KEY POINTS:
It's been four long years since that day in 2003 when New Zealand's World Cup hopes evaporated in the semifinals. Four years - and yet we are still trying to configure our midfield now, just as we did then.
I know everyone is happy with Luke McAlister and Isaia Toeava after the last test against Australia but, I'm sorry, these are still very young guys with not a lot of experience and things to learn in terms of rugby nous. They are exciting players, no question, but I think there is still some dwelling on our midfield from the three wise men - and there needs to be.
I get a feeling that, when the chips are down and the World Cup pressure is right on, the All Blacks might feel better about Aaron Mauger and Conrad Smith.
That's why, for me, the most important All Black running around in the Air New Zealand Cup is Smith. He's a smart player and a skilled one, but he has had so little rugby he has to work himself into form quickly.
Against Otago, the Wellington pack and those inside him didn't do him too many favours with the service to him and I thought he looked a bit hesitant - and the try he gave away was a horror.
He was taken off in the second half when I thought the right thing to do was to leave him on for the sake of helping him improve his game.
While I am on the subject of the midfield, how come Ma'a Nonu wasn't in the 22 for Wellington? I do not think Nonu has fallen that far in terms of impact or skill and there is a smell of politics in the air, I feel. Tana Umaga is on the bench and, great player though he has been, he is almost finished as a player. Work that one out.
It's clear too that not all in the All Black camp were happy about the final selections. I heard Jerry Collins interviewed on radio when he was asked whether he was excited to be going to his second World Cup. He replied with words to the effect that he was, but it was tinged with sadness that his old mate, Piri Weepu, would not be along.
It's unusual to hear All Black sentiments like that on selection - normally they are very careful what they say - but I'd be surprised if any of that lingers. The All Blacks have a job to do and I will be amazed if they are anything but professional and focused about what they have to do.
That's why this Air NZ Cup is important - there are a few guys like Smith, Sione Lauaki and Greg Somerville who have to show they can do the business and get themselves smartly into form. Meanwhile, I thought while Weepu was a class above this level, Neemia Tialata and Chris Masoe didn't really show out as All Blacks should for Wellington, although I could see John Schwalger was really trying hard to impress the selectors that he will be right if Somerville isn't.
The other thing that must happen, I think, is that the All Blacks have got to play their top test team. Those same guys who need game time - none of our players are suffering from overwork, are they? - need to play in combination and as much as possible.
So, for the games against Italy (Sept 8), Scotland (Sept 24) and even Romania (Sept 24), I think the top team needs to be played. They can play the balance against Portugal in the second game, on September 15.
