All Blacks

All the focus might be on the Barbarians stars and Richie McCaw, but a fair few All Blacks will be quelling test match-like nerves as they run onto Twickenham for Sunday's tour finale.

Bryan Habana fondly recalls how the Barbarians nearly toppled the Wallabies a year ago.

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

Having secured "Sir Ed", the All Blacks want "Dave" back for company in their Wellington trophy cabinet.

All Blacks Brad Thorn and Andy Ellis will head home after the test against France this weekend to spend time with their families, the New Zealand Rugby Union says.

In advance of Saturday's test match, New Zealand's Silver Fern is being raised across France.

As a run-on test rugby debut for the All Blacks, it was one to forget.

Two years ago the All Blacks arrived in Marseille full of optimism.

All Blacks attack coach Steve Hansen says Joe Rokocoko can win back his test rugby place - provided he improves his kicking game and aerial skills.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry hopes International Rugby Board (IRB) referees' boss Paddy O'Brien's stinging criticism of Stuart Dickinson has provided a reality check over the baffling scrum rulings.