Steven Luatua, Francis Saili, Keven Mealamu, Rene Ranger, Charles Piutau and Piri Weepu have all been included in the 32 man All Blacks squad for the Steinlager Series against France.

The Blues produced a spirited late fight back but it wasn’t enough to atone for a dismal first half as they sunk to a 38-28 defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan has made five changes to his starting XV for Saturday night’s clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin.

This week’s True Blue HQ Fan of the Week, presented by Barfoot & Thompson, is Joel Stockley (@JoelStockley)!

Blues wing Waisake Naholo and Wider Training Group player Pita Ahki have been named in the All Blacks Sevens squad to trial for the team that will compete in the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 in Moscow in late June.

The following players have been named in the Blues Development Team to face the New Zealand Under 20s in a training run at Western Springs Stadium tonight at 6.30pm:

Check out an interactive infographic from Saturday night’s 13-20 defeat to the Brumbies at Eden Park.

The Blues’ playoff prospects suffered a serious setback as they crashed to a disappointing 13-20 defeat to the Brumbies at Eden Park tonight.

New Zealand Rugby has today paid tribute to All Blacks lock Ali Williams, who has announced his retirement from international rugby.

At the Blues, we are very excited about taking on the French in the ëadidas Challenge’- a special midweek match during their tour here.

This week’s True Blue HQ Fan of the Week, presented by Barfoot & Thompson, is Aminiasi Manu (@AminiasiManu)!

Impressive young flanker Steven Luatua has been ruled out of Saturday night’s must-win match against the Brumbies at Eden Park.