Reflections

Don't worry readers, I wont be joining everyone else in writing a 2006 retrospective about the season just past. I think that there is more to be gained by looking forward at this point. Super 14 without the All Blacks, is about to start in a couple of months, for an extended season, bought forward due to the impending world cup tournament. I can't wait, I think it will be a very interesting competition this year, with loads of new talent on display, especially from the New Zealand sides.

This year, an understrength Crusaders side could struggle in the early rounds with none of their All Blacks available. Again I say that this is a good thing, and should even out the competition. It may be that by halfway their future has been decided, but if there is one thing that this franchise has shown, it is that they are competitive, even when they do not get the first choice for the players on the market. I mean look what they managed to do with the offcuts from the Blues!!!

Australia will continue to struggle, although they should be able to make some gains early on against the understrength sides if they can rise to the occaision. The biggest concern that Aussie has is not the Super 14, but preparing for the World Cup. In essence, they must hope that an entirely new front row emerges during the competition this season, or that they players they have persisted with come to form. Otherwise, they can kiss a fair chunk of their world cup campagin goodbye. They will always be a tough competitor at the cup, but it would be a real coup if they feature after the quarter finals.

Africa is a basket case. They have some great players, world beaters in some positions, but are lacking a certain sense of style when it comes to the Super 14. They again should be able to start the competition on very competitive terms and do well in the opening stanza. The second half may become tougher, however the away teams that are on tour in the first half of the competition and get some wins against understrength New Zealand sides could be there at the end this time. Hopefully they will take their opportunity and put a few points in the bank early on. It could make for an exciting finish, and the first African win in Super 14.

I do want to mention France. While they were humiliated in the first test against New Zealand, they did come back in the second. I think that come world cup time they will be strong contenders, they will push the New Zealand side, and anyone else, much more than they have shown so far. The All Blacks are capable of being beaten, we have seen this so many times in years gone by. One tour does not repair all of the problems that the team was having. The lineout could still turn ugly at a moments notice. The backline can be placed under pressure, and the concern with all props is that one season they are world beaters, the next just custard. It is a dangerous time for the All blacks when confidence is running high, and they will need to exercise caution, and keep their training up and minds focussed on the prize.

Phil Waugh to Captain 2007 Warratahs Super 14 Side

The tahs today anounced that their captain for 2007 will be the redoubtable Phil Waugh playing at number 7. Apparently he is the recipient of a 'lucrative' contract that will see him remain in Australian Rugby through 2009. Not a bad days work for Phil and his manager, both of whom will no doubt laughing all the way to the bank with some decent up front money from the ARU now that they are free of having to pay the exorbitant price they forked out to Matt Rogers.

Waugh is talking down speculation that he may also be in pole position to captain the Wallabies at the world cup. Waugh pointed to at least two people that would be in front of him on the grid, Gregan the incumbent, and of course Mortlock who stood in for Gregan for a fair chunk of the most recent tour was also mentioned by Waugh. He has his feet on the ground, he is one of the better players in Australia, but how on earth he keeps getting past George Smith in terms of selection, I have no idea.

With Matt Rogers release from the shackles of riding the rimu for the Wallabies, questions are now being asked about what to do with the midfield...especially in so far as it concerns Giteau. With Rogers out of the picture, there are concerns about depth heading into the World Cup...good luck knuckles, you are going to need it mate. No one is doing you any favours.

Nor is John O'Neill, former rugby maestro, now critic of the game. Make no mistake, I take no issue with what he said, he is spot on in his assessment of Rugby in Australia. He says right now it is ranking fourth in the list of domestic football codes in Australia. He rightly says that number one spot is held by the AFL. They are the NFL of Australia and clearly come first consistently in terms of domestic popularity. Rugby League is next. The NRL is alive and well, consistently exciting week in and week out for the enitre competition. Soccer ranks next, basking in the afterglow of the socceroos success at the World Cup. Rugby ranks a distant 4th, and the Wallabies appear to be in for some tough times ahead, a bare trophy cabinet and some rebuilding to be done. The adversity might be just what they need to do well in 2007...

Once again the Christmas period means a paucity of rugby coverage in New Zealand. It all goes quiet now, right up until the kick off of super 14. There is almost an enforced radio silence over the build up, so it is difficult to get information about what the teams are doing and what is going. Fear not, the super sleuth is on the case and I will report whatever I find out in the mean time.

Rogers Released, Tuqiri Targetted by Queensland

It's official, the long awaited, but never in doubt, anouncement came today that Matt Rogers will be release to play for the Gold Coast Titans in next year's National Rugby Leage competition. Citing personal reasons for the move, Rogers appears to be glad that all the fuss is over, and now he can simply get on with training back in his old game, with a new team. Goodbye and good luck Matt, no doubt we will be hearing more of you in the future, but not in the green and gold Wallaby jersey ever again. It is doubtful that Rogers would secure a place in the victorious Kangaroos national rugby league side, but you can't rule things like that out.

Today's main story was broken by Channel 9 news tonight, reporting that the Queensland Reds are having a crack at securing the services of Lote Tuqiri next season. If he heads back across the border he will of course be playing under his old Wallaby coach Eddie Jones of course. Apparently there is talk of Tuqiri being offered $1 million Austrailian dollars per season to remain in Rugby Union. That is some serious money, even by world standards and they seem to think that he is worth it. I tend to think that he may have been worth it, but I no longer think that he cuts the same dash that he used to, now he seems to easily tipped over into agressive unthinking play that earns him stints in the sin bin, and being told off by the Prime Minsiter of New Zealand (although I doubt that troubled him much - especially not when he gets paid a whole lot more than she does!).

The Wallaibes have anounced their training squad for the World Cup and there are a few players that have missed out. Among them is the luckless Scott Fava who tries hard, gets knocked into the middle of next year during the 7s tournament in Wellington last year, but continues to fail to crack it at the international level. Back to Perth and John Mitchell for you mate. Also missing out (of note) are Gene Fairbanks, Tai McIssac and Al Baxter. Knuckles was keen to point out that this is only a provisional squad, and that every player in Super 14 is in the frame. Knuckles, knuckles, knuckles...that is good talk my man, but if you can't name your squad for the World Cup now with any degree of certainty, I see troulbe coming down the line mate. Surely to goodness a little certainty wouldn't go astray right now. Sure, you might have to make one or two changes due to injury, but that should be about it. Watch out Wallabies fans, tough times are ahead...but there is one thing we know about Aussie sides, they always rally for the World Cup and put their best in everytime. This year will be no different, but you'd be a brave person to suggest they will win it.

Back to Super 14

Hi All, I thought that it was about time this blog got back to the basics, yep time to return to the Super 14 and next year's competition. The controversey over the resting of the All Blacks for next year's World Cup competition has pretty much blown over and seems to be settling down as everyone gets used to the idea. News Limited is of course still a bit put out, the usual broadsides are coming from Australia, but the NZRFU seems to have stuck to its guns and the rested players will sit out half of the season.

This poses some interesting questions, this resting and training tactic that has been so publicly anounced. The All Blacks performed well in the end of year tour, I mean it couldn't really have gone better. The players looked like they were in peak condition anyway, and yet we are being lead to believe that they are about to go on a training program that will improve their perfromance substantially. The likes of Collins, Hayman and McCaw performing at their peak - what more are they going to be able to do - better, faster, stronger? Sounds like they will be as good as Lee Majors!

I can recall, in the not too distant past, it was being suggested that some players were getting overly bulky from their training. Cashmore was the first player I had heard that description being used for, and it was mainly in relation to his condition in the early years of Super 12. It was said by the then All Black coach, John Hart, that Cashmore was too bulky and had lost some of his pace and agility. Doubtless the All Blacks will be aware of thise, but tinkering with top level performing players can have a downside and New Zealand supporters must hope that this has been taken into account, and the grand experiment being undertaken will work. So far the coaching staff, and the management of the team have done a great job, there is no reason to suppose that this is going to stop. The All Blacks must win the next world cup to end a 20 year losing streak, made all the worse by the fact that at various times the prize ought to have been taken.

So, New Zealand will be left with understrength fanchises during the first half of Super 14. The question then becomes, how will those teams fare against the Australian and South African sides. Traditionally New Zealand sides have outperformed these sides anyway, and it is comments like this that are labelled arrogant by Australia and South Africa. However, based on past history, the New Zealand franchises have performed well. I think that the Super 14 without the All Blacks will be an interesting spectacle, and I think that crowd sizes wont suffer too much. There will still be plenty of talent on show, and perhaps there will be more of a even playing field with the additional African and Aussie sides in the comp this year. Remains to be seen what John Mitchell will do with the Force and in particular the 'new' wallaby half back.

Interesting times ahead, check back soon for more updates.

