Keen punters depart on package tours to UK to witness rugby history (hopefully).

There was little to suggest France can rattle the All Blacks' cage even if the top-rated side has battled to change gear, writes Wynne Gray.

It appears Richie McCaw is in royal favour - now that England are no longer around for the All Blacks to knock out of the Rugby World Cup.

A squashed tee and an inability to tell a joke under pressure - Dan Carter has found something that 'water-boy' Richie McCaw isn't good at.

Richie McCaw has made an appearance at an exclusive reception hosted by the Queen and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace.

Former French coach Marc Lievremont believes it will take a small miracle for France to beat the All Blacks on Sunday.

OPINION: The French are as much hung up on 2007 as New Zealanders are, writes Gregor Paul.

Joe Moody's arrival from NZ as a replacement for Tony Woodcock means the All Blacks are back to full fitness as they prepare for their date with destiny.

For Sonny Bill Williams, Sunday's quarter-final against France will have an added significance - a reunion with France coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

Should scores still be drawn after 10 minutes each-way of extra time, tournament rules state that the referee will conduct a place-kick competition.

With all eight quarter-final spots now filled, Scott Yeoman looks at seven things you need to know going into tonight and the next few days.

After cruising through their pool, the All Blacks need this match against France to shake off the cobwebs, writes Justin Marshall.

Will All Blacks will get the referee they fear most for quarter final against France?

Ever since the draw was made - some time last century - the World Cup was destined to march back in time to pit the All Blacks against France in a Cardiff quarterfinal.

SBW should start ahead of Ma'a Nonu in the quarterfinal, in the name of trying to break opponents with skill rather than crashing through them, writes Chris Rattue.

The one thing that won't happen this week is the All Blacks being sucker-punched by the unexpected.

This week, Carter took greater responsibility and didn't leave it exclusively to others to probe for space. He was happy to charge, dance a bit and commit tacklers to him.

The All Blacks are heading for a showdown in Cardiff, the scene of their 2007 World Cup exit. Dylan Cleaver revisits that dark day.

Ma'a Nonu's trophies for playing 100 tests for the All Blacks could be seen on his head after the Tonga match in Newcastle.

Tony Woodcock's World Cup tournament is likely over, with Canterbury prop Joe Moody heading to the UK to join the squad

The All Blacks won't mind who they face in next weekend's quarter-final, writes Christian Cullen, they will be happy either way

He has had to be patient but, after the toughest four years of his career, Daniel Carter is finally where he wants to be.

Plenty of people have failed to grasp a simple fact, writes Gregor Paul. The only thing the All Blacks need to do is win.

Nehe Milner-Skudder has almost certainly won the No14 jersey for the All Blacks' quarter-final next weekend and he can't wait.

The All Blacks aren't satisfied with their World Cup form but hope the "real fear" of a quarterfinal exit will spur them on.