Kirwan's comments after the woeful display against the underwhelming Lions reveal one reason why his Blues regime is in terminal turmoil, writes Chris Rattue.

Never let it be said that this column doesn't tackle the big issues.

The date: February the 13th. Time: About 8.45pm. This was the moment I gave up, once and for all, on Dan Carter as a sensible World Cup prospect, writes Chris Rattue.

Those inclined to provoke early season niggle will declare the Crusaders are toast, the Bulls are crisping and the Reds are burned offerings.

The list of things that have tried to crush Aaron Cruden over the years is extensive. Plenty of oversized loose forwards and midfield backs have had a crack.

My Chalkboard column for today could just as easily be renamed: "What's going on with Will Genia?"

Wynne Gray writes: The annual rugby war cry across the Ditch has a 'this is our time' theme before it is replaced with growing regularity by 'Wallabies in disarray' headlines.

While the All Blacks have no desire to downplay South Africa's victory or obvious potential, it's not as if they don't have similar room for growth, writes Gregor Paul.

Thousands of empty seats in Perth, yet more glaring refereeing blunders in both tests and what appears to be an increasing gap between the All Blacks and everyone else.

There were plenty of talking points from Saturday's international rugby, including the performance of Beauden Barrett and the workmanlike All Black victory.

Chris Rattue writes: Sorry Michael Hooper but you are wrong -your Wallabies are broken all right because the forwards are as bad as they've ever been.

Wynne Gray writes: We don't need to poke fun at the Wallabies, they did it themselves as they staggered under the weight of another All Blacks Bledisloe blitz.

It is time to give a bit of credit to the unsung heroes of Saturday night's outstanding victory - Steve Hansen, Ian Foster, Mike Cron, Mick Byrne and Nic Gill, writes Justin Marshall.

Was it just me or was Romain Poite like a traffic cop looking to book his quota of tickets with his yellow cards last night?

Justin Marshall writes: This game won't be going down as a great All Black performance, but what happened at the end of the first test only enhanced my admiration for them.

Sheer grit saved the All Blacks. A dash of aura, a Sydney shower-box and the Wallabies' inability to clinch the deal helped as well, writes Wynne Gray.

The aftermath of the drawn test must include concerns that the ABs' World Cup retention campaign is showing too many flaws, writes Chris Rattue.

It is no exaggeration to suggest the situation is dire and the Chiefs' chances of clawing their way to safety and a continued ride in defence of their Super Rugby crown, is grim.

A victory over the Hurricanes, with two home fixtures left, would have put the Crusaders in the box seat for a home semifinal. Instead, they lost 16-9, writes Justin Marshall.

It would be pretty harsh on Coiln Slade if he was dropped to the bench after the way he's played. But I'm not sure that's what they will do., writes Richard Loe.

Everything is set up for a fantastic start to the Rugby Championship, writes Justin Marshall. The All Blacks will have a high level of internal motivation, with the world record test-win streak on the line.

Let's face it, when the All Blacks thunder to a rollicking test victory, our focus is on the dazzling back play, writes Wynne Gray.

The test series with England has been a big success. For that we must acknowledge the contribution of the visitors as much as the All Blacks.

There is a lack of outright venom on the field, writes Chris Rattue. England have been strong yet failed to hammer home their advantages and been excruciatingly polite about it all.

The old guard are back and it feels right. Still feels right five years after Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read first played as a loose trio against Australia in Sydney.

The driving maul is one facet of play England have used extremely effectively in this June series.

The niggle continues even as the All Blacks continue their marvellous unbeaten stretch, writes Wynne Gray. It's not a complaint, more of a misgiving, a twinge about their ability to go the distance.