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? If I Go There Will Be Trouble, If Stay There Will be Double.

This must be what Matt Rogers is singing to himself at the moment as his career takes centre stage in the media this week with Eddie Jones declaring that Rogers has played his last game of Rugby Union. I hope, both for the sake of the game and for the sake of Rogers, that he has played his last game of Union, and that common sense prevails and he is released to go and play for the Titans NRL side next season.

I don't think that any precedent needs to be set by this, except for the precedent that players that aren't performing and whose heart is not in the game, wont be kept in it out of spite or some misguided sense that contracts must be honoured at all costs. Having Rogers in any union side now is likely to do nothing more than adversely affect the team. The Warratahs of course will have to ascertain if Rogers is going to assist their Super 14 campaign in 2007 with an attitude that clearly says he wants to leave the game.

Also, I've said this before and I'll say it again, Aussie rugby union has to stop poaching players from the NRL by opening up the chequebook for the latest flash in the pan player from that code. They are leaving themselves open for this kind of thing to happen when the player no longer wants to play the game. Look at what else has come out this week, Schifcofske and Ryan Cross are both reportedly in the frame for the Wallabies world cup bid in 2007. How does that happen? They've only had one game and a couple of training runs! Seems to me it easier to get into the Wallabies playing in the NRL than it is playing in Super 14!

Seriously, the Aussie Union must take a long hard look at player development. What sort of message does this send to players - no surprises that there are players heading for the fertile rugby playing grounds of New Zealand, in particular the domestic national cup competition. New Zealand rugby will be all the richer for the injection of players from these fair shores.

A high profile player switch of course has ramifications for the game, but how many fans do you think have been turned on to the Wallabies by the likes of Sailor, Tuqiri and Rogers? Make no mistake, these guys are not heartland rugby players in Australia, nor do they appeal to the rugby watching crowd. This is a key period for rugby in Australia and some good decision must be made to preserve the state of the game this close to RWC 2007.

Speculation on Future of Rogers and Tuqiri

Former NRL stars, and significant converts from Rugby League to Rugby Union, Mat Rogers and Lote Tuqiri, have reportedly been considering their futures in Super Rugby for some time. Both apparently disilliusioned with Rugby Union and are wishing to return to the game that was reportedly their first love. Undoubtedly the recent tour of the northern hemishpere, albeit a tour without any negatives according to the coach, will not have assisted in igniting their passions for playing in a Wallabies team that underperformed. At least on the expectations of fans in Australia.

Rogers in particular was scathing in press conferences when he returned from the tour to Australia recently. He criticised the lack of playing time that the new look backline, featuring his good self at first five eighth, got on tour and basically insisted that the combination needed more game time before it could be labelled a failed experiment. Unfortunately for Rogers, while he may be right on that point, this far out from Rugby World Cup 2007 is a bit too late to begin experimenting with a backline combination. This should have been done ages ago, and perhaps under Eddie Jones it would have. In the final analysis however, with a back player in that position of the calibre of Larkham, Robers has little chance of converting anyone to his point of view.

If this is the case then perhaps releasing Rogers prior to the World Cup would be a good move. It has been reported that there are rumours Rogers has been offered a contract to play with the Gold Coast Titans (whom he is joining in 2008 anyway) in 2007 and may be seeking a release from the Australian Rugby Union and The Warratahs (his Super 14 team) to enable him to make the change a season earlier. Everyone knows the damage that a player can do to a professional team when their heart is not in playing, and given the fact that Rogers has struggled to make the starting side the Wallabies might not end up missing him that much. Not enough to warrant the risk that he could cause further issues for the team now that he is leaving after the RWC in 2007 anyway.

Tuqiri is in a different position. He is in the starting side, whether he plays at centre or on the wing. Although from time to time he makes comments denigrating the game and the value that he places on it, most of these are rightly interpreted as claims being made to ensure that the bids made to secure him in either code are aimed at increasing his salary. After RWC 2007 Rugby Union is ulikely to have any further use for him, particularly if the RWC competition is given it rightful place amongst management as the most important goal for the Wallabies and the Australian Rugby Union. Lote, great players though he may be, will not be the best winger the Wallabies can field in 2011, or if he is the state of the game will be in complete disarray. Far better to bring in new players and get them ready for 2011 with plenty of time.

Tuqiri will be a key player in RWC 2007 for the Wallabies. His spear tackle on McCaw was one of the key moments in a tight struggle in Auckland during this year's Tri-Nations series. He took it to the opposition, regardless of the fact that it was illegal and made an impression. This is the stuff that the Wallabies need, as indeed does any team that wishes to best this All Blacks side. Tuqiri is a key player in terms of the physicality that the Wallabies want to take onto the field.

This sort of player loyalty speculation doesn't do the game of Rugby Union, or the Wallabies team, much good. At least as far as the game is concerned in Australia. In terms of mounting a challenge to RWC 2007 news of player dissatisfaction will be greeted by other national sides with a degree of cautiously optimistic joy. Anything to weaken the Wallabies is a good thing in terms of the challenges being made by other sides. Doubtless reports of shifting loyalties will spike some action from management, and direct contact with the players to sort out what is happening and their level of commitment next year. Rogers will probably feature more in this area than Tuqiri. Both, of course, will have to take pay cuts to switch from Union back to the NRL. These are interesting times for the Australian Rugby Union, perhaps they will consider building their own game more to develop talent among Rugby Union players, rather than plundering the resources of the NRL with massive monetary offers to attempt to buy loyalty to the game from players who don't consider it their first love.

All Blacks Yet to Peak

So says Reuben Thorne, a man who should know better than most what it feels like to be in a team that fails to grip the final prize. If indeed this is correct, it is a good sign for New Zealand supporters who will know all to well the downside of a confident New Zealand side ahead of a RWC tournament. All too often expectations among the public in New Zealand have been cruelly dashed at quarter, semi, and final time.

If indeed the feeling in the camp is that there is room to improve, then the favourite tag and all of the pitfalls that tag has had for the All Blacks in the past will be able to be managed by what seems to be an impressive management team for the All Blacks. The conditioning period will be an interesting time for the 22 named players that will sit out the first half of the Super 14 competition next year to assist in their preparation for the RWC tournament in 2007. Jerry Collins has reportedly suggested that even he is looking forward to some time off, and undoubtedly McCaw, Carter, and Hayman are also looking forward to some down time to allow the body to heal, and to get some serious training in after that to perform at what New Zealand fans will hope is their best yet. Good luck.

Australian coach knuckles Connolly has stunned the media by suggesting, well stating actually, that there were no negatives to be taken from this tour. Former Wallabies have suggested that this position is untenable, and clearly it is. Tinkering with the backline by introducing Matt Rogers at first five ahead of Larkham and trying it out for two test matches, where it failed, and then for the player to arrive back in the country criticising the lack of match time the combination was tried for is laughable. This is a problem, but as was said in the previous post, make no mistake, the Wallabies will be tough at RWC 2007 - they always are and they know how to lift for the big games. The All Blacks will be wary of this team if and when they play them during that tournament.

Check back soon for more on the tour and the elements of the team that are still to be worked on, and the areas where improvements were made. Next post in a couple of days.

Welsh Match Answers Questions

The All Blacks downed Wales by 45-10 in a good old fashioned hiding at millenium stadium. A few questions were answered by this victory, first and foremost it has been settled that the All Blacks are no more cheats than anyone else in world rugby. Two players were yellow carded and, according to the Welsh commentators that we were privileged to enjoy on the Foxtel feed in Aussie, the All Blacks were lucky that the entire team were not sent from the field. They did have to concede that the calls against McCaw in particular to get away from the ball faster were harsh, however moments earlier they had themselves been bleating away about how he was lying all over the ball and cheating. In fact what was obvious from this game is that the All Blacks are miles ahead of a welsh side that lived up to the label of the village idiots of world rugby. Only one penalty try had to be awarded during the game (not against the ABs) and it wasn't an All Black that punched the opposition skipper in the face nearly sparking an all in melee. In addition, the Welsh were only able to score a try once, and that was while the captain was off the field. Having struck back, they quickly conceded a converted try to undo all of their hard work.

If the commentating that I heard is what passes for analysis of rugby in that part of the world then they have a massive uphill battle ahead of them to get to grips with where they are falling behind, and what to do about it. Constantly I was forced to listen to two whinging welshmen, one of whom was convinced that the All Blacks were continually screwing the scrum, and then taking it down because "no scrum can twist like that without it being purposely done by the opposing team pulling back on one side of the scrum". Well, if that is what they think was wrong with their scrum during that game, then they wont improve any time soon. The fact is that they were being torn apart time and time again by a better scrummaging unit, and probably resorted to screwing the scrum themselves to try and get a penalty. Full marks for trying to do something about getting the squeeze put on, but like everything else they tried that day, it didn't work.

