KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection of Your Views:
Robin (Coopers Beach)
The All-Blacks should win as long as the South Africans don't put any dirt in and the referee is consistent with his decisions. Good hard rugby I enjoy. May the best team win on the day!
Maori dog Mike
ABs by 50 points.
Danis (Auckland)
All this worry has come because we lost one game away against a top 3 opposition. We need to relax, we were all talking up rest and rotation the week before when we beat SA. We definitely have a 1st XV with the exception of centre (where it is between Ice, Conrad or at a push Mils) and also hooker, with a lot of competition between Anton and Kevin. This team I expect will play every knock out game in the world cup and has played enough over the years together so combinations should be tight. We are still huge favourites to win the WC because we are the best team. The criticism we are getting is out of desperation but there is no need to worry about one away loss by only a handful of points.
Reece (Auckland)
I can't see what the fuss is about myself. A supposedly sub-par Carter is still streets ahead of whoever the Boks will put out this weekend. As far as the Wallaby line is concerned, one or two injuries to their halves or midfield and they're screwed. This national obsession with dissecting the team every time they don't win by a hundred is getting out of hand. Sells papers though I guess.
Wayne
If anyone is truly serious, where is Lauaki?
Sione Simisi
We all know they will win, how good a win I think is the important question. The Wallabies could only beat this Springbok B Team by 8 points and then they didn't fire until the 2nd half (I don't think they could have made a comeback over a SA A team), so I think they have some worries themselves. The ABs have to have a blinder and they must beat this team convincingly. They should lead the stats in all the key areas scrums, line outs, line breaks, tackles made, ball handling percentage, ground made percentage, etc. We should cut down on penalties and knock ons. I think SA should have brought their top team. The Tri-Nations is the time where you can gauge yourselves against two other top teams. Let's face it, one of the SANZAR three is going to be in the final. Lastly I would like to say, Oz has made a big deal out of our loss in Melbourne but it was one game and I'm sure our boys have learnt a massive mental lesson from it. I think their performance against SA B wasn't anything great and if they lose against us in two weeks, well they will be in a bit of a dilemma. Their forwards aren't as good as ours and Larkham, Giteau, Mortlock, Gregan, & Latham awesome players but their stars are fading a bit about time they popped off to England or France. I have a feeling Oz have done their dash in Melbourne, they're looking for miracles.
John G (Melbourne)
The AB's will win, but no thanks to Luke McAlister. Those turkeys out there in ABs supporter land who think he is better than Aaron Mauger, think again wasn't it McAlister who cost us the test against Aussie? The sooner he signs his contract with Sale the better. Get rid of him now what's the point of having someone with his level of commitment playing for the ABs. Select someone who wants to play for the ABs. Surely McAlister is another of Graham Henry's infatuations, as with Hurricanes players.
NR (Sydney)
They've got the personnel and it would seem the preparation. I'm betting on an AB victory this weekend, but the following weekend is what matters. I think the question marks will be whether they are mentally prepared, and whether Henry has the game plan and tactics.
I reckon the AB's biggest problem is their fans they have to perform with an enormous burden of expectation and pressure. The ABs weren't guilty of being smug or over confident in Melbourne their fans were! Fair enough there is little for kiwi sports fans to cheer about, but you've got to lose the "we deserve to win" attitude. Leave the arrogance to the SAs, they invented it.
Srumma (Perth)
We should win this one, but I have to agree with Colin Meads that players shouldn't be coming off the field laughing and giggling as Meads had witnessed and viewed his frustration with optimism as a legend would. Players should remain focussed on or off the field and show your true emotions when the fat lady sings as I'im sure the players that were laughing weren't laughing when we lost.
You Erd It
We will demolish SA if we want to play this weekend. I think the Aussies were handed victory by the ABs and on home soil we will return the favour. I can't understand why John Connolly insists on serving up the ABs are the best in the world speech in the hope we might succumb to believing it and choke come Paris. John, one can see your futile attempts, unfortunately you are four years to late.
