KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's top rugby talent suffered the Ali Williams treatment at the weekend - sent packing from South Africa - after the Sharks and Bulls bounced them out of the Super 14 series.
So are the Springboks the force to watch for the World Cup? What lessons should we learn?
Here is the latest selection of Your Views:
Lars
I think the main lesson to learn from this years Super 14 is that if you have your premier competition then you dont take out your top 22 players so they can R&R and have an extended break otherwise you are left with a devalued meaningless boring boring competition with nothing riding on the results. This years Super 14 had a lower level of skill and excitement than previous years meaning less people attended the games or watch them on TV. Could this be the start of the demise of professional rugby in the southern hemisphere?
Jade (Hamilton)
S14 does not matter. Nor does the tri nation series or the visiting French series. The world cup matters. Our elite players who have shown consistent and devastating form in the past 3 seasons should be well locked into the upcoming world cup tournament. Nothing else matters. Nothing. If they win the minor tournaments and then lose the world cup then ...well we all know what that feels like. Other winning nations knew in the past that it takes stealth, cunning, and sheer cleverness as well as talent, environment and on field strategy to win. We need to not give 2 tosses about winning anything else right now except for the rugby world cup. All preparation should be towards France 2007.
Grant James ( Perth)
I agree with Duaney of Perth. I have not watched a Super 14 game this year either. The defences are so dominant and the play more stop start than ever. The sooner the AFL crosses the ditch and Kiwis can see real speed and continuity of play in Australasia's biggest, and fastest growing, sporting competition the better. Watching the Force play is like taking a sedative compared to watching Perth's two AFL teams in action.
Melbourne
Super 14? I, as many other Kiwis will not be too concerned that the Crusaders didn't waltz to another title. Whilst I want to see the Kiwi franchises winning games and continuing the stranglehold on the Super Titles I dont mind giving the South Africans their time in the sun. But lets be real, what is this year all about? You got it, World Cup glory. The brains trust, I believe have got it bang on in regards to timing. The ABs will be champing at the bit come WC. I had initial concerns with all the boys coming back from conditioning and being thrown into the business end of a season. (Its a bit like asking Jimmy from the first 11 cricket team to pad up and face Brett Lee on a bouncy Wacca deck) Not wise. There were a couple of injuries that could have seriously derailed the campaign. Notably Jerry's neck injury. I personally think he was the stand out last season and really did lead the forwards with his renewed disciplined aggression. I was stoked to see him back up and running! It could of been Joey Johns so easily. We have be waiting for Big J to find some consistency and we've got it. Forget about Super 14 form, the comp is over, now the season really begins. Good luck boys.
Duaney (Perth)
Who cares about the Super 14 in World Cup year! To be honest. I had not watched a full S14 game all year other than the Blues v Force game in Perth. S14 rugby is boring! Unlike the NPC and even some Heineken cup games where the rugby is sparkling and free flowing, S14 is almost like touch rugby now. I think S14 has outlived its billing.
Lewis
Dont think that it has been bad for NZ rugby. It has given other players the chance to stand out, especially the likes of Lauaki, Toeava, Leonard and Flavell. These players have impressed to the point that if they are left out it would be an insult to their effort. Although the reconditioning caused disruptions I think it was necessary in the big picture of things. Only the true rugby players, who aren't worried about money or their haircuts performed, the likes of Woodcock and Hayman and they should be commended on just getting on with the game. The likes of Weepu and co. have been more worried about their hairstyles than what they get paid for. If all goes to plan the cup will be ours at the end of the year, with Toeava the next star of world rugby.
Mark B (Johannesburg)
Don't read too much into the success of the SA super 14 franchises - this needs to filter through to the national team. SA has always had the players but poor selection policies, substandard technical coaching ability and inadequate team building have resulted in consistent under-performing on the international stage. The Super 14 squads have finally got this right but unfortunately I don't see this happening at a national level (see Kankowski and Hougaard's omissions in the squad of 46 as an indication of things to come)!
Pieter (Cape Town S.A.)
I agree with some comments stating that exclusion of ABs in super 14 helped S.A. players gain confidence. We would probably have had to go to Christchurch for the final had it not been the case. With the Super 14 trophy in the bag, the Springboks will believe that Tri-nations and Worldcup victory is very possible. S.A. teams normally start seasons slowly and lose tournaments because they peak to late. This Super 14 victory is the perfect start to the season and the Springboks will be stronger than ever before. Especially with the good form of seasoned players and exiting new talent. In our minds there is only one major hurdle to get over and that is the ABs. Looking forward to the challenge. Cheers.