What is most interesting about all of this though, is that it just doesn't matter. 45-10 was the final score and Wales were comprehensively out gunned all over the park. Their much vaunted back line failed to fire, and all that the forwards could do in the end was resort to cheap shot pucnhes on McCaw, and pulling Luke McAlister's hair near the end of the match. When you're behind by 40 points that is about all you can do really and it sums up just how average this Welsh side is, and how full of hot air the northern hemisphere media has been about this Welsh side.

Wales also failed as hosts. The field was simply shocking, an embarrasment to the game. There were patches of grass, the rest was uneven mud. The state of millenium stadium is a searing indictment on human civilisation between the years 1000 to 2000. It was shocking, imagine expecting international teams to play on fields that would compare unfavourably with most school fields in the rest of the world?

Also, the Welsh did not allow the haka to be performed in the place that it has for the last 100 years. Full marks to the All Blacks for refusing to give in to this sort of bullying. It is a tradition, like it or not, and failing to respect the tradition is an insult to the touring side. If the Welsh are going to play games, they can't cry foul when the All Blacks wont buy into it. The crowd did not deserve to see the haka even though the chanting from the crowd of "haka, haka, haka..." indicated that most people at the game wanted to see it. Whatever happened to teams being judged by their hospitality? The Aussies played silly mind games in Brisbane against the All Blacks this year and it back fired, now the Welsh have felt it too. This tour is over, the All Blacks won well in every game, and the World Cup is now their focus. These petty things might warrant further consideration in the Northern Hemisphere but the AB's will be turning to the World Cup and winning that. Good for them.

Elsewhere the Wallabies managed to turn around a poor start against a fired up, but ultimately aimless, Scottish side. 44-15 was the final score, and it was an accurate reflection of the way the two teams played. Scotland had a lot of passion, but that was about it. It was good for 10-15 minutes, but they simply were outclassed by a Wallabies side that turned up to play this time. Putting players back into their preferred position really worked wonders in the back line and that was the difference between the two sides. The scrums were a bit better, and the tight five will get better with more game time. Come the world cup they will be as tough to beat as ever.

The rest of the games don't really rate a mention. England were beaten by a Springbok side that kicked a better game than England did. White will be pleased to head back with a victory under his belt and this may just save his bacon. The meeting will go a bit better for him, however the decision may have already been made about his future prospects. Good luck Jake.

Horses for Courses Selection Policy has More Depth

Apparently more than just the opposing team come into the calculations Graham Henry makes in selecting his team based on the horses for courses selection policy he has followed on this northern hemisphere tour. Henry has been up front is suggesting that he selects players on the basis of who will be playing against them, their own skill level vs the skills of the opposition player, and how they will go fronting up to the opposing player if selected. Now it also seems that the weather and the field also come into the equation.

Henry has suggested that the selection of Smith is not just about the skills that Smith has at centre, and how he shapes up against Welsh Captain Stephen Jones in that position, but has more to do with the expected wet weather at millenium stadium at the weekend. The player seems to relish wet conditions as they require a higher skill level from him, and doubtless he gets plenty of practise playing in atrocious conditions in his native Wellington. Nothing Wales could offer would be worse than the horizontal rain Wellington is famous for.

This sort of vision in selection is exactly what the All Blacks need heading into the World Cup. Doubtless if the campaign is unsuccessful the selection policy will be branded fool hardy, overly technical, and of course arrogant. However, if successful this kind of forward thinking selection policy taking into account as many factors as possible will become the standard across the game. This is a risk, this is an experiment, but so far the faith the fans have placed in Henry and his changes to the traditional All Blacks selection policies has been rewarded. It will be interesting to see how things go at the weekend, and on into next season.

Wales continue to talk themselves up for this weekend. Accrding to the talk, they will play an expansive and open game, their creativity in attack will try the All Black line, however there aren't many punters that would be backing them to win as much as they seem to be backing themselves. The selection of New Zealand born Sonny Parker at number 12 casts doubt on this as he is less of an attacking player than the brilliant but flaky Gavin Henson, and has more robust defence than Henson has shown at times. Be that as it may, if you are going to take on the All Blacks it has to start up front and the battle will be won in the forwards as usual. The backs getting good clean ball going forward will be crucial to the success of each back line against the other. Also, with the Welsh calling their lineouts in Welsh, it will be difficult for the All Blacks to figure out lineout calls. It should be a great clash this weekend.

Elsewhere Springbok coach Jake White has been 'invited' home after the second game against England this weekend and before the next game on tour against a world 15. This cannot be a good sign for White who was under pressure during the Tri-Nations and managed to squeak through with a win over the All Blacks and the Wallabies at the end of the series. He is fronting the president's council, and the discussion will focus on a vote of no confidence in him as coach by the Blue Bulls last week. Good luck Jake, your boys had better win this weekend or you will be outski.

The Wallabies take on a confident Scottish side looking for their first win over the Wallabies in 15 encoutners. Something tells me that the haggis brigade will be lucky to get away with a win, even with the Wallabies in such a state of disarray. The players that have been selected will want to press home their claims to positions the encumbents are clearly regarding as their own, no matter what they do. Knuckles would do well to bench some of the stars to get the hunger back to take the field, and win. This team is on a downward spiral and reports of conflict between coaching staff and captain (for this tour) do not paint a good picture 10 months out from the world cup. Knuckles may well be looking forward to the return of Gregan who will not be sorry that he sat out this disaster of a tour.

I've noticed that a lot of people are looking for the draw for the 2007 Super 14 season. Please click here to be taken to the draw for next season, and note that kick off is one week early this year to account for the RWC tournament. Click here for the draw. In addition, there will be a permanent link to this page on the left hand side of this blog so that you can come back and check it out whenever you want. Note that the relegation position of one team in South Africa has yet to be resolved in relation to this draw being posted.

Bring it on - this weekend is another cracker for international rugby! Final game of the tour for the ABs, and the end of most of the touring sides quality games. This site will focus on preseason news for super 14 and ongoing world rugby issues after the end of the tours. Enjoy and check back often.

Welsh Confidence Riding High

Wales are definitely riding high going into the match this weekend against the All Blacks. Keen to avoid being "afraid" of the All Blacks as the French were, according to the Welsh side, perhaps they are in danger of going into the match too pumped and too full of self belief? Unlikely however as Wales have always played their best rugby when confident and when attacking. Hopefully this will permeate their game plan and there will be a cracking rugby test this weekend.

Wales have been bolstered by the selection of captain Stephen Jones to return to the fray, and have named a strong team to take on the All Blacks. A sign of this strength, as was referred to yesterday, is the naming of the top 3 All Blacks in their respective positions, as well as the maintenance of the loose forward trio for this match. With the new guys in midfield, Smith and McAlister, the Welsh ought to attack here and make the most of the occaisional lapses in defence we have seen from this side. However these two newbies were impressive against France, and will need to play at the same level this weekend as Wales won't roll over.

The All Blacks should expect confrontation at the breakdown, a lot of physicality in that phase especially, the lineout will be targetted again, and the inexperienced midfield pairing should be run at frequently. While the team has performed well, it should be kept in mind that Wales were six nations champions two seasons ago and have a quality side that will have first hand knowledge of the coaching and playing strategy of two of the present All Black coaching staff. This is an advanatage, although it cuts both ways as Henry and Hansen will know the weaknesses of their former charges.

The usual cheating claims have been given another airing in the media by the Welsh players. This refers to the breakdown and the cynical penalties given by New Zealand, and how the players are street smart and know what they can get away with. I think this is fairly accurate, McCaw has come in for criticism even in his home country for some of his tactics at the breakdown - who can forget Ali Williams rucking McCaw so hard he was suspended for a ridiculously long period of time. Slowing down opposition ball at the breakdown is crucial, and all teams do it. I doubt any of these comments will cause any loss of sleep amongst the All Black players and management.

All that awaits us now is game day, and for the players to do their talking on the field. It is a difficult game to pick, the All Blacks should win, but given it is the last game of a successful season, confidence will be riding high, and the weariness will be at a maximum, Wales could surprise a few people this weekend. Check back soon for more on the upcoming match.

All Blacks Team Anounced Today

The number of surprises in the All Blacks team anounced today has been kept to a minimum wth six changes made to the team. Perhaps most surprisingly the selectors have kept the loose forward trio intact, started Daniel Carter again, restored the midfield pairing of McAlister and Smith, and inserted Rico Gear back into the mix on the wing. Hayman returns again in the front row, joined by Oliver and Tialata. Williams returns as the starting lock, this time partnered by Keith Robinson. Mils makes a positional change to start at fullback. Sivivatu also starts again, and this is a good break for him.