Lai (All Black fan) (Fiji)
The All Blacks rocks. I am a big time fan of the All Blacks. I watched its every game that is televised live in Sky back here in Fiji. Come on fans, lets support the boys rather then criticising them. Watch them this weekend for they will demolish the much fancied Springboks outing.
Anton Vernall (Seattle)
This game doesn't make a lick of difference. If they are playing McCaw, Jack and Thorne, (Christchurch's favourite three no one else's) at jade why didn't they play the best loose forward trio in NZ: Holah, Messam and Luaki in Hamilton. Keith Robinson would rather be playing with his own forwards this weekend only who would pass up the offer to play in the All Black jersey. McCaw, Jack, Thorne haven't got what it takes. Failed to even make the NPC semi-finals, losing to Otago quarter final lost against the Brumbies, Chiefs at home in the final two rounds of the Super 14 lost to the bulls in the semi, convincingly getting out muscled. But what they truly lack the most at the international level is the top 1 inch. You win big games at Super 14 level with 13 All Blacks in your team but its been proven before that team is not good enough to win the world cup. Phil Mickelson is a great golfer but it is the Tiger who wins all the majors. If we don't beat SA C at home by 30, we have no chance at beating SA A on the road. We only just beat them six short of there top team with a yellow card. Sorry McCaw and Henry but it's not commitment that wins at this level, but control, and its looking like four more years unless you make some big changes in the forwards.
Wala
I believe that the New Zealand public are too critical of our national AB side. If we win the headlines are usually "scrappy" and if we lose then the AB's are in for a hammering. Whatever happened to being satisfied that the team did their best on the day win or lose? As for the world cup I still don't believe that 1987s win was as great as New Zealand believes it to be because if South Africa were in that world cup would the result have been a different story? Who knows? I am happy that we lost against the Australian's because our AB team have been setting the bench mark for so long that they need to come back to earth and return to the basics. If the ABs went into the world cup winning every game until reaching the semis or even finals then losing, how would that feel? Yes the ABs are rated the number one side in the world but lets not lose sight of the fact that at the end of the day they're human. I wish them all the best and if that's what they can produce win or lose I'd still be proud of them. Go Isaiah Toeava!
Ritch Morris (South Africa)
We await the match between the so called Springbok B-team and the All Blacks with pride as a rugby clash between these two sporting nations is the best. Yes! If the Bokke get their act together, they could beat the All Blacks. This is true for many national teams it's what happens on the day. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for your neighbours, the whining Ozzies. Oh how sickening it was to see their African player, George Gregan from Zambia, showing uppercuts to the linesman to get Johan Muller sent off the field. What a tittle-tale Wally. If it wasn't for the fact that he is quite a good player, his non-sporting manners would relegate him to the scrap-heap. May the best sporting team win. Wouldn't it be great if we went back to the early days of respect for the players and teams where there was not a peep from the spectators when someone is kicking for posts? That would be true sportsmanship.
Mick D (Bath)
I love reading all the predictions about what will happen in Jade Stadium this weekend and the supposed general malaise of the ABs. I don't notice our more enlightened Irish commentators (Ward, Lenihan, Glennon etc) joining that one. They are keeping their powder dry for RWC. This weekend is simple. SA have a quota system to follow 20 forward 'pick and go's' per pass to the back line. They are terrified to spread the ball. On the one occasion they moved it last weekend Waylon Murray ran backwards and away from his own support, probably to avoid injury. It's clear that preventing injuries and not winning is the priority. All the ABs have to do is put 14 men at the breakdown and wait for the inevitable turnover. The remaining player can defend the wide open spaces and counter attack once in each half to win the game. It's that simple. This weekend at Christchurch will be 'turkey shoot' but the All Blacks will learn nothing and can gain even less. Too many questions remain to be answered for them to be taken seriously as RWC contenders.
