players in particular have made the most of it, writes Patrick McKendry.

Wed, Jul 22

1:30