Most commentators are treating the changes as showing respect for the Welsh team, and indeed they are a sign of respect. Perish the thought, especially after the roation policy, but does this also show some limitations on the present depth of the All Black side? Certainly in one position this is the case, tighthead prop. Hayman really has no understudy at this level, Afoa is untried and Yoda (Sommerville) is injured. Tialata is getting a crack at loosehead, and as I understand it is not ready or keen to try to swap to tighthead. This is a key position as so much of the All Blacks game is based on a solid platform at scrum time. It is no coincidence that the All Blacks suffered during the Tri-Nations after the mountain man from the mainland was felled by a tackle made by Wyclef Palu in Auckland.

However, aside from this concern, and it is minor, the team is looking in good shape. There is plenty of cover in all positions, although of course there are players that command their position, and are the best in the world playing there. Carter, McCaw, and of course many of the back line. All things being equal, New Zealand supporters should be fairly confident with their team. This test match this weekend may push the All Blacks.

Welsh confidence is riding high. Also, both Henry and Hansen have been involved with the Welsh side in the past, and the tactics will be known to each side. This will have an effect, much as it has in the past, particualrly in the one point victory the All Blacks had against the Welsh in 2004. It should be a cracking game, and I am really looking forward to the confrontation up front, the Welsh rate themselves there.

The Wallabies on the other hand are at an all time low. There is much comment in the media about how this has happened to the team before, and that the last time it did they made it to the RWC final, just losing by a dropped goal to Johnny Wilkinson. What to say about the match against Ireland? Yes Knuckles, the weather was shocking, but it hardly rates as an excuse for the loss - 2 tries to none. Some serious soul searching must be done - and it seems management may have to take a harder line with some of the inflated self assessments the players have of themselves. Rogers is no first five. Give up on it. If Tuqiri wants the ball more, he should go looking for it more often (like O'Driscoll does) instead of playing out of position. The Wallabies cannot play well in the Northern Hemisphere at the moment, and just out from the World Cup in France, that is a problem. Back to the drawing board, and maybe, just maybe, it was a little too late to fire the coach who had some sort of plan to build toward the World Cup.

No mention of the Welsh side that will take the field yet - check back later to see the team that is named and comment on that.

That Was A Test Match

This weekend's game between France and the All Blacks was more like the test matches that we want to see. It was tough, willing, and this time the French came to play. From a New Zealand point of view, a lot more was learned from this game than was the case last week during the 47-3 hiding. The 23-11 scoreline reflected a much more competitive French effort, however the result of the match never seemed like it was in doubt. There was always the impression that the All Blacks could lift themselves, and if this was a final or semi-final during RWC 2007 they would.

Nevertheless, the All Blacks will have learned a lot from this game. They failed to dominate the breakdown as they had so completely the week before. The French turned up to play and compete in this area. The defence of the All Blacks was also outstanding, an uncharacteristic slip up in taking an up and under by McDonald was the only time that France were able to break the All Black line. Their kick and chase game had improved a lot from the week before.

However, the All Blacks continued to dominate at set piece, both scrum and lineout and it was a pretty strong performance all around. The All Blacks did not take all of their chances, and best of all from this win is the impression that there is room for the team to improve further which will assist them in combating the dreaded All Blacks favourtie tag that has undone them at so many competitions in the past.

Nonu scored a good try from a line breaking run set up well by Dan Carter. However, the jury will still be out on whether or not he has what it takes to be the front runner for this position. There was little in this game to resolve the question one way or the other, and now that Mauger is returning home from this tour due to injury, the position is again wide open. As was said last week, it is known what McAlister can bring to the position, however the Nonu question remains open. It would not be surprising to see him get another run.

The All Blacks are right to be wary of Wales. This team have been getting better after the draw against the Wallabies kicked off their season against the tourists. This test against New Zealand will rate very highly in terms of their goals for the season, whereas for the All Blacks the games against France were clearly the most important of this Northern Hemisphere tour. This will be a tough test match and it will be interesting to see what team is named tomorrow.

There are a vast number of combinations that could be employed by the selectors for this game, and given the obvious preferred method of rotation in terms of selection, it is anyone's guess as to how many changes will be made. It is the final game, and if this really is a tour that is building the team towards the world cup next year, then there should be a large number of changes to introduce the new comers to international rugby. Andy Ellis should get a go at fullback, and Nick Evans should get a crack at starting at first five. Masoe should get a start, as should Tialata. Afoa may be unlucky not to get a start as an untested tight head prop. Whatever the team is, they will take the field hungry to keep this winning record alive, and up against quality opposition that could surprise.

Check back tomorrow for comment on the All Blacks side when named. Note also that the Welsh have delayed naming their team until all injured players are able to be considered for playing this weekend, against an All Black side the Welsh are confident they can take on and beat. More comment tomorrow...

Nonu Selection Dominates Media Coverage

The seleciton of Nonu at second five eighth continues to dominate the media coverage of the impeding test match between the All Blacks and France this weekend in Paris. Mils has come out in support of the selection pointing out that Nonu can be devastating on attack. Not many would argue with the proposition that Nonu, with ball in hand, could be a devastating attacking weapon and a formidable sight for any opponent seeking to tackle him when he's got a decent run up. In any event, we will soon know exactly how formidable he is, and whether or not the French will struggle to tackle him.

Divining rods are being dusted off, crystal balls are whipped out and polished, and all of this activity has but one goal in mind - figuring out why this selection has been made. If you stand back and consider it, there are some obvious reasons to make this choice now. Mauger is a known quantity - we've seen him perform time and time again and there isn't anything to his game that isn't known at this stage. Nonu on the other hand is an unknown quantity, and clearly there is an effort being made to include him in this All Black side. He did not play well against the Irish in New Zealand, his provincial season was cut short by an injured thumb, and he hasn't played on the international stage at second five for any great length of time, but has played some rugby in the position and attracted the attention of the selectors when he played.

Nonu has been earmarked and groomed as a future All Black, almost ever since he burst onto the scene with a resurgent Wellington side and comparisons with the then All Black captain, Tana Umaga were difficult to resist. They want to try him out, and they want to see if he will fire for them in some role. If they were not to try him out now, then when would they do it if indeed he is to take a role in the upcoming RWC 2007? Mauger on the other hand has been around the traps and, if we're looking for faults in his game, it is known that he can be suspect in terms of his defence.

In addition, Nonu is a young man. He has time on his side, but equally he may not be content to sit on the sideline in Union at the highest level forever. If there is a player in the All Blacks made for rugby league, then it is Nonu. And I am sure that the All Blacks Selectors, NZRFU, Super 14 franchises, and Wellington are keen to keep this guy in the game in New Zealand. Mauger on the other hand is not going anywhere at this point in time in terms of his playing career, he wont be going to league.

The reality is that this is a good time to see how he will slot into a side that has performed well, and against opposition that while it went down 47-3 last week, could turn around and come back at the All Blacks this weekend. There are seven new players taking the field for France this week, and it is said that their preparation for the game has been largely focussed on the mental side of the game - something that clearly let them down in the hiding last week. They can bank on a more confrontational All Black style in the back line, with Nonu being charged with running the ball at the opposition at every turn - this could be the factor the All Blacks have been looking for in developing and sustaining pressure in the backs leading to tries, instead of the counter attack, which Mauger has mastered. It will be a very interesting game this weekend.

For anyone out there looking for what can only be described as "just watchable" video highlights footage of France vs All Blacks, Wallabies vs Italy, Ireland vs Springboks, and Grant Fox's analysis of the game, these treats can be downloaded here. Bring on the weekend - I can't wait!

Let The Games Begin

In keeping with the idea that this tour is being used by the All Blacks as a fore runner to the finals stage of the RWC 2007 tournament, two selection surprises were today anounced by the All Blacks selectors. Perhaps the biggest talking point is the omission of Aaron Mauger and the inclusion, at second five eighth of Ma'a Nonu. The only other surprises in the team is that Ali Williams has regained his starting test spot, being named to team up with Chris Jack to start as the second row,a nd Mils returns at centre. Compared with the selection of Nonu to start, these hardly rate a mention. Mils was going to come back in somewhere, and Smith has only had one game back - albeit a great game overall, and from him individually.

Mauger also misses out on being selected in the reserves, cover for Nonu would appear to be Luke McAlister or Nick Evans who may finally get some game time on tour replacing Carter or Nonu should the need arise. Most likely Carter if things go the way they did last week...otherwise there are no real surprises in the reserves that have been named either.

What to make of the selection of Nonu...it is very surprising to say the least. For a start, Nonu 's only start on tour was at centre where he did not have a great game. He was a late replacement at second five in Lyon, and has minimal provincial experience in that position, and has no kicking game to speak of (usually considered important in a second five). So why is he now being touted as the best second five eighth that New Zealand can field? You must remember that Graham Henry has said that the side that takes the field against France in Paris will be the best All Blacks side that can be named. How does this happen, that a man with less than one full game in the jersey can be named to start in an unfamiliar position?