Thistle
There are few points that we must consider: 1. The plan of resting players is a long term plan and results of this plan will be measured later in the year, hopefully in Paris lifting the trophy.
2. A number of the reconditioned players have already indicated they are heading to the land of milk & honey in miserable. UK/France after the world-cup, question is do they have the commitment to win the world-cup, 3. Will Graham look outside the 22 players rested, chances are there will be ±12 players from outside this group (based on current performances), they would have played the same amount of games at the South African guys. We are saying that the S14 was lost in the first seven weeks, well I beg to differ, historically we could go across to the republic and rattle up wins, the last 6/7 weeks the stars were back and frankly under-performed, no excuses. 5. There is only one thing we can be pleased with this week and it is " again the SA Rugby – interference in team selection , if they stick to their quota system SA will be weaker, the SA papers, radio stations are at SARU for their debacle, this would allow us to remain favourites to win the cup. 6. We should be careful to create an elitist group of players within our rugby set up; we do not need these players thinking they are bigger than their rugby franchises – no one is bigger than the game. In closing, well done to the Sharks & Bulls Franchises what a turn around, enjoy yourselves this weekend it is long overdue.
Michael Safari Walker
Atl east there will not be any AB's picking up injuries in next week's final. Perhaps the Bulls/Sharks will do us a favour and take out a couple of each other for the rest of the season.
Jason
Lesson 1: Don't let SA teams secure a home advantage. With the dismal record of NZ teams touring South Africa (1 win all season) its not surprising the final is an all Saffa affair. What's most unfortunate is that the Chiefs, by far the most in- form NZ team, missed out on a shot. Lesson 2: this season highlights how thin the talent is spread among the super 14 teams. A couple of smart signings from the force leave the Reds and the Warratahs languishing at the bottom of the table. The Brumbies may join them next year with the farewell of several key internationals. The Crusaders performed admirably without the AB's, but take away Mcalister from the Blues and look what happens. Take away Toeva from the Semi final and you see a complete destruction of their team! Concerns have been had about the competitiveness of the additional Aussie and SA teams, we now face similar problems in NZ. We won't have the reconditioning programme next year, but we will have a significant number of departing players (Poor Highlanders!). It should never have become a super 14 competition. We're also increasing the risk of players tiring before the international season. Anyway, super 12 sounds better.
Wayne (Durban)
As a Natalian who enjoyed watching the Sharks win on Saturday, I am realistic enough to understand that the S14 results have very little impact on either the TN or WC. Just a few points separated the top sides in S14 and if the home semis had been played in NZ then it could well be an all NZ S14 final. What may well help the SA players is the confidence that they gain from beating the NZ S14 sides. Conversely, the defeats may well be a wake up call for the All Black players and thus a good thing long term.
MetYsJa (Johannesburg)
I dont think the Saffas will necessarily fade towards WC time, remember last year how the ABs peaked and maintained their form right into their EOYT. If anything, I think that your reconditioning programme has given the saffas the confidence to know that you can be beaten, and yes S14 is different to Tests, but the Saders had many ABs in their team against the Bulls many Boks, the sharks had some Boks against the Blues some ABs. All in all, same players in different jumpers does not equate to a different game and McCaw is blowing smoke up your pipes.
NZ are still the benchmark, and I feel SA are the only team who can beat them, SA are vulnerable though to other teams like France or Ireland, whereas NZ are not. If SA manage to make the finals with NZ, i think SA might win. NZ will make the final though, whereas SA are not guaranteed. All in all, If SA do not win, I would have no other team than NZ take it. I can't stand England or Ireland. They are just too over-confident after beating SA and Aus after long and tiring seasons. Let the Southern Hermisphere retain world rugby domination.
Danielle
Of course no one like losing but NZ has generally done very well in Super 12 and Super 14 since it has been around and how many World Cups have we won within that time? Winning the Super 12 is no indication of World Cup success and really, if the ABs improve on last year in time for the World Cup and if they win in France, will anyone still be whingeing about bailing out in the Semis of the Super 14?
Linda (Blues fan)
South Africa can have the Super 14, they absolutely deserve it! But the All Blacks to win World Cup, I'm sure our boys will be ready and will do well!
