Sean Fitzpatrick: ABs need intense domestic rugby to keep on winning

Here's hoping the test season brings us some of the aggressive set pieces, body-on-the-line confrontation in loose play and flair, speed and intelligent running lines - which is what I love about rugby.

That's what I was referring to in the radio interview for which I have been taken to task by some - who misinterpreted the whole thing as me preferring Premiership rugby in Britain to the Super 14.

I know I raised some questions about the standard of the S14 during the early rounds of the tournament but I am delighted to admit that the quality and the intensity improved as we got to the business end.

That was always the point - at the start of the Super 14, that competition did not have the physical and confrontational aspect which, at that stage, the Premiership did. But that shouldn't be interpreted as preference for one competition over another.

It's not a north vs south thing. Rugby needs a strong domestic competition - not just in New Zealand, but globally - so we get the best test rugby.

I might be living overseas at the moment, but once an All Black always an All Black - I am just as competitive today on behalf of New Zealand domestic and international rugby as ever. I want our boys to win, to win well, and to preserve - and enhance - the reputation we have globally. The All Blacks will continue to win but, to do so, we need to make sure our domestic competition is as strong as it could be.

For me, the essence of rugby is about that aggressive set piece excellence, body-on-the-line confrontation in loose play - maul and ruck. It is about bettering the opposition by combining this physical imposition on the other team with flair, speed and intelligent running lines. It is about playing the 80 minutes as a whole and the most absorbing, satisfying games to watch (and to play in) are intense, ruthless in-your-face affairs that build and build as the clock ticks on.

Well, that is what we witnessed in recent rugby semis and finals - fantastic rugby fodder. With the culmination of the S14, Premiership and Heineken Cup competitions, and with a couple of months worth of tests and tours ahead of us, times are good for those of us who follow the game.

The S14 final itself was pure pedigree - a powerhouse display by the Bulls played at a packed Loftus Versfelt. The Crusaders and the Blues have shown over the years what it takes to win, but that display by the Bulls was probably the most powerful performance I have seen from a provincial team for many years. For the Chiefs it was probably one game too far. They had a cracking season and will benefit hugely from the experience of playing in their first final.

The Premiership final, played between Leicester and London Irish in front of a capacity crowd at Twickenham, was a game that could have been nicked by London Irish, but Leicester were just too big and too strong. A tough, honest game with 19 points and only one in it at the end - not a game that will be remembered for its guile and sparkle, but tense and good watching nonetheless.

For me the Heineken Cup was a competition that had it all this year. Leinster and defending champions Munster played their semi in front of 82,000 people at Croke Park, and the next day Cardiff Blues played Leicester in front of 60,000 people at the Millennium Stadium. Both matches had passion aplenty but, for sheer theatre, the penalty kick off to decide the winner in Wales was the one to watch.

So Leinster upset Munster, Leicester had the better kickers, and they met in the final in Edinburgh. Leicester were as committed as ever, but tired and lacking a cutting edge they seemed to fade, and Leinster reeled them in and overtook them at the death.

So different competitions, different types of games, but the bottom line is that we saw some good rugby. These matches were played in front of phenomenal crowds and the passion, grunt and skill on offer made them immensely watchable.

So too was the Super 14 - I was glued to it and to see three New Zealand teams get into the playoffs was a great result for the teams themselves, but also for NZ rugby.

I am also thrilled that Mils Muliaina has been named captain of the All Blacks during the absence of Richie McCaw. He led the Chiefs by example, inspired those around him, and from where I am sitting he is quite clearly the No 1 fullback in world rugby at the moment.

And now, roll on the tours and tests!