Steve Hepburn

Otago United is committed to staying in the New Zealand Football Championship but admits it will be cutting its budget by a third.

Was it stage fright? Was it the unusually balmy Dunedin June night? Or was it just a bit more of a reality check?

Today's trial is a chance for players to put their hands up and say they want to play for Otago.

New All Black lock Isaac Ross says he is surprised to have made the All Blacks two years earlier than he hoped.

Playing and beating the All Blacks was still the ultimate challenge for a French player, captain Thierry Dusautoir said yesterday.

Gary Seear knows how to beat the French, and not just by getting over the tryline.

All Black midfield back Ma'a Nonu says he is taking on more responsibility in his role but never feels like he is an automatic selection in the team.

Last year, Adam Thomson played on the blindside flank for the All Blacks on Carisbrook. This year he is still in black and still at Carisbrook, but is on the openside flank, filling some big shoes. He talks to rugby writer Steve Hepburn about his role tomorrow.

Adam Thomson is now seen as the long-term back-up to Richie McCaw and has answered questions about his character, the All Black selectors said yesterday.

Liam Messam may have played most of his season on the blindside flank for the Chiefs but he says it will not be a big adjustment to go back to the No 8 position on Saturday night.

With temperatures falling to a mere 2degC, and being greeted on the tarmac by a pipe band, the All Blacks knew they had arrived in Dunedin.

The Haig family says it is great Jimmy and Laurie Haig will finally get their All Black caps, more than 50 years after they wore the black jersey.

The All Blacks will hit town tomorrow, well ahead of France which is flying in late and will not even have a full training run in the city.