This is the best first week of a World Cup I have ever seen, says Justin Marshall.

He put his team under pressure and let them down - but the All Black captain hasn't suddenly turned to the dark side, writes Gregor Paul.

The list of names England announced for their opening game doesn't scream champions, writes Gregor Paul.

What about a six-year gap between Rugby World Cups to allow the game to take on a deeper context rather than repeat preparation for the next tournament? It's an idea Sir Brian Lochore has been pushing since the idea of a global tournament was encouraged about 30 years ago. Andrew Mulligan interviews the All Blacks legend at the the NZME. Legends in Black dinner.

Maybe the equation should be changed to Energy=MS2 or in this case Milner-Skudder at the double.

Aussie TV rugby commentator Phil Kearns has more to worry about than a dodgy penalty try decision and a few other things that didn't go his way in a Super Rugby semifinal, writes Chris Rattue.

We've got the two best teams going head to head and you wouldn't put your house on the winner, writes Justin Marshall.

The grapes were very sour in Sydney as the Highlanders hillbilly forwards soaked up all the hometown posturing - then rattled to the winning post, writes Wynne Gray.

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.

Chris Rattue writes: It's that time again, a moment as good as any for paying homage to Richie McCaw.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A lot has been made about Steve Hansen being a loyal selector. Which he is - but not blindly or to any individuals as is often suggested, writes Gregor Paul.

If experience counts for one iota in the Super 15 playoffs, the Crusaders will make inroads.