Kiwis' success timely reminder for All Blacks

Wales was not choking with optimism about beating the All Blacks for the first time in 53 years. Of course everyone acknowledged it might happen, that it could occur and that was a general theme throughout Cardiff. It was much the same for the Kiwi contingent, in town for the rugby, who were also extremely interested in rugby league events on the other side of the world in Brisbane, Post-breakfast coverage was perfectly-timed for these avid sports followers who clock up the miles supporting the All Blacks.

A consensus about the Kiwi chances might have been: "We should give them a fair bit of hurry-up but in the end the Kangaroos should have too much class."

We all know what happened though in the Boilover at Brizzie and whether that added to the trepidation for the New Zealand rugby supporters heading to the Millennium Stadium was hard to tell. If anything it might have been a timely reminder to the All Blacks, not that they should have needed it, about getting the job done later against Wales. Successive beaten trudges off the Cardiff turf was no appealing scenario. All that was in the future though as New Zealanders invaded the shopping malls in Cardiff as the winter chill bit deeper on matchday.

It had been much warmer the day before as we took a quick reconnaissance trip to Celtic Manor, a golf course near Newport which will host the 2010 Ryder Cup.

The 2010 course as it is known, was designed and finished this year at a cost of 16m pounds with the viewing needs of a probable 50,000 crowd in mind. Banks line the last three holes to create great amphitheatres on the par 71, 6724m course. The clubhouse has been purpose-built with the obligatory bars, restaurants, balconies, pro shop and private members' areas with those signing up to play needing to hand over an initial joining fee of 3000 pounds and an annual membership of another 3000 pounds. The locker rooms were stunning with the decor in oak, vaste pictures of legends in the game adorning the walls and other memorabilia. The only eyesore at the moment is the ruins of an old building next to the clubhouse. Management have lodged appeals to have the building removed but so far no deal although they plan more petitions. If those fail, it is sure to be rebuilt in time for the start of the next Ryder Cup.

Rebuilding is not in the All Black plans, this is Part III of the Grand Slam challenge and no time to stumble. Anything is possible but the All Blacks have no wish to feel the same sort of churning bile they suffered last year when they disappeared from the World Cup in Cardiff, no desire to feel the pain the Kangaroos will be suffering. It is the weekend for Black to Be Back.