News about Sam Whitelock

ALEX BYWATER: Kevin and Robyn Barrett, who raised their eight children on a dairy farm just south of New Plymouth, would never have imagined seeing three of their sons playing for the All Blacks and playing key roles in New Zealand's second World Cup final. But this is exactly what the parents of the country's most popular sporting trio, Kevin and Robyn, watched on proudly at the Stade de France as Beauden, Scott, and Jordie led Ian Foster's side to just one win away from achieving greater global glory. Paris is a long way from Taranaki, New Zealand's coastal province, but the nearly 12,000-mile ride was well worth it as the Barrett brothers shone on the largest stage once more.

In last Saturday's dramatic quarter-final clash in Paris, Telea was one of two changes made by coach Ian Foster to the line-up that beat Ireland 28-24. The winger was left out or a breach of team procedure, according to New Zealand media, who reported it after missing a team curfew. 'Mark has done his time, he made a mistake, and we have accepted it, and we are not lingering in that space,' Foster said during a press conference on Wednesday. 'Mark has been our form winger and we have a lot of faith in him.'

Ian Foster, the All Blacks' chief, insists that his actors are ready to perform in Saturday's quarter-final showdown with Ireland, but that a disciplinary mistake has clouded their plans and deprived them of a star winger. After what was described as a violation of team protocol, Mark Telea was not considered for selection.

The Wallabies are set for an intense showdown as they gear up to face the All Blacks in Dunedin, looking to bounce back from their recent defeat

When the room was filled with an air of invincibility, it was the days of standing room only for an All Blacks team's announcement. The Virginia Wade suite at the Lensbury Hotel was just half full when their lunchtime briefing began in Teddington on Thursday. The All Blacks' reputation has been hammered this year after four losses in 12 games, including a historic series defeat by Ireland. A string of six victories has shown signs of revival, but losing tomorrow would be their lowest year since 1998.

CHRIS FOY AT PRINCIPALITY STADIUM: "It's always a challenge, and the physicality is just right up there," All Blacks captain Sam Whitelock said. On neither count, it was not entirely true. For the second year in what is supposed to be a barred venue, the Kiwis gave Wales a half-century. It will be 70 years since the Dragons defeated this southern superpower. No wonder that New Zealanders are so excited about their trips to Cardiff. They are lauded here and they always triumph.

The Wallabies launched an eloe Cup Test for the second time as they marched towards the All Blacks in the form of a boomerang. The Aussies' first wheeled out the unusual response ahead of the first Bledisloe Test in Melbourne last week. The Wallabies players locked arms and formed a boomerang as the All Blacks performed their ritual pre-match dance before slowly walking toward their opponents.

Ian Foster's side made mincemeat of the visitors at Eden Park, threatening a record-breaking loss at 32-0 with 20 minutes to play before winning 40-14. On Saturday night, fans of their team's 'completely useless' performance took to Twitter to condemn their team's 'completely null' performance. One fan wrote, 'It's time to give up rugby as a national sport.' 'When the [All Blacks] have failed as well at home as they have at home recently, it's really sad.'