John "Kiwi" (Nova Scotia)
With time running out before the World Cup there's probably no room now for considering x-factor players like Lauaki, Meesam, (or (Donelly), ahead of conditioned players, Masoe and Thorne. These two look very average to me. I think the selectors have dug themselves into a bit of a hole in this respect.
I agree with Craig Innes in getting continuity in the back-line & thus sticking with the Toeava & McAlister combination. Bye-bye Mauger, enjoy what's left of your rugby career in the northern hemisphere.
Henrynz
Simple comments: Australia, world's smartest rugby team no doubt, that's how they won against the ABs recently and also the unforgettable 2003 semi-final. Ruben Thorne, good to see him back, another person to contend with at breakdown, rather than Richie Rich Rich everytime. Collins provided the impact needed in the second half. Mcallister boy, that is forever your position at 12. Toeava needs to stamp his mark otherwise its Mulianina against the Boks, Smith against the Wallabies. Though wow, what a job Henry has done with his rotational policy. I see Sean's view about the number of All Blacks given the jersey and it seems to devalue the All Black jersey. Though Henry being the mastermind he is also employed the rotational policy, because of fatigue and injury factors, not only that but the number of withdraws from the AB squad next year, leaving a number of positions vacant, but ahhhh not with Henry, he's obviously thought beyond the World Cup. Geez this guy is good. Hmmm as for Eddie Jones, this guy is like a bad smell that won't go away.
Melbourne Kiwi
Look, I am not sure where the Herald gets its sources from in respect to Aussies talking up the win over the ABs and taunting, but its rubbish! The first thing Mortlock said after the whistle to his team was, "don't get carried away with the win over the All Blacks". The coach, Connoly said, "We will take the win but the ABs are still the benchmark" How about reporting the facts and stop stirring the pot. The ABs will regroup and will do even better with the media and NZ, public on their side. Win, lose or draw, I am an All Black fan. Are you? (By the way, I have been to the last two RWC semi-finals, 99 and 03, that's my qualification to rant.)
John Gilbert
After living in Australia for 37 years I look forward to the All Blacks playing on Australian soil, but: problems, not one bit of talk in the team, no blood and guts, no complaints about Gregan holding back on the scrum feed, main problem replace Henry. With all the top line players he has at his disposal there is no excuse.
Daz
I believe the All Black should win by 30 points, anything less will be disappointing. Henry's rotation policy was supposed to end last year yet it continues. How can we possibly identify our top 15 when it's constantly changing? We have developed supposedly back-up players for all positions, but you tell me who will replace McCaw if injured. Henry has persevered with Masoe? Is he better than Holah on the open side? Last time we lost our captain in a world cup we all know what happened. If Matty Holah is the second best open side then he needs to be in the team. No point being able to field two teams if our top 15 can't beat Australia who can barely field one team. The best NZ forward leading into the Super 14 semis was Sione Lauki and why has he not been selected, he has the ability to change a match and dominate any opponents. I fear that we no longer dominate at the breakdown which has traditionally been our strong point.
I have watched every game the All Blacks have played in the last two years, and I have not seen the All Blacks put together a full 80 minutes of rugby. Our handling errors are a worry and we have blown more tries than we have scored, yet still win. Imagine how good we could be if we if we halved our mistake rate! I believe our backs pretty much pick themselves with McAllister edging out Mauger. However if a full back gets injury lets replace him with a full back rather than make three changes, which has been widely documented and enough said. Let's concentrate on the basics, cut down our error rate, and give the South Africans and Wallaby's a damn good hiding.
Rugger chick
I think Ritchie is a great leader, however I also believe he inherited a job before his time. I believe it was a role that was rushed into before he should have been there. It is not his captaincy role that should be under scrutiny but the selections of those he leads. We have selectors that have had their day both playing and coaching, we have team management that are in a position of power, but do they truly know why they are there? Let's get back to grass roots and start again. Do any of the topline rugby players or management remember where they started and who use to take care of them each weekend voluntarily? Ritchie is a great leader so let him lead.