Coolman
South African rugby has a very unique problem of "quota system",than no other rugby nation has. SA sides and the Boks are forced to pick players of colour, who may not noccesarily be good enough. For the world cup,it has already been stated by political bosses that 8 players of colour should board the plane to France. Under this difficult circumstance,SA rugby is up the with the best.I wonder how good SA would be if the coaches could pick their best players .I think if the playing flieds were levelled SA would be the best rugby nation by far.......
Dirtman NZ
Hard not to repeat what's already been said, but congrats to the Sharks and Bulls. Two form teams of the comp and timed their runs well. Can't remember a single world cup year where super 14 form had such an impact on international success, not for NZ anyway. Henry and co knew they had to do something original to stay ahead of the pack, hence the resting policy. They'll have few more ideas to come before Sept. If our top team peaks at the right time, then I'm feeling pretty good. I'd be worried if the Cup was in the Republic, but it ain't. And as for comments that the players are soft because they where rested, what a joke. Folks just gotta have a little faith....
BoereShark
Emotional reactions are normal for passionate rugby supporters, of which NZ and SA have more than their fair share. What AB supporters shouldn't forget is that Super Rugby form has absolutely no bearing on International performance. Not too long ago, when the Boks won the Tri-Nations our Super 12 teams, possibly with the exception of the Sharks, were hovering in the bottom half of the table. I don't think the absence of the AB's had such a great impact. In my opinion the NZ sides played better when the AB's weren't there and certain teams were actually disrupted by their re-inclusion. And for once the NZ and Aussie teams were subjected to the tough itineraries, with long stretches away from home, that SA teams have always had to deal with in Super Rugby. Whoever wins the RWC in France - it will be either the Boks, AB's or Aussies - it will be great rugby in the tradition of great rivalries.
Dave
Graham Henry has handed the Rugby World Cup to South Africa on a silver platter. He could not possibly have conceived of a more perfect plan to give away the psychological edge the All Blacks have enjoyed over the last three years. Next!
All Black (Auckland)
Looking at this positively, we have lots to learn from the Super-14 and we will get better as an All Black unit. In yet another World Cup year, the Super-14 is irrelevant, other than for the learnings that we should take out of it. I guess mostly individual performances and traits. Its better to lose at this stage rather than draw a false sense of confidence from a competition that doesn't really matter this time through. We have a far superior coaching and management unit within the All Blacks, and we should be right behind the team with all our faith. The players will have a much better regime to perform within vs the fickle and immature Super-14 franchises. The Tri-Nations and the French on tour will give us the closest comparison to how the ABs perform at the RWC. Go the All Blacks!!
Rex Hapimana
The S14 results will have no impact on the AB's chances at the world cup. We weakened our 5 teams for half the comp so didn't finish as high up the table as normal-as you wouldn't expect.There is no great Sth African rugby revival. Remember the Bulls made the semi's last year so no shock there. Also their 3 other teams finished 10th, 11th and 12th...slightly above the pathetic Waratahs and Reds!Hardly an endorsement for Sth African rugby greatness that should be feared!! The Bulls coach admitted himself that if the match was played in Christchurch the Crusaders probably would have won. I believe the comp winner came down to the 81st minute sideline conversion by Ruan Pienaar against the Crusaders in Durban in about round 5.If that kick had missed the Crusaders would have got 4 pts and Sharks 1-not the other way around. And of course the Sharks ended on 45pts and Crusaders on 42pts. Basically the 3 point swing that kick created. The likely scenario then would have been the Crusaders winning at home again...and no panic stations from NZers. The negativity pouring out now is probably what Henry foresaw and hoped would happen. Afterall we were thinking we are invincible after last years AB tour. This is the perfect knockback to ensure no complacency. Another master stroke by Henry.
Ben Iki
If anyone is to blame it has to be the Queensland Reds, there were teams that were on the verge of making the finals and the Queensland Red's with a few kiwi's in there team dropped nuts.If the score had being closer , the Bulls would not have made the finals. Any way the litmus test is the World Cup ,bring home the bacon and all is forgiven.
Stino (Japan)
What cracker games by the South African sides, particularly the Bulls. I think Auckland lost their way and confidence a bit after Toeava went out. But all credit to the Sharks. The gameplan didnt quite work for the Crusaders. They were going wide to early. I know they wanted to run the big Bulls forwards around but the defence was up to the job. They could have set up plays closer in to suck in the defence first. But then thats easier said then done.On the brighter side, this gives the ABs coaches things to work on for the world cup. Better to choke now then there. And one more thing, We get to see the finals this year unlike last years fog down at Jade stadium...lol.
