Head to head

Where the heat will focus in 2008

It's got to be a year of redemption – 2008 has to be a season where New Zealand rugby wins on and off the field to help wipe out the memories of one of the poorest years on record. But what is the biggest issue facing our national game?

Confronting Henry's greatest challenges

Graham Henry has got over the hurdle of holding on to his job. Now he faces some tough challenges remodelling his All Blacks after the major letdown of the World Cup.
How we see it

Excuses that made us cringe

It's been a Kiwi sporting year where teams, coaches, administrators and players have regularly looked for theories to cover the failings of one campaign after another. Rugby has had its share from the Super 14 shortfall to the World Cup disaster and on to the lack of public appeal for the Air New Zealand Cup. But what's been the lamest excuse of all?

The best man to back up Robbie

All the smart money is on Robbie Deans becoming the next All Blacks coach. But if that's the case, then who will be his assistant? Who will he summon to take charge of his pack?

Under-rated, but over-achieving

Who was New Zealand rugby's most unheralded performer in 2008? Who deserves plaudits for performances that didn't always make the headlines but certainly got the job done. RugbyHeaven's Marc Hinton and Duncan Johnstone pick their men.