Ruben Wiki: McClennan leading us to the top

Although we were all bitterly disappointed not to topple Australia once again on Friday night, it was another performance to show we are on the way to where we want to be - the greatest Kiwi team in history.

I have been involved in some outstanding Kiwi teams, especially the 1998-2000 version under Frank Endacott, but this is the best one I've played in and coach Brian McClennan should take a lot of credit for that.

He's created such feeling in the jersey that people want to play for the Kiwis - the mind is now telling me I could play forever, even if the body doesn't always agree.

Bluey is similar to Frank in that he's down to earth, passionate about what he does and passionate about his country. He has an aura and calmness about him that rubs off on his players. He's like your father, uncle and brother all rolled into one and knows how to speak to the island boys, meaning they are all comfortable around him.

We think we're on the verge of being the best team ever but if we're not there yet, we're certainly the tightest.

We were up against one of the greatest Australian teams in history, or so the Aussies keep telling us, and it was pretty amazing to see the Kangaroos under pressure for a change. They had to pull something special out of the hat to beat us, which has given us even more confidence.

If it wasn't for that 10-minute period after halftime, when the Aussies ran in three tries, we'd have taken that game and be looking forward to next month's Tri-Nations final. Both Paul Rauhihi and myself were off at that time and it's something we need to look at for the future to make sure we still have an old head out there at one time.

Great Britain will have taken more than a passing interest in the last two tests and what they've seen in the past two weeks will give them more than a few things to think about.

Although I'm not really a guy for statistics, it will be a special occasion if I get to play in the first game against Great Britain because I will then be the highest-capped player in international test league.

After Friday night's game I reflected on what that meant when I equalled the record - it was a pretty powerful feeling. I'm up there with some great company in Gary Freeman, Mal Meninga, Gilbert Benausse, Mick Sullivan and Gary Schofield and it's a great privilege to be there.

Although I always take it one game at a time, and it would mean playing both tests against Great Britain and the one against France, it would be a great way to bring up 50 in the Tri-Nations final.