Ross (China)
Point 1. The AB team that has been selected looks well balanced with players in their correct positions. Interesting that Henry is still rotating people at this stage. Thorne ahead of Collins, hmmm.
Point 2. To Harris. Your comment about George Gregan is ill-informed. Gregan is/has been a great leader over many years, don't be bitter. If you bothered to do some research about the man, or asked his peers and competitors you would have some respect.
Point 3. Based on stats the ABs should win by 7-8 points. However discounting the Bokets you can add 15 points.
Point 4. South Africa have shown themselves to untrustworthy, surprise surprise.
Point 5. McCaw is an extraordinary talent who is growing into the role of leadership.
Gazza
Accusations of smugness and over confidence from across the Tasman do seem to be fully justified as the 2007 international season unfolds. The three simultaneous substations five minutes into the second half were, to my mind, clear evidence of over confidence. What on earth is Reuben Thorne doing still in the All Blacks? Reuben Thorne stands on the edge of rucks and waits for something to happen. When that thing doesn't happen he moves on to the next play, to wait for something to happen. He is the essence of a re-active player, in contrast to a pro-active player like Collins. It is a selection mistake that may cost New Zealand the World Cup. However, even more of a liability to success in France this year is the continued faith the selectors have in Aaron Mauger. It really staggers me how the New Zealand rugby press are prepared to slam a player like Rodney So'oialo when he makes one or two mistakes, while Mauger continues to add to a long list of glaring and costly errors, yet rarely draws comment. His defence is average, his kicks are often ill-timed and ill-directed, he offers up intercept passes, he loses the ball in contact and he brings zero tackle breaking potential to the attack. Having Mauger in the side, says Wayne Smith, is like having a fourth coach in the side. What rubbish! Why he is continually favoured with selection remains a mystery to me.
Andrew
I'm confused. If the All Blacks have made seven changes (i.e. nearly 50 per cent of the team), then surely they fielding a weakened team (or they fielded a weakened team in their last match), which is exactly what they were whingeing about South Africa doing last week.
Karvee (Brisbane)
Since when has there been anything wrong with Richie's captaincy? He has NZ poised for a World Cup Victory in France this year no doubt.
Grant James (Perth)
Hey, Scrumma (Perth) baby, if you consider that Super 14 is such a wonderful competition, why are the crowds so poor? Even in your own city of Perth, each of the two AFL teams gets much larger crowds than the Auckland Blues (let alone the pathetic Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs). Australasia's major (and most exciting) competition is in front of your eyes.
Scrumma (Perth)
Well one things for sure this ain't the best All Black team of all time, that's for sure. I cant speak for the era's before 1969, but in 1987 to 1990 the All Blacks rained supreme. People have forgotten, the likes of Fitzy, Steve Mcdowell, Buck Shelford, Micheal Jones, Zinzan Brook, Kirwin, Robin Brook, Walter Little, Jonny Schuster, John Gallahger, Smokin Jo, Whetton bros, John Drake, Olo Brown, Murray Pierce, Kevin Shuler, Terry White, Inga Tuigamala, and many more and you can chuck in Hika Reid too because these are the guys who changed the game of rugby, they are all legends in this All Black era, don't forget that.
PJ
It's time for the ABs to prove their worth this weekend, and I think they'll do it convincingly over the Springboks as long as the ref does a good job. I think the backline is close to our best, especially the midfield. Both McAlister and Toeava need to step up though as they are running out of time to claim these positions as rightfully theirs. Robinson will show the Boks who is boss and this locking combo should do well. I have only one problem, Thorne. Why is he still there?
Mauger problem
Bravo to Henry and the lads for finally dropping Mauger. Was a great player, now just makes a hash of things at the worst possible time. The Aussies and much of the NZ public have been throwing abuse at McAlister, but the man is the most exciting player on the pitch 90 per cent of the time and makes things happen. Maugers mistakes have cost us enough (intercept try against the Boks, kick out on the full to give the Aussies territory and the ball which they scored from). Best of luck to McAlister, hope he takes his chances with both hands.
