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
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