It's hard to recall being this excited anticipating a re-jigged All Black team taking shape, writes Chris Rattue.

On the eve of the All Blacks' three-test series against Wales, coach Steve Hansen has spoken of his team taking on the challenge of going to a new level.

The big calls have been made for the All Blacks squad to face Wales, some expected, others more surprising.

Join us here as we bring you live commentary of the All Blacks team naming for the upcoming international series against Wales.

Sonny Bill Williams has agreed to stay in New Zealand and has signed what is thought to be a three-year deal that will take him through to the 2019 World Cup.

The first 2016 All Blacks squad will be announced tomorrow and statistics from last year's World Cup provide a good insight into who will be picked.

The 21-year-old has been a compelling force this year. Earlier in the season, he was the man who could do everything.

Cast your eyes across the test rugby schedule on offer in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan as northern hemisphere sides pick up their kit and head into the final battles of their season.

Bolters are a rare thing in All Blacks squads these days but Chris Rattue and Wynne Gray make their potential surprise picks for Sunday morning's announcement.

From initially being reluctant to stay beyond 2017, Steve Hansen may soon be given a contract offer to stay as All Blacks coach until the next World Cup.

Former All Black Ian Uttley and his wife Christine died after overtaking vehicle caused their car to crash.

Crusaders halfback and former All Black Andy Ellis has announced this will be his last season of Super Rugby.

Former ABs coach Graham Henry has joined the growing chorus of those saying Damian McKenzie should be picked for the ABs to take on Wales next month.

COMMENT: It's time the All Blacks selectors took some 'risks' and picked their squad to play Wales on form.

Decision time is looming for Beauden Barrett.

The All Blacks Sevens to play in Paris this weekend still look a long way from full strength.

Aaron Cruden and Lima Sopoaga squared off at Waikato Stadium in a game where the All Blacks selectors had prime seats. Did they like what they saw?

Just as there are swing states in the United States election, so too are there players whose form will have a significant bearing on the make-up of the All Blacks squad for the Wales tour to be announced at the end of this month.

COMMENT: We're getting close to the point when the All Backs selectors will be confirming their first squad of the year, to play Wales next month.

COMMENT: Will McKenzie be an All Black? Yes. Against Wales? I believe not. He may not be quite ready.

There's a big swell of anticipation among fans that Damian McKenzie will be in the All Blacks squad next month.

New Zealand Rugby loves the idea that there is more than one All Black team.

Waisake Naholo, just as he did last year, is showing the natural timing of a comedian by returning from a broken leg to alleviate a growing angst about the All Blacks' meagre wing resources.

Betting syndicates were behind the trouble at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

George Moala, an All Black last year, has finally been given his chance to impress again.

As the All Blacks' No10 in waiting following Dan Carter's move to France, Aaron Cruden will want the tee delivered to him.