Sour taste not grapes...

It is exceedingly tricky to cast an objective opinion over a subject you are emotionally embroiled in. Be this as it may, it is possibly just as tough to be honest with the facts when you are also emotionally connected to something. We spoke at length of the 3nations before it kicked off and after the initial confrontations; however we have been fairly mooted on the topic since. We assure you it has been because of time constraints not because of sour grapes...



Yes the All Blacks precariously prop up mid-table much to my disappointment but so far I think the tournament has been a sterling portrait of test match rugby, the professional era and ELVs.

All four games have been proper physical encounters and we have seen some amazing rugby but as always the competition has been accompanied by a hefty dose of controversy and spice.



Here we are at this stage:
Aussies 2-0.
Abs 1-2.
Boks 1-2.

But you have to be realistic and take into account the home-away stats. The two Aussie wins came from home games, the Abs have played at lost one on the road and shared a win and loss at home, and the Boks haven’t played at home yet.

Stats are just stats though so you have to take into account form. The All Blacks played averagely and beat the Boks who played dull rugby. They then played much better but lost to the Boks narrowly when the latter didn’t play with even a hint of dominance. The Aussies played well against the Boks, who didn’t even arrive. And then the Aussie played very well against the Blacks who played a great middle section but a terrible start and end. Form side? You have to say the Aussies...

But form is temporary; you have to continuously perform to build a reputation. The Aussies winning in Auckland on Saturday will make them the best side in the world 2008, and second to that they will send the Abs into the worst devastation they have felt in 10 years. The Boks are hanging in there, but have 3 home games. Interesting interesting interesting...