Roller Coaster Week in Lead Up To Second Tri-Nations Match

The Clown, also known as Ali Williams, is aparently looking forward to taking on the massive green and gold forward pack on Saturday, and realises that the pressure is on him to perform. Up against Victor Matfield he will certainly be tested. The lineout is still an area of concern and it will be interesting to see how he does, and I will be keeping an eye on this area of the game in particular as it is a weakness, still, in the lead up to the World Cup. For more commentary on Ali Williams and his thoughts ahead of the game this weekend, click here.

Let's face it, in recent years it has been more difficult to get out of the All Blacks, than it has been to get in (cases in point are Justin Marshall, Caleb Ralph, and Reuben Thorne who may prove me wrong this weekend). However, the rotation policy has allowed new talent, such as Mullet Man Eaton, to strut his stuff on the international stage. The All Blacks, and the players in any national team, must know that they are there only for as long as they are the best, to hopefully bring out the best in them by allowing some good old fashioned competition for positions. This tactic also has the effect of retaining players in domenstic rugby as they know that they have a chance of playing for the national team and possibly unseating the incumbent player. I believe that it also good for the team as players should know that they have one, or two, chances of playing in a World Cup and they ought to make the most of it.

As far as I am concerned, the rotation policy is great, provided it is used properly. All those who are claiming that the All Black jersey is being devalued by such a tactic have simply got to get into a Rebel Sports store and see that they are more expensive than ever these days. What I mean by 'used properly' is ensuring that actual talent is retained, and that younger players are encouraged and mentored under such a system, rather than left disillusioned and with the only option of playing overseas to realise their dream of representing a country on the international stage playing international rugby. Gone are the days when New Zealand could have Grant Fox at first five and ignore the likes of Frano Botica, and John Schuster. Those guys should have been part of the mix and playing against certain teams when their skills would've been more useful than Fox's formidable kicking talent.

More talk this week about whether or not South Africa are a dirty team. As far as I can remember this accusation has been made against the Africans. In fact, I gather that more or less the entire time they have been welcome in world rugby the accustaion has been made, apparently with some cause as there is a history of previous offending in this area (see ear biting, hair pulling for $100 bounties, and a penchant for persistent high and illegal shots from certain players earning a recall to the national team). There is of course no place for that in today's game and I would certainly hope that the game this weekend can be played in a good spirit, but I am glad to see that there is plenty of consideration being given to this point. Click here for more on James, and click here for Piri Weepu's take on the matter.

The Australians are, wisely, looking ahead to next weekend and the return match against the All Blacks. They lie in wait for a tired, and likely bruised All Black side, however there is no way of knowing which All Black team will be named to show up for that match. WIth 8 changes, less than half the side that put away Australia last time are playing this week. The focus for the Wallabies is again on the front row and it appears the selectors will stick with the same men as in Christchurch, and who held out last weekend. Click here for more. This is the right move, the front row held together and will play better for the experience of being beaten soundly by the All Blacks, but then having seen off the South Africans, even though they only just did so. Confidence is a wonderful thing and the Austrlian selectors might as well take this opportunity to see what, if any, improvement it brings.

The Africans meanwhile continue to focus on the first five eighth problem that the team has. A woeful performance in the first game has the possibility of being even worse this weekend if Butch James does end up playing. He has flown half way around the world, arriving in New Zealand on Tuesday night, having his first practise on Wednesday. Three days to prepare for his first test since South Africa were humiliated by England 53-3 in 2003 when he last played for the Springboks. There is much speculation as to how desperate Jake White really is, however James may be a red herring to put the All Blacks off, however it doesn't seem to be working so far. For more, click here.

After all of the build up this week, I just can't wait for the game to be played. It isn't possible to tell how well the South Africans will perform, and if the thrashing will do them some good and bring the players together. Even if it does, it is unlikely to be enough to beat the All Blacks, although it is unlikely that there will be a repeat thrashing of such a once proud rugby nation. This is for two reasons, firstly the wet should slow the All Blacks down and make the ball slippery and difficult to deal with, and secondly, the South Africans will be playing as if they were the boerwurst on the BBQ - they'll be roasted when they get home if they are thrashed again. Fear is a great motivator.

This blog wouldn't be complete without some word on Wendell Sailor who has been getting media attention in Australia this week. It has been reported that in secret the Australian Rugby Union has been considering if Wendell will be banned for two years (effectively ending his career) for the drug tests that were positive for cocaine use. Your interprepid blogger heard reports this morning that a decision should be made by this weekend. As soon as I know anything about this, you'll be the first to know. He had a decent side step on the field, but can the wayward Sailor side step the law on this ban?!!! If he can that is a hell of a way to revive his flagging career...and would be the best step he's done in quite some time...