I love seeing New Zealanders do well on the world stage. Or the field.

Our favourite boys, the mighty All Blacks, are heading off to win the Rugby World Cup in France. They jet out of Auckland tonight, all fired up to bring the cup back home after a twenty year drought. This’ll be the year, for sure. Team coach Graham Henry and Captain Richie McCaw will depart with the squad to Corsica, before heading on to Marseille, their first World Cup base in France. Training begins immediately for the team, with their World Cup 2007 debut against Italy on the 8th of September.

For those of us stuck at home (and unable to swan off to France!), there are heaps of rugby websites to keep us entertained. Our favourites are:

• The official All Blacks site, where you can catch up on the latest news, player profiles and videos. There’s even a weekly podcast!
• A little slice of Rugby Heaven featuring indepth rugby news ‘n’ views.
• The site for fervent fans and certified All Blacks Fanatics, where you can leave a message of support for our boys in black and be in to win a trip with the All Blacks in 2008.

And while you’re waiting for World Cup kick-off, we’ve got articles to keep you informed. Find out the All Blacks’ chances of winning the Rugby World Cup, read all about our strongest competition in the tournament and swot up on your knowledge of World Cup history.