The wheat from the chaff

All Blacks 23 - Wallabies 22
Sydney

The Wallabies had everything to play for after their energising victory in South Africa a week earlier.  Sure, they would be tired but at home, playing against a Carterless New Zealand outfit that had the Tri Nations in the bag, this test was always going to be a good chance for them.

And for a long time in this match it really looked like they were going to do it.  With stars like Kurtley Beale and Lachie Turner in the Australian backline, the green and golds looked the more threatening team with ball in hand in the first half.  They were assisted by an All Black side that was playing at its worst.  Errant lobbing passes, butter fingered passing, wayward kicking. It just wasn't clicking for us.

For New Zealand there was also no rub of the green in this test. I'm sure Australian rugby supporters would disagree with me, but it appeared that Mark Lawrence missed an awful lot and the bounce of the ball was definitely going Australia's way.   And incidentally, who else isn't tired of the merciless hate campaign being waged against Richie McCaw.  It seems that now whenever the All Blacks win, it's all down to McCaw getting away with murder. Well here's a note to all the McCaw knockers. It's not the case.  Our number 7 is simply streets better than your number 7 so nya nya nya nya nya. Stick that one up your jumper and please stop moaning!

Cruden's first start has been heavily criticised.  An altogether smaller guy than anyone else on the pitch, he was bullied heavily by the Ozzies off the ball.  I think he showed some nice touches however and showed some resilience.  Colin Slade coming on in the last twenty injected a new dimension and I'm glad he shone.  I've often wondered why he hasn't been selected before.

There were plenty of All Blacks last night that didn't put their names up for honour.  There are some that I'm finding myself wondering why they're even in the team.  Corey Flynn of course is the main culprit. I could only groan when Mealamu limped off the field knowing it was now going to be an even harder night at the office.  Thank God Flynn didn't score a flukey try (you know, one of those ones where he often finds himself on the wing) and we had to witness his arrogant little chicken 'I've scored a try' dance. That would have been more than I could take.

Muliaina butchered a try by - you guessed it - not passing.  He seems to have a resistance to passing to his teammates - although he is rather fond of the hospial pass.  I feel like I'm the only All Black supporter in the world that is getting more and more annoyed with him. Please next game, watch him and see what I mean.

Speaking of overrated - what must the Ozzies be thinking of Matt Giteau at the moment?  The most expensive player, I don't think I've ever seen a game where he lives up to his press.  Whatever way, the Wallabies need to find a new kicker, and pronto too.

We missed Joe believe it or not. Izzy Dagg has star quality, but defensively he was found wanting on the flanks. 

Kaino is the most underrated All Black. As far as I'm concerned, he came off the bench and helped save the game for us.

So well done to the ABs and well done to the Wallabies.  It was yet another thrilling game of rugby that had everyone on the edge of their seats.  Sorry to Oz that we beat you again, for the 10th time.  (But really, I"m sorry but I'm not that sorry).

Where is the youf?

The three wise men have made their choices with a steady (translation: boring) All Black team chosen for the upcoming tri nations. It’s so disappointing after the exciting debuts of players with genuine X factor and promise during the Welsh and Irish tests. Now it feels we’re back to square one - stuck with the likes of Ma’a Nonu and Corey “Jacob Oram” Flynn.

From dependable to predictable

He may be a loyal servant to All Black rugby but Mils Muliaina is not what he used to be. He lacks the spark and zip of yesteryear – his dependability has morphed into predictability and I can’t understand why he has been given a place over the exciting, fresh Israel Dagg. Yes, yes, yes, experience is everything right? Keep him in the squad by all means, but as a back-up. Not as a starter.

The rocketman

Ditto for Slow Joe. He has no speed anymore. And he’s supposed to be a winger. Even I know that wingers are meant to run fast. In 2003 the rocketman did run fast and he was a thrill to watch. I can’t understand why aging sportspeople that struggle with their form stick around letting their once amazing reputations go up in flames. Joe is definitely a player who should have left the party at midnight when we still wanted more of him. As it is, he’s the last one left at 6am, sleeping on the couch with a big hangover, outstaying his welcome.

Let’s ask Paul the Octopus

Will we beat the Springboks this Saturday? Some of the boks look pumped (and by the looks of Spies, not just with endorphins). My heart wants the ABs but I think the Boks may take this one, which would be a sledgehammer on our confidence, but not altogether a bad thing a year out from the World cup. Maybe we should leave the predictions to Paul though.

An ‘unconvincing 2-0 win against Wales’

That’s what English Guardian hack Mike Averis said of the All Blacks series win earlier this month against Wales. If it’s light amusement you’re after – do read his article. Yet another example of a frustrated English sports hack getting their knickers in a big knot over the All Blacks. Come on, admit it Mike. You’re just a wee bit jealous aren’t you?