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.