the All Blacks go into Saturday's match against England here at Twickenham on the verge of a grand slam may not seem like a big deal.

Fans in the rugby-mad nation have had to endure one World Cup disappointment after another since the All Blacks won the inaugural edition on home soil back in 1987.

What has made the losses harder to bear for New Zealand supporters is that their side has frequently been the sport's dominant force between World Cups.

That's certainly been the case this year.

New Zealand, ranked number one in the world, won the Tri-Nations and this month have enjoyed a triumphal progress through the British Isles.

Scotland, Ireland and Wales have all been defeated without the All Blacks conceding a try and a win this weekend would give New Zealand their second grand slam in three years and third overall!

Do not miss this game! It will be the best av all! 15Hrs Eurosport 2 and Sky Channel!

;-)