Harris
After watching the game between SA and Oz on Saturday, although disappointed that SA lost, do the Australians really believe they have such a great team? I mean really, if SA were a so called B-side why was there only an 8 points difference compared to the so called "thrashing" that the Australians anticipated? Why was this B-side able to go over your try line twice in less than 10 minutes? Only in the second half were you able to come back and then not so easily either. The B-side played extraordinary well and as an English supporter I believe SA have more great players than NZ and Oz put together. They built not only one team of seasoned players but another team of great back up players should they need them! Funny how both Oz and NZ left vital players out of the Super 14, but are quick to point fingers at the SA side. We (England) did the same thing thank goodness we don't have such nasty neighbours! In closing, George Gregan, who comes from Zambia and is not even a home grown Australian, is in my mind the most arrogant, nasty, and spiteful player I have ever seen on the rugby field. It is with regret that these negative traits made him great. In my mind, not such a great legacy to leave behind!
Al in Oz
The ABs will win by a considerable margin and endorse to those non-believers this team is still humming. Of course they had a hiccup a couple of weeks ago, but this team haven't fired on all cylinders yet! Actually, I think that lose was good, not only for themselves, but for the whole rugby fraternity believing they can topple this black machine. Like all good V8's,they are purring along till the RWC final before they show their real grunt. Go the ABs.
Baz
Remember well the call Gregan gave Kelleher in the 2003 semifinal "four more years!" Underestimate the Wallabies at your peril. This is a good team but so are the Wallabies. Don't be surprised that the Wallabies are going to play harder than the ABs when they meet.
Steve, All Black Fan (Cape Town, South Africa)
The boys must first put points on the board, build a respectable lead and then try the fancy stuff. These Boks are not that bad that one can take them lightly. The Wallabies were very lucky that the Boks ran out of steam. Secure a confidence building win before next week's final. The All Blacks can!
Pierre
Unfortunately, I think the AB will win. SA is playing with about a third team (I don't support the B-team policy) and if my information is correct, an Aussie referee. NZ complain about Jonker. Go check your refs out, every game we get yellow carded, penalised more than 2 to 1 and generally they a pretty biased bunch.
I think that SA should pull out of the competition. They are a far better outfit than Australia and they would do better to forge relationships with Argentina and the north. The NZ/Aus management is completely visionless (wanting to chuck SA out of their little rugby body. Do they think the whole of SA supporters agree with Jake white?). Anyhow it seems a pity that potentially great partnership for NZ/SA/Aus has been spoilt by politics, biased referees and lack of vision.
Tewhano (Brisbane)
Obviously the ABs should win, mind you I thought that too as I sat in a Melbourne pub before our last game. Finally he All Blacks seem to be putting their best 15 (Thorne apart, sorry Reuben). I still have reservations on the rotational policy, really SA are using the same policy only but they're taking it to the nth degree. Whenever the ABs don't put their top 15 on the paddock it really is a second string team, if that second team didn't keep winning these minor lead-up games and had a couple of losses there would be a far greater cry for more consistency in selection. Ironically Australia's supposed lack of depth may turn out to be their greatest strength as they have a consistent team on the paddock.
Kia Kaha ABs Kia Kaha.
Pranil (Brisbane)
I don't know why we are even discussing this issue. McCaw is a great captain and will be there to lift the RWC in France where than everyone will be praising him and the All Blacks for winning the world cup. Australia always has something to say in any issue and this will never change. And Aust scored two tries when NZ were down to 14 men, so if Aust had scored 2 tries when it was 15 on 15 than it would have been different. No team will ever win every match as they will get beaten someday. I think it's good NZ lost now instead of the world cup. Go All Blacks! Bring back the world cup home.
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