Most punters are suggesting that either this is just tinkering and the claim that the All Blacks that took the field in Paris would be the best starting 15 the coaches could name was just posturing. Henry's comments today about the team being "the best team that could be named on the day" and "it depends on who is on top of everything and ready to go" lend some credibility to that suggestion. In addition, management did indicate after the last test that the plan to field the strongest side might yet be tinkered with.

But, perhaps most telling of all is the complete absence of Mauger from the team, even the reserve bench. If this is an experiment it could make sense to have the incumbent second five riding the rimu in case things go wrong, but instead McAlister slots into this role. After last week, there is good reason for McAlister to be there, but it sends a signal that would not have been lost on Henry before anouncing this side. Mauger is out of favour for some reason, and we may not have to look far to find it.

After the game against England, Mauger spoke ill of the rotation policy, and in particular mentioned how it didn't sit well with him watching someone else run out in his jersey...not the most diplomatic statement an incumbent player could have made about a controversial policy that management had obviously decided to follow. Henry has been at pains to dispel any suggestion that there is an ulterior motive, and there may be some substance to his position. Mauger hasn't performed that well, and we must remember that he has been suspect, particularly in defence, in years gone by. But to lose his place to a newcomer? That must hurt more than watching McAlister being given a crack at the position. We wait to see the reaction from Mauger, he may be spurred on to greater levels of achievement with any luck...

So, apparently some games are being played at the moment, and it would be a shame if these come back to haunt an All Black team that could be on the verge of greatness. They have a real chance to deliver New Zealand rugby from the painful position of being consistently one of the best teams in the world year in year out, but failing to secure the all important Rugby World Cup as often as they ought to. We will be watching with interest.

What Waits for The All Blacks?

After the emphatic victory last weekend, the New Zealand press has been full of accolades for players, coaching staff, and just about everyone associated with New Zealand rugby. And why not? It was a massive victory, putting to bed ghosts from the past, confirming that the 2004 capitulation by the French was just the start for this All Blacks side who have moved on to bigger and better things. As the French coach said, his side were impotent against such an overwhelmingly superior force.

The question that is now being posed by the collective wisdom of the meida, is how to defend the world cup next year. The All Blacks are ranked number one, no one has been able to challenge them, and the media, almost without exception, are acting as if the competition next year is in the bag. Undoubtedly this will have an effect on the All Blacks, they are, and this has been proven over time, the worst team in the world when it comes to coping with favourite status. Remember the RWC final in South Africa in 1995? Remember the 1999 quarter final against France anyone?

The real test will be how this team develops and performs at the World Cup in 2007. If there is no victory next year, and the cup does not come back to New Zealand, that is what will be remembered. It will haunt the dreams of every New Zealand rugby fan for four more years, as Gregan once famously put it. Nothing else but that matters. This is the goal. Most New Zealand fans would trade a loss in every other game (except against England and Australia) for four years without hesitation if the team were to bring home the coveted trophy from the Rugby World Cup.

So, have the hopes, dreams, and fondest aspirations of the ruby watching public in New Zealand been placed in safe hands? So far, one would have to be pretty satisfied with what has been produced by the All Blacks coaching and management staff. The roation policy has delivered a team where, according to all reports, the biggest headache is going to be over whom to select in each position. With Conrad Smith having a good game (even though one good game does not a world cup win) it seems that the centre woes of the All Blacks may be over and Mils may be freed up to play elsewhere, if he can outclass Leon McDonald. Even the lineout now seems to boast four good locks, and two hookers that can throw in the ball reliably. The tight five have never looked better at scrum time, and the loose forward trio are amongst the most stout defenders in the gamecombination outclasses all opponents. Dan Carter and Richie McCaw are the best in the world in their positions, and our fijian wingers are better than anyone else's Fijian wingers (note also that Rico Gear is good and may edge out Joe).

The question that will be concerning the All Blacks now will be where to now for this side? They are at their peak, can any more be squeezed out of this side between now and RWC 2007? Come competition time the team will have to be firing new shots, anything left up the sleeve will have to come out at that point. A year is a long time to analyse video and pick out weaknesses. Other teams around the world can only get better, but can they do so quickly enough? And can the worlds worst team when going into a game/tournament as favourties cope with that label? Remember the losses in 1991, 1995, 1999 and again in 2003. "Will this be the case again in 2007?" must be the nagging doubt, often not allowed to be voiced out of fear that if spoken, the thought may become reality. Even worse, you could be called unpatriotic if you dared wonder how the All Blacks will go from here on in.

To be fair, the All Blacks management have not secured what they wanted in the lead up to RWC 2007. They wanted the All Blacks rested for the entire 2007 Super 14 season. Instead they have been given a half baked compromise that may not suit anyone, not even the big pay tv companies that were so outraged at this strategy when anounced. It will be interesting to see what, if any, further developments arise in this area as we head into the Super 14 season next year.

But wait a minute, the tour isn't over yet. Beware the wounded French, they could yet rally, although the defeat was so total it is difficult to see how. They failed to produce any penetration at all, and were only able to score via a wobbly old drop kick the just cleared the cross bar. Impotent is right. But still, this is the team that scored one of the best tries in World Rugby against a heavily favoured All Black side at Eden Park. I was there that day and I remember Stephen Bachop's kick that set it all off. I am confident that Daniel Carter is better than that. There is also Wales waiting at the end of the tour. The boyos could put on a show, but given they played well to get a 29-29 draw against the Wallabies, they will have to play out of their skins to overturn the All Blacks.

Everything seems rosy, the world has fetching pinkish hue for the All Blacks and their supporters. All that remains to be seen now is do the All Blacks management, coaching staff, players and supporters have what it takes to put together a side that can repeat the glory of winning the Rugby World Cup last seen by an All Black side in 1987, 20 years ago as the Australian media were pointing out until their team collapsed on the European tour. The latest word on that is the team is missing a captain...George will sort it all out when he returns...so what about Giteau then? Would want to be a Wallaby supporter at the moment...

All Blacks Triumph, World Cup Beckons?

The only thing left to write about after the 47-3 thrashing the All Blacks dished out to the supposed number two team in the world is whether or not the preparation undertaken by the selctors and coach will secure the World Cup next season. It was such a commanding performance, and such an emphatic win that there really is nothing to say about the game. It was a complete performance, setting a new benchmark for this team in the lead up to the World Cup. Obviously France will not be rated number two in the world anymore, they were beaten by a bigger margin than England the week before. Still, they have next week to improve with.

Sure, the French will rally again next week and would be unlucky to be beaten by a similar margin, and may even pull off one of the upsets that the Gallic flair is famous for. Even if that were to happen, and I don't think for a moment this management team will allow the ABs to go off the boil, the ABs will be running into next seasons World Cup tournament as firm favourites, and with good reason. But, this is when the All Blacks are always at their most vulnerable, where miscalculations are made, and curcial losses undermine the public confidence and in the end, thwart the campaign. Is 2007 going to be New Zealand's year - 20 years after securing the first and only World Cup win for the country? Hard to say, but they will be pressed.

A few players deserve special mention, and none more so than Jerry Collins, the man of the match. Jerry came on for a mention from me last week that he needed a big game to get back in the frame as one of the class players in the New Zealand pack - he answered the call this week and has justified his selection and position as encumbent loose forward. So'oialo also deserves mention with a strong performance that erased the bad memories of Rustenberg and will go some way to quieting down the calls that were being made to look for replacements for him. Back up, yes, replacement no. James Ryan and Ali Williams have also both stepped up to the mark, the clown (Williams) even taking a major role in making the break that set up one try with a mighty flick pass that not even the best French playmaker could have hoped to pull off during that game.

Once again the New Zealand mighty forward pack have lifted the game to another level against a big and willing French pack that were rated before this clash. Now, their reputation in tatters, the French will be trying to pull together for a big push next week against the same side. Well, mostly the same side as Henry is likely to pull a few selection changes and continue with the rotation policy that has seen them through to this stage so well. I am now glad that my support of this policy has produced a victory such as this. Fantastic stuff to watch - for those of you that haven't seen the game, a resonable video highlight of each half can be seen on RugbyHeaven.

In the backs the new pairing of McAlister and Smith went well in midfield. In fact, it has raised more questions that it has answered. Yes they are good enough at this leve, and yes they were part of one of the greatest All Black victories in recent times. So, where does that leave Mauger? Is he a second string player now? Should he be used as cover? I doubt that this would be the result, but having such a strong combination in the wings is definitely going to help the coaching staff. In addition, it would have to be in the minds of the coaching staff as to where Mils is going to fit into the mix. Will he be the first selection at centre now? This is something that the rest of the tour could be used to sort out.

