American-based professional Heath Blackgrove has won cycling's Tour of Southland for the first time.
The All Blacks will look to continue NZ's winning ways on the international sporting stage when they take on Wales in Cardiff.
Having effectively overthrown their coach, the pressure was on the Black Caps senior players to step up against Pakistan.
Cycling's Tour of Southland is proving an intriguing battle between the experienced old hands and exciting new talent.
The Junior All Whites historic run at the Under 17 Football World Cup has ended after being thumped 5-0 by hosts Nigeria.
The 27 year old lock, Jason Eaton will make his first test start for the All Blacks in three years.
All eyes were on France as five time winners of football's Champions League, Liverpool fight to make the knockout stages.
It looks likely that the Canterbury Union is set to lose money from hosting Saturday night's final against Wellington.
The All Blacks coaching trio have been true to their word about giving players a chance to impress on this tour with a view to the 2011 World Cup.