Dame Lisa Carrington has claimed the top honour at the Māori Sports Awards at a ceremony in Mt Maunganui.

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and selectors make five changes to the starting XV to take on France.

The All Blacks have made two injury-enforced changes to the side to play No 1 ranked Ireland in Dublin.

Hooker Codie Taylor and first-five Beauden Barrett will miss the All Blacks' test against Ireland.

Crusaders captain Scott Barrett and centurion Codie Taylor have extended their contracts with NZ Rugby.

The Crusaders simply refuse to die in the race for the final Super Rugby Pacific playoffs berth.