The All Blacks have beefed up with the addition of Cory Jane at right wing, Neemia Tialata at tighthead prop and Jerome Kaino at blindside flank.
Ivan Vicelich is off to the World Club Cup with his Auckland City team and a whirlwind few weeks.
The ASB Classic may feature 8 players inside the worlds top 30 for the first time this year but itis the rank outsiders making the headlines.
Andy Ellis and Brad Thorn will head home a week early to spend time with their families but not before they face France in Marseille this weekend.
The Top Gear crew give us a quick peak at the semi-naked women and the fast cars which will drag Kiwi motorsport fans to the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland from 18-21 February 2010 for the spectacular Top Gear Live show.
Both players and unions are criticising the NZRU on it decision to cut four teams in the provincial competition.
The All Black selectors have the tough task of selecting only two of the three in form wingers ahead of this weekends test against France.
The Black Caps' first test against Pakistan starts tomorrow after a series of recent off field distractions.
After a double gold medal winning performance at the Melbourne World Cup event over the weekend 19 year old Tom Scully is a star on the rise.