ABs so far-report card.

2 matches into the Tri-Nations and the NZ rugby public is all cock a hoop.And with good reason.Not only have we dealt to the current World Cup holders twice,we have scored two 4 try bonus point victories in the process and denied our fearsome foes a solitary point!

Add to that the nature of the way we have played the game and we can be as pleased as Punch to be sitting atop the table with a maximum of 10 points.The speed,skill and execution of our rugby was a joy to behold as we stretched the cumbersome Boks all over the park.The counter attacking abilities of our back 3 were there for all to see,and maybe the exclusions of the likes of Hosea Gear and Zac Guildford can be explained a lot clearer now with the emphasis on the counter as a back 3 unit.Mils Muliaina showed that age has not slowed him down and indeed he showed that he is in as good a form as ever.

Smith and Nonu continue their world class combination and Smith especially is proving invaluable with his ability to be in the right place at the right time and he offers a real solidity to the midfield.

And Dan Carter?Out of form?Yeah right.Form is temporary and class is permanant...Nuff said!

I thought Cowan perforwed well in the first test against the Boks,certainly not as bad as everyone made out.He did the job he was asked and that was to provide a quick solid link,and put pressure on the Boks with the odd snipe around a ruck or a kick over the top.Weepu was outstanding in the second test.So the halfback battle now becomes an intriguing contest again.

Kieran Read is now world class,and probably the best 8 in the game.He completely overshadowed the massively over-rated Pierre Spies in all facets of the game.Simply enormous on defence with his offensive 'D' and a dangerous and ever present ball carrier,as evidenced by his second test try.Jerome Kaino has realised all that promise he showed when scoring a try on debut against the Barbarians several seasons ago.Again,like Read,a real Warrior and workhorse,the perfect pair.And Captain Fantastic has relished the new laws and interpreted them as his own making,in leading the side from the front.

Brad Thorn = Legend.Nuff said!Tom Donnelly continues to surprise,he has matured his game to the point that even if Ali Williams were fit,I'd still have Donnelly as the first pick lock with Thorn.

Tony Woodcock has returned to some excellent form and Owen Franks has cemented the number 1 tighthead prop position.Keven Mealamu has been huge in the set piece,a domain that has seen Hore preferred ahead of him,but he has owned the tight play so far.

All in all two very accomplished performances and we have to give credit where its due,and plant a huge kiss on Graham Henrys cheek...after all,it was this Straight Shooter who had a few questions for him when he named his initial squad!

Still,lets keep our feet firmly planted,and remember that a World Cup is not won 12 months beforehand.Us All Black supporters know that only too well!


Straight Shooter-telling it like it is

Ahem..attention Mr G.Henry

Just what are you doing?

Just when you had the rugby public in the palm of your hand,just when everyone was thinking 'we have got it right'...you go and throw out some curve balls!

Aaron Cruden as a halfback?Are you serious?Why on earth would you want to go doing that to last years IRB Under 20 player of the year,who incidentally won the award while playing 1st 5!

And you dump Isaac Ross,tell him to stay at home from last years tour to "bulk up" and be more physical,then tell him to focus on his mobility because you now see him as a loose forward!Seriously?

Guildford plays out of his skin yet he is goooone in favour of a bloke who got 20 minutes and blew a try!Granted,Rene Ranger is explosive and a huge talent,but for goodness sakes just come out and be honest with us and tell us you are still experimenting!Kahui and Ranger are wing cover?Oh dear,have you heard of Hosea Gear!(Hey that rhymes too :) )

And John Afoa...what?Has he played at prop in the last few weeks or has he made the side on the basis of his one game at hooker for the BaaBaas?And is he now a hooker that props or a prop that hooks?Specialist positions?Remember the last few World Cups?Ouch!

Did Adam Thompson start a test?And what may have happened had he started 3 First Class games in 2 weeks like Liam Messam was able to do because Messam was a Maori?Again,not that I dont agree with the selections but it all seems rather odd.

Luke McAlister was rushed back in last year and was hopelessly out of form,suffered injuries and was persisted with.Now he is injury free and in great form and he cant make it.Go figure!

Oh well,we can only hope and trust!



Straight Shooter-telling it like it is