Sivivatu and big Joe had good games. McDonald was safe under the high ball and had a good game also, as did pretty much everyone on the field. That was perhaps one of the better aspects of this game - the All Blacks all played well and they took their chances. They lived a lot off scraps of possession, but the robust defence saw them weather off attacking foray after attacking foray - mostly in the forwards I will admit, but they were all shut down by impressive powerful play. Wonderful to watch if you support the All Blacks anyway.

Elsewhere the Wallabies beat Italy 25-18 after trailing at half time. Brendan Cannon made a comeback to be proud of - sent off with a yellow card for slapping an opposing player...nice, but really slapping is something I'd expect to see at the FIFA World Cup, not on the footy field. Harden up Cannon. In fact, the Wallabies supporters are getting a bit put out now by the continual dismal performance of their scrum, even when the coach and players are all insisting that it is performing better each game. Doesn't look like it mates, you're going backwards almost the entire game, and Italy are no great shakes. Matt Rogers has also possibly broken his hand during the match and may take no further part in the tour - doubtless this will help the preparation of the Wallabies for the World Cup.

England also suffered a humiliating defeat to Argentina at home...not much to say about that really except that the coach has steadfastly refused to go. One can only imagine that he is looking forward to tackling the Springboks who were downed by a well oiled Irish outfit this weekend. There is talk that Ireland may be waiting in the wings to upset a few Southern Hemisphere teams in the comp next year...better keep an eye on them I think. Realistically, people who suggest that can really only mean the All Blacks as the Wallabies are not up to it, and nor are the Springboks on the performances they have put together this year.

So, a great weekend rugby wise. There are some interesting games ahead, check back here to check out the comment and opinion on the upcoming games.

HUGE Test Match This Weekend

I can feel the tension building at the moment as the ABs shape up to take on France. All the talk has remained civil so far this week, but one gets the impression that the AB s are preparing for a torrid encounter and expect the French to really take it to them, especially up front. Henry has made no bones about the fact that Oliver has been selected for one reason only - the scrum. I'm looking forward to a titanic struggle among the tight five, with France seeking revenge for the humiliation of 2004. The scene is set for a mighty clash in Lyon, and let's hope that the game delivers.

The bookies are rating the ABs very highly at $1.35 to win, while France are only attracting $3.20. Those are pretty heavy odds in favour of the All Blacks, considering the untried midfield, changes to the forward pack, a hooker that has been wobbly at lineout time, the return of new locks...this really is a confident position. I mean, this is the number one ranked team in the world against the number two ranked team...seems like those are pretty good odds for anyone considering not backing the ABs. Still, you'd have to be pretty game to not back the All Blacks after the season that they have had, and the hype coming out of the camp this week. This is a difficult game to call, the French have been largely quiet in the lead up to the game, the All Blacks have been trying to say that they wont be surprised, but this is when the ABs are at their most vulnerable. It will be interesting, either way.

Jerry Collins is one forward who will be wanting to have a big game this weekend. He needs it, he has been playing well, but it has been a long time since we saw him pull off a big hit and really make a mark on the opposition. He is a great back up for McCaw, and has a high work rate, but we'll be looking to see him really throw himself into this one and exhibit some of the passion he has been praising in the French this week. The photos of Jerry in boxing gloves at training will no doubt inspire visions of a firey encounter this weekend.

This will be a cracker and I am really looking forward to taking this one in. A titanic struggle that will be much more interesting than the Wallabies fumbling their way around the Northern Hemisphere. George Smith has returned at the expense of the Phil Waugh, and Mortlock makes his return to the starting side which should see more cohesion in the backline ahead of an anticipated thrashing of Italy. One wonders why Italy weren't the warm up side?

South Africa kick off heavy underdogs against a well oiled Irish side. This will be an interesting game in terms of watching the new South African players perform and see how they will get on against some good opposition. Just in the nick of time the Africans are blooding some new players on the international scene for RWC 2007. Hello - that is only a few months away boys, you really ought to have blooded new players before now...anyway, they are doing it now and eventually South African Rugby could be stronger for having tried something new. This weekend could be tough on the SA faithful I fear.

Rotation Resurgance - 10 Changes To the Side That Crushed England

Coach Henry and the selectors have named their side to take on France at Lyon this weekend, and somewhat surprisingly it contains 10 changes from the side that crushed England at Twickenham last weekend (I can hear the cries of "arrogance" from the Aussie media around me as I write). I guess they wish that they had the luxury of being able to pick from such depth - the return home of Vickerman, and the doubts over Larkham's fitness, amongst other things, will not be helping in the campaign to emerge victorious from the Northern Hemisphere end of season tour.

But onto more important things...10 changes to the side to take on France this weekend. Most importantly, the front row that demolished France is returning with Hayman (one of the best performances from a New Zealand prop in a long time last week), Woodcock and Oliver making up the front row. With the introduction of Oliver, I am sure no one will question the pack strength at scrum time, however the lineout may suffer as this is not Anton's strongest point. Add to this the inclusion of two, that's right two new locks this week - Ryan and Williams return to test football. This is a huge call along with the new hooker and I am sure that the lineout will be a focal point for the French team in combating the All Blacks. Rounding out the forward pack is Captain Fantastic of course, assisted by the first string loose forward combination of Collins and So'oialo. No worries there - So'oialo will have a chance to redeem himself for losing his rag at Rustenberg.

Piri Weepu comes in at halfback, and this is probably a safe change with not much being lost by the absence of Kelleher who is, still, clearly the first choice halfback. In the back line Carter returns - of course. Mercurial as he is, and central to New Zealand's chances of winning the World Cup, he will have to produce another stellar performance this weekend for what is shaping up to be the sternest test match for the All Blacks on tour. Unusually, Henry and the selectors have paired him up with Luke McAlister and Conrad Smith. This makes for a new centre combination that is really untested, and Smith of course is making a return from a sickening injury to his leg that left it in one piece only due to the presence of his sock. He has had a good domestic season for Wellington, however this will be a pressure cooker test for him to return to the Black jersey. Let's hope the defence is more robust than it was against England in midfield as the French sport a pretty good midfield.

Out wide Sivivatu returns to the left wing, and the Fijian flyer Joe Rokocoko moves to the right wing, as he did when Gear was replaced during the England game. At full back, Leon MacDonald returns to the starting line up. I don't think that there will be much missed by these changes, and possibly the All Blacks will be stronger at the back for the presence of MacDonald as Mils did not have such a great game at fullback last week.

The reserves have not yet been named, however Eaton has not yet played on tour and it is likely that he will be named to ride the rimu according to some punters. I doubt the wisdom of this if it does indeed transpire as if things turn to custard in the lineout having Robinson or Jack to turn to if needed would be a better option - Eaton hasn't had much game time of late - and has the most bogun of hair dos - I guess that might be a good reason to put him on the field as the French are likely to be offended or just plain scared of someone with a mullet and a mou like that!

Massive changes to the team and this will make it an exciting game. If the All Blacks are victorious, and the lineout functions, this will be a great result with RWC 2007 just around the corner provided that the linout functions well enough. Again the All Blacks will be faced by a rugby public that want to see improvement in key areas, not just a win. This will be a fascinating game to watch and I cannot wait for kick off, or for the rest of the team to be anounced.

Perhaps the biggest gamble, and Henry has conceded this, is the midfield pairing not before seen at test level. While the players have played at that level, they have not done so together. This is possibly the one and only time they will be able to test such a combination, but for the 'biggest test of the year' according to the coaching staff, one must wonder about the wisdom of making that call now. All will be revealed in due course...

Record Win for All Blacks - Wallabies Lift for a Draw?

41 points against England's 20 at Twickenham is exactly the result that the All Blacks were looking for. With a bit of feeling finally coming to the fore in the pre-match hype after accusations of racism were levelled at the Twickenham faithful, the game took on a bit of an edge that was only increased by the singing of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" during the All Black performance of the haka. By full time, all doubts about this team had been suspended until their next outing, but are far from erased.

The doubts about the lineout have been shelved after a stellar performance at set piece time. The scrum went well, and with Robinson in charge of the lineout, it showed a vast improvement on the stuttering and often incompetant lineout the All Blacks mustered during the Tri-Nations. The selectors will be very pleased, but the All Blacks are not out of the woods yet - one good game does not win the World Cup and they will be well aware of this. Criticism of the lineout will need to be shelved, but rest assured it will be quickly dusted off and put back out there by a rugby watching public in New Zealand that demand nothing less than first place at RWC 2007.