Leon
Long term plan = world cup. The World Cup is in August not May. Wait and see what happens in the world cup, then comment on the results of the reconditioning programme. Criticising Henry for the reconditioning programme now is like criticising Nick Willis for not winning a race in his off-season - ridiculous.
Dan
The lesson is that commercialism has introduced too much rugby, and it is suffering as a result.
Andrew (London)
Have some faith in Graham Henry and his team- the Super 14 means very little in the context of this year. The top 30 players in NZ are planning to peak in October this year- not May. The All Blacks will be in top form for the World Cup (though the Saffas and Frogs will be close behind)- and the rotation policy over the last few years is paying dividends as we see a few long-term injuries to our locks!
Paul (Auckland)
Lets be honest, we dont really care about this competition this year. We care about the RWC in France. I cant wait to crack open the biggest bottle of bubbly I possibly can when Richie holds up that cup. We have the best coach(es) in the world, I have no doubt they know exactly what they are doing. Bring it on!
Dan
I wouldn't be worried about the performances of the Blues and Crusaders. I find it highly amusing that the SA media now claim to be favourites because of this. I don't remember an Aussie side even being in the final of the 1999 final and we all no how that world cup went. At the end of the day, the All Blacks play far superior rugby to any other team on the planet, and on a neutral venue, I don't think SA can handle the ABs. Remember, this is the same side that got stuffed in Ireland last year, and even lost to England, who are appalling. [i know they rested some players but so did the NZ against Eng and they still won comfortably]. They play a very basic game, and as Graham Henry said, they are hard to play because they don't pass. They kick for position and force errors. Somehow I don't think this will be enough to win the world cup. I also think the Blues would have won the game had Toeva stayed on, and definitely so had L.M been fit. This could also be good expectation management. Come final day I will be shocked if it isn't R.C holding the world cup.
Stellenbosch (South Africa)
Always enjoy reading the mostly insightful rugby journalism and reader comment in the NZ Herald online. Whatever the results of the weekend's semis, for me it was great to four extremely competent and committed teams from the rugby world's great traditional rivals (whatever the rest may say) playing almost test-style rugby, with both games capable of going either way right into the final quarter. With regard to the World Cup, it isn't won or lost in May, particularly not in the Super 14. The All Blacks remain the formidable force that we know, full of talent in virtually every position. For our Springboks, the defining factor might be a new found realization that they can win away from home, and the confidence that this has brought and which shows in their Super 14 performances. I would bet on either of them, or France, for the cup. I found some of the newspaper coverage a bit snippy - completely at odds with the grace shown by both NZ captains and coaches in their after-match interviews. Firstly, Daniel Gilhooley, following last week's interesting comments about tigers in the African bush, got it all wrong regarding a supposed sideswipe at NZ rugby via Kevin Putt. Putt was, and remains, a hugely admired contributor to Natal and Sharks rugby over many years, and, unless memory serves me wrong, sat on a Springbok bench? Sadly, his coaching career in Durban was, for whatever reason, conspicuously unsuccessful. Mentioning this does not amount to an attack on either him or NZ rugby. The Sharks and SA public fully appreciate and acknowledge the past and current contribution as payer and coach, of another fine New Zealander,
John Plumtree. Secondly, why the comment about the pronunciation of some names very foreign to South African tongues? It's hardly as though non-South African commentators, including those in NZ, have been particularly kind to some of the Afrikaans and other names on SA team sheets in the past. Alternatively please pack your teams with players called Jones, Thomas, Evans and Williams, as the Welsh do. Looking forward to the Tri Nations.
Chiefs
Much has been said about the NZ franchises performance. Frankly, I'm glad the Sth African teams are taking a win- "its about time!". Although; If the Sth Africans think they are going to take that to the next level- they have another thing coming. I take nothing away from the reconditioning program- lets be proactive and plan ahead. I'd be interested to see if the Springboks can carry on their winning ways onto the world cup? Tis a long way to 'Tipperary'! We'll see. Go the Blacks!. (Hey Henry- I think Messam is still waiting on that call!)
Len
Based on the super 14 performance , the South Africans
will win the world cup.
