Despite the transitional period the All Blacks are going through following the departure of a host of players - including world-class performers like prop Carl Hayman, lock Chris Jack and centre Luke McAlister - the public perception is that the hosts' winning trend is likely to continue.

BBC: Reddan sets bar high for Ireland

And he hopes that the Republicans will join him on that path and achieve this -- take advantage of this opportunity and lock in a plan that would achieve significant deficit reduction, would protect the middle class, and would help our economy.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,