Sean Fitzpatrick: Cup a grand dream - and within reach

Aaron Cruden. Photo / Getty Images

The international season is nearly upon us and it is clear the All Blacks face some serious challenges this year.

The depth of talent is an ever-present issue.

There are players coming out of schools like Sacred Heart College and Auckland Grammar who, if they don't get a provincial spot or into the frame for Super 14, they're off overseas - and at that stage of their careers, it is a real shame.

It also seems to have reached the point where we are not able to replace those leaving for overseas with top class players.

I think this season we have seen some players coming through our Super 14 ranks who are not quite up to Super 14 standard - in some positions and some franchises anyway.

Such players do well enough against the lesser Super 14 teams but, against the big boys and when the heat goes on, they've been found wanting.

Despite that rather gloomy prognosis in terms of developing players, talent abounds in the All Black squad. With everyone fit and in form, we are still a world class outfit and capable of producing a team that can win the World Cup in 16 months time ... although maybe when it comes around we'd cope better with the inevitable pressure by coming in with low expectations!

For these upcoming matches, it seems the selectors have chosen the best side available. You could say one element of the selection of people like Aaron Cruden and Piri Weepu is about making sure they stay in New Zealand rather than heading overseas. Whatever the reason, they have the opportunity to make their mark and they certainly look as if they'll deliver.

The immediate future sees Ireland and Wales bringing strong teamsto expose their players to the New Zealand environment.

It's the Sir Clive Woodward/Martin Johnson philosophy. They came down here with a strong side in 2003, ahead of their World Cup win, and Johnson will do the same in Australia.Wales and Ireland are thinking the same way. They'll have a sniff of maybe making a bit of history too, although this trip will really be about 2011.

It's a smart approach and they will give the All Blacks plenty to think about. Whatever the outcome, it is good to see the swing away from touring sides stuffed full of youngsters and maybes and towards strong, capable squads.

For the All Blacks, the challenge isn't any easier in the Tri Nations. Over the last couple of years, South Africa have stuttered along. Now they look superior physically, their skill level is excellent, and they also look well coached; they have a strategy and tactics. They have an abundance of depth in talent and depth in experience.

They haven't seen much lately of players like Bakkies Botha at lock but that becomes less of a concern when players like 7-foot-tall Andries Bekker show up.

For me, he was one of the players of the Super 14, except for the final where he was outfoxed by the wily Victor Matfield. I think Bekker is smart enough to learn from that and I will be watching his development.

South African rugby generally looks to be working hard and knuckling down. Take the Bulls, for example. To me they seem like the new Crusaders of Super rugby. They have a real work ethic and, through perseverance and will, have developed the skills and confidence that now seem to be filtering through South African rugby.

A significant part of this momentum has to be down to the coaches - and South Africa are producing some good ones. They've also come to terms with Boks coach Peter de Villiers.

He was derided at first and, while he came in thinking he was going to change the world and rubbed a few people up the wrong way, everything I hear from South Africa suggests he has got it right now; he is giving the players responsibility and direction, and they're playing for him.

Australia don't have the same depth or experience. They are young but, with another year under their belt, they will have more experience and depth. I like where they're heading.

They have fixed their scrum and lineout although I think they will miss flankers George Smith and Phil Waugh, the first retired and the latter dropped for the tests against England and Ireland.

Will Genia, Berrick Barnes and Quade Cooper are all good players now, with a real matchwinning look about them. Individually and collectively I think they will be much better players by the World Cup.

Robbie Deans has shifted out some of the old stagers who maybe had too much influence and he is building a well-shaped team that seems to want to play positively.

The Australians are not quite there yet (we saw that in the Super 14) but they will be happy with their work-in-progress. I have no doubt that Deans will get them firing.

The All Blacks need to begin to exert authority; to show the class and form needed to lift the Webb Ellis trophy. They have a tough year ahead of them, but, form and fitness permitting, I believe Graham Henry will hone and tone the squad and get them peaking at exactly the right time.

In my dreams (and those of millions of fellow Kiwis) the plan is simple: the All Blacks keep getting stronger and stronger up to the start of the tournament, they accelerate through the group stages and they explode into the perfect All Black storm to sweep aside all before them.

A grand dream certainly, and one that, over the next year or so, the All Black coaches management and players are charged with turning into reality.