KEY POINTS:
Everything we hoped for and expected in a test match was granted last week in Wellington.
Tough weather conditions, changing rules and only a couple of tries couldn't stop making the match riveting to watch.
The intensity and some times brutal play with occasional attempted fights must have rekindled the passion of even the most negative supporters and others of rugby.
Could tomorrow's clash in Dunedin match the last?
Before the war of words from coaches, assistants, managers, captains and players I thought maybe no.
Not now - has anyone involved from both sides not had something to say? Great stuff for motivation, if any is required.
The All Blacks seemed to be commenting about the tackling techniques of some of the Boks and the off-the-ball stuff before the players had managed a shower. It's easy to be picky when you have won well but frankly what should the All Blacks expect - this is the old foe.
From what I saw we gave as good as we got. Brad Thorn's act of stupidity on John Smit showed how even the most level-headed can flip when the heat is on.
The Boks' comments about the scrum tactics of the All Blacks may have some merit but I doubt their front rowers will be happy about the complaints and the likely response from Tony Woodcock and co come scrum time in Dunedin.
Scrums are won and lost on detail and technique. Muscle and bulk will only get you so far. This means the group, and I stress group (scrums aren't won by individuals) which out-thinks the other side usually wins.
Sometimes this is legal, sometimes not. If you get away with a few tricks then good on you.
Few scrums are won in the media and most competent referees have little time for the weak and stupid who seek refuge for their own lack of talent behind the whistle or even worse the IRB officials.
The SA management may have been better off concentrating on countering Woodcock's tactics on the training and playing field - or even better picking their best tight head.
John Smit has joined the Brian O'Driscoll New Zealand rugby fan club with his parting shots. Make no mistake, Smit was wrongly injured by Thorn and the punishment could have been more.
Hopefully Smit will recover quickly, he's a class player and leader and maybe feeling the frustration of recent events. He was only a reserve in his French club side to Mario Ladesma, lost the club final and seems off the pace physically and mentally.
New skipper Victor Matfield was only average in Wellington. It will be interesting to see how much better he is tomorrow. I suspect he will improve quite a bit which could mean trouble for the All Blacks.
Mentally, the All Blacks were better last week. The undefeated run at home, playing the world champions and missing captain Richie McCaw all made the edge sharper.
This time the Boks should want it more. They have lost the unbeaten run, a captain and pride at the set-pieces. So the All Blacks will need to get up again.
Graham Henry says they will need to be better than last week and for once this may not just be "coach speak".
The scrum without Thorn may not be as good and their luck may turn at lineout time. The Boks' kicking game will need to be better also.
The All Blacks may try to start from where they finished in Wellington with width and risk - if so they will lose. Like last week this match will be won up front with pressure and aggression, not pace and flair.
Some say Daniel Carter was only average last week. I thought when things were tough early on he was the difference, just ask both sets of forwards who they would have wanted to get them around the track?
Last week I noted how Peter de Villiers had done most things right since arriving in New Zealand - a week in rugby is a long time.
Despite and because of the rubbish talk from the coaches, this test shapes to be just as intriguing as last week. The mental state of both sides could determine the winner.
Has this All Black team grown since Cardiff? Worth watching just to see.