Lourens (Pretoria)
I viewed the concerns of the AB supporters but do not think that you have anything to worry about. The ABs will come through as always. You have a proud rugby tradition and the ultimate in rugby is still to beat the ABs. Your reconditioning programme might be just what sets the ABs apart from the rest of the contenders at the end of a long season come October. What is however forgotten by NZ rugby fans is that SA could not field their best sides (S14 or test) in almost 10 years due to politics. Looking at the announced springbok squad on Saturday nothing will change. So stop moaning about your S14 teams having to start the season without their ABs. We have to put up with sub-strength teams every season.
Wills (Brisbane, Australia)
Graham Henry, You sound like a Typical School Teacher Pal, well as far as past rugby world cups go. The reasons why we haven't won it back in 20 years is because they weren't good enough, we have always had the players to do the job, but past selectors have chosen the wrong players, Plan As and Bs didn't work and so lets do plan C, now tell us all what plan C was, If you think resting the players to win back the cup is the answer to plan D then we all find out in October ah ! If you prepare a horse to win the Melbourne Cup in the 1st Tuesday in November, well you dont condition the horse for 8 weeks without a race to run. Mr Henry, what do you reckon? Plan D is for dreamers cos that's what you will be doing if you think we are going to win back the Cup, you are all a bunch of dreamers.
Ronnie
One may have the best team in the world, but on the day, in a WC semi or final or both, it's the team that wants it the most. The Boks proofed that in 1995. The sure did not have the same team as NZ but they wanted it the most. Don't believe for one minute that winning the Super 14 is everything to SA, the WC is even more important. The difference is that the coaches know how to get the best out of the guys when it matters most. Resting is fine and well, working on biological rhythms and stuff is ok, but remember science works only with numbers and statistics; the one key element that is left out is the human spirit. Believe me, resting for the first part of the super 14 will assist in the physical preparations, but one can be physically superb and on a mental level one could very well loose. Remember - every team that competes wants the trophy equally bad and that will lift every team's performance to unexpected highs and this is where NZ underestimate their opponents most. NZ would need to dominate not only physically but also mentally – and now the Boks believe the can win NZ in the WC. Very dangerous indeed!
Trevor
We knew that it was going to be a big ask from the word "go" and I was not too surprised at the result. I think that we have had to come back to earth with a jolt and realise that our players are human after all - even Richie and Dan the Man! The main lesson here is to play the All Blacks when they are available in order to give us a chance - why the Blues left out key players is beyond me and the Ali Williams saga is just a big joke and in all likelihood upset the team prior to the semi. I'm not saying Ali is totally without blame however Nucifora handled the issue incorrectly and it is time for him to leave our fair shores and once again ply his trade on the West Island.
Max
Complacency in sport is ABs worst enemy; good to look forward to ABs and Springboks in the rugby world cup final this year.
Paul
News Corp should sue the NZRU for the loss of viewers. Who will be watching the final live in NZ and Australia? My guess not many and therefore cap off a disastrous season for rugby TV ratings.
Peter (Qld)
Reconditioning or not, the only way to answer this question is to see which team lifts old Bill in October. Every National Coach has tried something to manage the prospective WRC players. Sometimes this has worked, sometimes not ... who knows in advance what is right? No-one has that much rugby foresight, but we all have 20/20 vision with hindsight! What experts we all become! As far as the Boks are concerned, they have potential political issues to deal with that may yet cause massive problems. However, it does appear as though they have figured out a winning formulae for applying against NZ teams. That is my concern, they have been so effective at nullifying the NZ teams attacking efforts. NZ teams lose their way when the opposition get so fired up and in their face. NZ teams don't have the same approach. They try to be more controlled and skilful and it doesn't always work. This has nothing to do with 22 people being on R&R for a few weeks, it has everything to do with some smart coaching and smart players being able to follow a game plan! It is interesting to note that Aussie teams had more success in SA this year than NZ ones. What does that say? Oz teams are better then NZ ones? Based on results, not really, it tells us about what the SA teams are up to. This is what Henry should be concerned about and he is spot on when he says the AB's need to improve by around 25 per cent to win the WRC. Good luck to him and them.
Ray (Christchurch)
What super competition .That was the pre-season, means nothing .Have a little faith. You could not pick a better coaching staff anywhere in the world .