As usual, the All Blacks scored all of their tries from counter attacking moves, and as such there are lingering questions over what will happen to the All Blacks when they come up against an opponent that doesn't turn over the ball to them so frequently. The turnovers come, in part, from continuing dominance at the break down, and New Zealand fans will be hoping that the All Blacks can retain this through the World Cup tournament next year. Barring injury to Ritchie McCaw, this dominance is likely to continue as he is clearly the classiest openside in the world at the moment. It is no exaggeration to say that New Zealand chances hang on the fitness and play of McCaw.

Coaches will also be pleased with the performance of Dan Carter, another key player for New Zealand who really stepped up to the mark for this match having been set to ride the rimu while Nick Evans was afforded the opportunity to get back into the game at the international level. Carter bagged 26 points in all, a wonderful performance by any assessment. His continued presence in the game in New Zealand is also key for All Black chances of success. The main cause for concern are three defensive lapses the English were able to exploit and the back line defence will need to be tightened up.

So, a lot still rests on the game against France next week. 6 days to prepare for the hostilities that await the All Black in Lyons from a French team that will be oh so desperate to erase the horror of their complete capitulation against the All Blacks that saw golden oldies no pushing scrums after the French forwards displayed the backbone of escargot. However, this is the bogey team for the All Blacks, they will be worked up and desperate to avoid another thrashing, wanting some revenge, and it will be armistice day...sounds like the All Blacks will have a game on their hands this time. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile the Wallabies may have lifted themselves to draw with Wales...at least if you believe the pre-match hype coming from the Welsh camp. The Wallabies, and Aussie public, of course are not buying into that, and are disappointed by lost opportunities to take the game. On the other hand the Welsh are acting as if the game was won - the commentators for instance were referring to saving the game by pushing the Wallaby scrum over and getting the feed to the next game in the dying stages of the match to "save the match". Securing a draw is not saving the match, you save the match when you win the game, not when you draw.

The overall result from the match wont please either team, but one suspects that both will be glad not to have lost at least. The Wallabies ought to have taken the game, but the forwards continue to perform poorly, and let down the back line that functioned well despite nearly every player playing in a new position. Chris Latham, one of my least favourite players, scored a remarkable solo try flirting with the side line and despatching at least 6 defenders. For video of the try click here. It was good stuff from Latham, an inspiring solo effort that unfortunately did not quite secure the win in the end, but certainly looked like doing it for the Wallabies at the time.

Giteau at halfback seemed to work against Wales. Gregan will not be in serious jeopardy, even though knuckles is hinting at this. The Wallabies do not have the depth to leave Gregan out from the RWC 2007, and it is extremely doubtful that they will have him riding the rimu when, even aside from the fact that he is the better halfback, he is also the better captain at the moment and can lead the team well. Make no mistake, Australia will be ready for the World Cup next year.

All in all a couple of good games this weekend, although the New Zealand vs England game was more interesting to watch and provided a better spectacle. Bring it on for next Sunday when the All Blacks take on France...huge game!

Unlucky Evans' Bad Run Continues

Evans is out, and Carter will start against England in the test match at Twickenham on Monday monring. Evans was apparently unable to pass the last minute fitness test he was given in order to determine if his minor hamstring injury has sufficiently repaired itself. His run of bad luck at international level continued and it seems that he will have to wait until later on in this tour to break the ice on his return to international rugby. Apparently there are no plans to replace Evans for the balance of the tour, and presumably he will be cover for the main man, Carter, for the rest of the tour. Given the level of the remaining games however, we can expect to see the strongest All Black team taking the field as the games against France are identified as being huge clashes that Henry and his men really want to take out.

The hype for the match against England continued to build in intensity today, with Anton Oliver's comments about arrogant English fans taking on a new level today. Aaron Mauger chimed in confirming that the main basis for the gripe against the English crowd stems from allegedly ethnic and racial slurs directed towards some members of the All Black team from the crowd in last year's grand slam test match win against the English side. At last there seems to be some venom coming to the fore, and there is speculation that 'hard man' Robinson has been picked to keep Danny Grewcock in check. Apparently the "steel" Robinson is bringing to the pack, and his undoubted reputation as a man not to take a backward step, is thought to be in response to Grewcock's inclusion in the English side. Obviously the pack will be an intense contest and if England are able to dominate the All Blacks in this area, the game will become difficult for New Zealand to win. Most punters are picking the New Zealand back line to dominate a much less experienced English back line, however without much ball this will be difficult. There must be concern over the lineout which will clearly be a target for England with a much taller back row combination than New Zealand.

The game is shaping up as a cracker, and the tour is at last getting underway. I myself cannot wait for the first real shots of the campaign to be fired on Monday morning on the field. All of the prematch hype has been good in building up the tension ahead of the clash, however we wont really have any final answers until the end of the game. And even if there is a New Zealand victory, most punters there will be expecting to see some considerable improvement in the style of game played by New Zealand and in particular a vast improvement at lineout time. If this does not occur for the All Blacks during the game, there will not be any peace in New Zealand in the lead up to RWC 2007.

Meanwhile in Aussie there seems to be a lack of confidence (very unusual) in the side ahead of the test match against Wales this weekend. The doubts about the pack and the ability to win ball continue to linger, and the defeat at the hands of a depleted provincial side are beginning to erode the previously thought to be impervious Aussie confidence in the national side. Against this, the return of Tuquiri from suspension, and the rejigged back line are offering some faint glimmers of hope. Mat Rogers returns to the unfamiliar role of first five, Larkham moves to second five, Giteau in at half back for the first time at test match level, Tuqiri returns to the centres, and Shepherd retains his sopt on the wing. The star studded nature of the back line is being suggested as cause to hope for a return to form for the Wallabies side in the clash this weekend.

However, on close analysis how much improvement can the public expect to see from a starting backline that has almost everyone playing out of their preferred position? Clearly this is evidence of the lack of depth in key positions that Australia has at the moment, and seems to suffer from most of the time. The only question is, how long can their first choice starting line up be expected to take the field at RWC 2007? My bet is that they will have their starting choice for the entire competition at least in the back line as they have proven in the past that they are able to rally and perform well at RWC comps. New Zealand and the rest of the world better be prepared for a tough ask against these guys, regardless of the outcome of this tour.

As for Wales...well, what can be said really. Put simply, there has been an almost total absence of coverage for the boyos over here in the lucky land. What a surprise. In any event, we can be sure that they are being made ready for a good crack at the Wallabies at the weekend. I am sure they would like nothing more than to compound the bad start to the tour that the Wallabies have had by handing them a 0 for 2 result this weekend. And if we can put any stock in the coverage of this game by Aussie media, the Welsh think that this will be a walk in the park...anyone see a theme emerging here? The mighty Wallabies love to be cast as the underdog, and this weekend is no exception.

The Welsh are going to be targetting the Aussie pack - no surprise there, and why not? They have played very poorly and did so in the tour last year getting a backwards view of most of the turf in each venue they played. This time they're also hitting the Wallabies where it hurts suggesting that their backline is classier, and that the Welsh have a good chance of winning RWC 2007 after accounting for the Wallaibes in pool play. According to media reports this has fired up Tuqiri who says all the pressure is on the Welsh. Yeah, right. Another loss this weekend will have the normally overconfident Wallabies supporters clutching at straws, and Knuckle might be reconsidering the wisdom of taking over from Jones last year, and the union may be reconsidering the decision to axe Jones who clearly had a plan to improve the Wallabies and build towards the RWC next year. Interesting times...

At least there is dleayed coverage of this test match on free to air tv in Aussie...what a farce. Why should people who want to watch games live be penalised so those who can handle the second rate delayed coverage of the free to air networks can be fooled by propaganda from these same networks about showing sport live on tv "for all Australians"? An outrage - end the monopoly on determination of what sport will be shown live and let the market decide by getting some competition in there.

Southern Hemisphere Tour of the North Hots Up This Weekend

Both the All Blacks and the Wallabies have their real tour opening games this weekend. The All Blacks are taking on England and the Wallabies have their first proper hit out against a full Strength Welsh side. Each of the Southern Hemisphere teams seems to be in a different position in terms of the tour and the weekend will be an interesting one, very interesting.

The All Blacks have had training, and Carter was running in the team in place of the injured, and unfortunate Nick Evans. It is a shame that he isn't likely to get a start, however it is said that he has tomorrow to pass a fitness test before a final decision will be made, but even if he does start it seems that he will be unlikely to perform at his best. Captain Richie has called on his team to convert more of their scoring opportunities, and this is definitely something that the team must do. There have been plenty of squandered opportunities this year, however it is difficult to say if those opporutnities are real, or if we are expecting too much from the athletes to convert them all into points. Nevertheless, some tries have gone begging, and against a desperate English side at home, points must be taken when on offer. The All Blacks wont want to start poorly like the Wallabies did...

