New Zealand

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has vigorously defended All Blacks captain Richie McCaw after video footage emerged of him apparently striking South Africa flanker Francois Louw during Saturday's World Cup semi-final at Twickenham.

Dan Carter has warned that the job is "not done yet" after ensuring his last game for New Zealand will be a first World Cup final appearance.

New Zealand booked their place in a second successive World Cup final by holding off South Africa to win a pulsating semi-final 20-18 at Twickenham.

Victor Matfield insists he can complete the job that dragged him out of retirement and drive South Africa to an unprecedented third World Cup triumph.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has no doubt that South Africa will want to "rip our heads off" in Saturday's heavyweight World Cup semi-final clash at Twickenham.

Heyneke Meyer has branded New Zealand the best side in rugby history - but still insisted South Africa can topple the defending champions in Saturday's World Cup semi-final.

New Zealand centre Conrad Smith has described World Cup semi-final opponents South Africa as the All Blacks' "ultimate rival” ahead of the two southern hemisphere sides’ clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

New Zealand scored nine tries to demolish France and record the biggest victory in World Cup quarter-final history.

New Zealand concluded their World Cup pool campaign in style Friday night, crushing Tonga 47-9 in front of a crowd of over 50,000 at St. James Park

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has dismissed any injury anxiety surrounding All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

New Zealand moved into the World Cup quarter-finals by predictably beating Georgia in bonus-point fashion - but it was a performance laced with errors.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen admits the lower-ranked nations are catching up following the so-called minnows' performances at the World Cup.

New Zealand cantered to their second win in Pool C with a 58-14 victory over Namibia at the Olympic Stadium.

Flanker Sam Cane will captain New Zealand for the first time in Thursday's World Cup clash against minnows Namibia.

A final-quarter surge saw New Zealand open their World Cup defence with a 26-16 victory over an impressive Argentina at Wembley.

2003 World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio says that New Zealand have to be ranked as the favourites to win the 2015 competition.

Steve Hansen has refused to outline defending champions New Zealand's biggest threats to making history by retaining their Rugby World Cup crown.

Defending champions New Zealand have announced their 31-man squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, with Waisake Naholo included but Israel Dagg and Cory Jane among those to miss out.

When it comes to predicting who will lift the Webb Ellis trophy, it is always hard to look past New Zealand. The All Blacks have long dominated the sport and are always tipped to go the distance on the biggest stage.

New Zealand roared to a 41-13 win at an emotional Eden Park to retain the Bledisloe Cup against an Australia side who had no answer to the power running of Ma'a Nonu.