If only Dan Carter's famously sponsored Y-fronts had reinforcing then he might have run out on to the field against Argentina this weekend as the knock-out rounds of the World Cup kick off. Oh well, the games must go on - and from a couch potato point of view there are many fine match-ups, and all can be seen live, whether you've got Sky or not.
Although Sky Sport 1 and the Rugby Channel will have the four games live, you can also catch them free-to-air on Maori Television, starting with Wales v Ireland on Saturday in Wellington, with kick-off at 6pm. That will be followed by the second quarter-final between England and France at 8.30pm.
TV One and TV3 will also have the games in a mix of live and delayed forms (more on that coverage soon).
Although it will be good to see the All Blacks on Sunday night at 8.30 (live on all channels), the game of the quarters will be between Australia and South Africa (kick-off 6pm).
Seeing the two teams who are the All Blacks' toughest competition in the tournament (presuming our lads beat the Argies) batter each other into submission will be one to relish. The game is on Maori and Sky with delayed coverage on TV One after the All Blacks game.