Imagine, losing to a depleted Osprey's side...how embarrassing. Sure, you can say that it is the dirt trackers that were playing, there were lots of guys out of positon, the true captain isn't there...but the fact of the matter is that the Wallabies were just awful in that game. There isn't that much depth to the Aussie side and they are going to find that this is a problem for them in a competition like RWC 2007 with so many games. If Larkham succumbs to injury, as he has become prone to in recent years, the Wallabies will be a very average team. Add to this the insults that are being poured on great players like George Smith - captaining his country for the first time, only to be replaced by one of the ugliest players in Rugby History, Phil Waugh this weekend. He must be spewing! Not only losing his preferred spot to Waugh, clearly the second best player, but also losing the captaincy...all those who want the Wallabies to lose will be hoping that Knuckles keeps this up.

Now, I am not suggesting for a moment that the Wallabies are a write off for the rest of the tour, however this was not a good start having se themselves the goal of not dropping a game. The backline for this weekend's game is very different - Giteau, Larkham, Rogers, Tuqiri all return and undoubtedly they will add some sting to the Wallabies. However, they are up against a strong Welsh side who would love nothing more than to wipe the ground with the Aussies this weekend. A weak scrum, a forward pack in general will also play into Welsh hands. Make no mistake, this game could be a cracker.

Back to the ABs, they will be wanting to improve on the lineout and captain McCaw had some key things to say about this area. If he means it, then he should be ensuring that those players in the team actually do what he is talking about. He is cpatain, and he should command respect and improve the performance of his charges. Chris Jack has to step up to the mark and become the lineout legend we need, as does his partner in crime. It will be very interesting to see what, if anything, England can do to the All Black lineout and there will be four million kiwis watching on Monday morning NZ time all expecting to see an improvement by their team in this area. It is no exaggeration to say that the RWC 2007 campaign depends on seeing improvement from the team in this area.

Bring on the weekend - of course none of the great international rugby games will be screened in Australia. Take that anyone that suggests free to air tv should be protected from competition from the pay tv arena in terms of screening sports. I'd like to know where the nine network gets off telling us all that sports ought to be protected for the good of everyone and shown on free to air tv...I mean they don't even show most games live...it is always delayed on so sprinkled with advertising that you left half the time wondering what happened as you miss out on so many replays. Get with it, free to air is dead, long live pay tv and free up the market Aussie, at the moment we are being put to the sword for the sake of protecting second rate broadcasters right to not show sport live on tv, and stop everyone else from doing so. An outrage.

Rotation Policy Resurfaces?

A few surprises in the All Black team anounced to take on the English team at Twickenham on Monday morning. Amid accusations levelled by former All Black captain Anton Oliver that the English supporters are arogant and have a poor attitude towards Australian and New Zealand players because of the history of colonialism, the New Zealand selectors have suprised by resting several key players ahead of this test. In particular Daniel Carter will be on the reserves bench, replaced by Nick Evans. It seems unlikely that this switch will now have the chance to take place as the unfortunate Evans has injured himself at training and seems at best to now be a 50-50 starter. Still, undoubtedly this rotation will bring additional cries about the arrogance of the All Blacks from the rabid England press - how according to Oliver even when their team lose write as if they had won the game, praising their fallen heroes and complaining about the antipodean opposition.

A further change to the back line sees Ma'a Nonu return at centre. This experiment was thought to be over, howver my money is on the fact that the selectors want to see Nonu run the ball up as many times as possible, as hard as possible, at an inexperienced English back line and put some pressure on them. This heralds a return to crashing runs, and trying to bash through the opposition back line and it will be interesting to see how this works. Nonu's onthe ground game, ie returning the ball after being tackled during the breakdown, is not a strength and the New Zealand loose forward trio will have to perform in order to make this tactic work for the team.

The settled loose forward combination has been upset once again. After the English coach referred to the need to counter Collins and So'oialo, he will be amongst the surprised throng at the anouncement of the team which has So'oialo on the bench, and Collins not featuring even as a reserve. Instead Thorne (blindside) and Masoe (number 8) are named as starters along with Richie McCaw on the open as always. One would have to wonder if Thorne is a little underdone, not having played since the debacle at Rustenberg due to injury, and also Masoe hasn't had much game time at number 8 - probably the reason he has been put in this position as the utility back row cover. With only So'oialo riding the rimu for this game as replacement cover, these guys will have to go the distance and last out the entire 80 minutes of the game. Thorne will have earned his place in part due to his height, and the addition of another jumper in the All Black lineout. The English have 5 players over 1.9m and the All Blacks can put a ring around pressure being put on them at lineout time. Let's see this much talked about improved lineout then boys...

In addition, Keith Robinson has returned to the pack after a 2-1/2 year absence from test footy recovering from a back injury. Robinson has been selected to add some steel and resolve to an All Black pack that has been a bit down on these important commodities of late, particularly in tough times against the Wallabies and Africans in the Tri-Nations this year. One could not go so far as to say that he is an enforcer, but certainly he added steel to the Waikato pack in the domestic rugby competition in New Zealand this year, and it is that attitude that helped him recover and earn a test recall. Go the big man, and with Danny Grewcock on the field it seems likely that his skills will be needed at some point during the game.

This should be a good test match, clearly New Zealand are expecting a win. This many changes, so many top level players not being selected in key positions indicate a certain confidence going into the game. It will be very interesting to see what happens on Monday morning, the English will be desperate for a win being ranked 6th in the world at the moment, and having the worst record of win to loss ratio as World Cup holders ever. There is plenty for England to play for, and one senses that the All Black focus is on the two test series against France for this tour. Dangerous...

End of Season Tour Parties Depart for Northern Shores

Both the All Blacks and the Wallabies have now taken off for Europe on their end of season tours to prepare for RWC 2007. The All Blacks have a realtively inexperienced England team to take on, as well as a test against Wales. The highlight of the tour is of course the two tests against the monkey on the back of the All Blacks - France. One takes place on armistice day and it is being suggested that there will be plenty of fire in the bellies of the French as they take the field that day. Let's hope we don't see a repeat of the Shelford incident, but short of that everything should be fine. The French will still be smarting from the embarrasing defeat they suffered at the hands of the All Blacks last season when their front row was shamed into golden oldies no pushing scrums due to 'injuries'. Anyone that watched that game knew that was a complete capitulation and the 'injuries' were bogus. This time it will be different and that loss will serve as a great motivator for the French.

The All Blacks on the other hand are coming off a successful season, retaining the Tri Nations and generally performing well - with the notable excpetion of the line out, and of course some troubling aspects returning to their game that is reminiscent of seasons gone by. Particularly seasons just before, and in the same year as RWC. The lineout remains concern number one, and is a wise move Ryan has returned to the fold of locks that are going on tour, as has Keith Robinson. This should provide more options, and on the eve of leaving there was much talk about the work that had been put into the All Black lineout. I await the improvement, and they will need to be remarkable to ensure that the All Blacks are not taken apart by the Northern Hemisphere teams in this area, many of which excel at lineout time. The return of several key players that were involved in the systematic destruction of the touring Lions lineout in New Zealand in 2006 is a good move.

Also an improvement in the team to be selected to tour by New Zealand is the return of COnrad Smith. Returning from a broken leg (so badly broken that according to Smith the only thing keeping his leg in one piece was his sock) Smith has had a good season for Wellington. It is rumoured that until Lean McDonald is available Smith will slot in at centre and Mills will revert to fullback - for at the least the game against England. One concern is that Smith did not perform so well in the final agains the mighty Waikato Mooloo men. Kahui, the young up and coming centre had the better of him by all reports and yet Smith will slot straight back in. Clearly the slectors must have something in mind, and of course knowing players and being able to slot in to competition at that level is important, however we do want the best. We'll see what happens. There are some good games ahead and you will be able to catch analysis and results here on this blog as and when they happen.

The Wallabies do not seem to be having quite the same start to their tour. They have been at sixes and sevens since Gregan declared himself unavailable for this tour. That absence has seen Matt Giteau, one of the more expensive buys for the Western Force based in Perth, transferred to play at half back. Understandably John Mitchell, head coach at the Force (who knows for how long) is less than impressed with this shifting around of one of their key players. Giteau is not a half back, doesn't want to be a half back, but starting half back he will be. This is a worrying sign for Wallabies fans, any team with this lack of depth is in trouble. Giteau was supposed to be putting pressure on the less than impressive Larkham (in recent times) but now it seems he is the back up boy, and any experience he gets on this tour will not assist at world cup time because he certainly wont be starting at half back then. Georgie Porgie will be returning then, you heard it here first.

Nevertheless, it is good that there will again be some international rugby union gracing our screens again. These games where the colonies take on the 'home unions' are always great affairs and bring out the best (or worst) in both teams and we have cracking games. I can't wait, although of course there is no place for biffo in today's game (yeah, whatever). Bring it on, I am looking forward to the games, biffo and physicality included!