Duncan
Firstly, congrats to both the Sharks & especially the Bull's who I thought was the most dominant team. While the withdrawal of the 22 ABs certainly affected the form of the Super 14 NZ sides, as Mr Henry has stated the reconditioning program was employed as 1 of the key strategies for winning the World Cup as well as giving some fringe players (such as Toeva - who has to have earnt himself first crack at the No 13 jumper)opportunities to shine. Look at the Australian cricket side, they went to a army style boot camp before their season started and demolished England 5-0, rested a few players and granted lost the series against NZ 3-0, but then came back in the World Cup and demolished every side they met, and had said that is how they had planned the season to peak in both the Ashes and the World Cup. While there is a good chance we may not win the tri-nations as long as we retain the Bledisloe & win the World Cup - there is always the next Super 14 season to gain revenge for losing in both semi finals.
Spears52
Reality check NZ Rugby and Rugby Selectors: for so long we have the cream of the crop of All Black superior players, training and regime.
Now with the new professional coaches and overseas contracts, rugby has changed within its glorified realm of champions. NZ coaching overseas has in the last 10 years, enabled rugby teams from around the world improve their rugby level, training and development, even having All Black coaching training which is some of the very best in Rugby. Not only has the All Blacks been ahead of the game of years past, but now the other nations have or are bursting ahead of us. We need to revise and think about what our next All Black representative players need to be at in order to win the Rugby World Cup 2007. Wales won the six nations, we struggle against teams like Argentina who have amassed good games against Sth Africa and England. We only every play Australia so many times over, that we have become a one system team. Canada has improved with so little time since the game was introduced in their country. NZ Super 14 teams was nothing but a disaster for a nation that lives and breaths rugby. I'm not saying we have to win them all but recently form showed a downfall of the wins that we needed to win the big games.
Crusader fan (Christchurch)
I think Graham Henry's Reconditioning programme wrecked the super 14 this year esp the early games for the Crusaders. I have also been disappointed at the performance of the All Blacks returning. Some e.g. Rokokoko and Ali Williams are not even playing and others such as McCaw, Major and McDonald are playing well below last year's form. Most NZ 'ers are not going to be able to go to the world cup but like going to the Super 14 games but Henry's programme has meant much reduced crowds this year.
Nrlman
In a way its good to lose the super 14, get them hungry for France and Canada and the tri-nations. I was sad to bow out on the semis, but lets face it, the Blues were in all sorts of trouble, drop balls, missed tackles and dodgy calls (no excuse). The Crusaders? Well, when you've won it 8 times, it does get a bit boring for rugby and also for supporters outside of Chch. I guess it just goes to show you have to take the 'Saders' out of ChCh to beat them in the semis or finals, having said all that lets not take anything away from the Sharks and Bulls. They deserve their victories and its good for rugby all round. Cheers.
Emma
No I dont think t's to blame. It was a great idea, because if we didn't do it and the World cup didn't go our way. I beat the NZ media would be saying: why didn't we put something in place like the reconditioning programme, so Graham Henry would never win either way. The boys play a lot of rugby and this was away to ensure they get on the right track for the World Cup. The super 14 is just one of those things and hey it makes the competition more interesting if you have all teams competing and doing well. Next year should be a great year for the comp and hopefully this will inspire more supporters and people to get involved and watch quality games especially now that both South Africa and Australia have good sides to compete against.
Sanj
Yes a great reality check for all. There's a ton of hard work and prep to be done before the big games of the world cup. There's been a few injuries but there's still a lot of time and a few good games in hand to work on things. I have always felt we need to play as smart as some other teams have done in the past to beat us and even to win the cup. We have always had the players and the skills but we will need a lot of smarts to win the cup. As for the reconditioning programme, well maybe it just needs some refining as I am sure will be happening retrospectively. Allowing for more solid game time might be a good idea.
Tristin (Dunedin)
Sure, the reconditioning programme didn't help our team's campaign for the Super 14. But I think the reconditioning window was a sound plan and it will definitely help the All Blacks. The idea being that the ABs would be peaking when we got to the World Cup, which is months away, not now at the end of the Super 14. I think we'll probably see the ABs struggle a bit in the opening games of the Tri-Nations as well, but they'll hit some form in perhaps the last few weeks of that comp. I think the NZ rugby public needs to have a little faith.
Fili (Sydney)
Some harsh lessons learnt and that begins with meddling with the franchises' preparations but I think we were all aware of the reasons for the "reconditionin