So, Tri-nations time again and 1 game all SA vs NZ. going to be interesting to see how the Deans All Blacks... oops, I mean wallabies go!!

How on earth did NZ let Deans go when he is the best coach in the world? All blacks have managed to choke the last few world cups and they finally find a coach that could win just about any tournament and they send him to Australia

I agree, I think SA are in with a shot... although after watching NZ SPANK the Ozzies last night it will be a tough task. Saying that, I agree with Spence, home town advantage could be the difference.

Ozzies played out of their skins at home last week and then the Kiwis went home and did the same... as they said after the game, whoever brings the fire will win these games.

The only thing that worries me is that SA don't have anyone who can run lines, the backs all just drift across the field all the time and rely on smashing the opposition and waiting for them to make mistakes. Saying that, they won a world cup with that game plan, it just means they have to be more intense EVERY game than the others and as we saw in the last game with the Ozzies, not always possible

As for Deans, last night showed the best coach in the world is only as good as his team... saying that, I reckon he is awesome to have got the Ozzies where they are in such a short time.

I suppose South Africa have their moments of running rugby but the lack of it is a mindset thing - "if it wins you world cups - why change the "formula"" kinda attitude. It does not make for attractive rugby though and is often frustrating for us South Africans in that regard. I was so impressed with the French when about 15 years ago they introduced the running and hence attractive side of the game! The rest of the top rugby playing nations saw it and have adopt it, some doing more so and a lot sooner than others.

The 2008 Tri-Nations ...it's up for grabs and it will depend on who has the strongest will.

Come on mates, it is obvious that the Ozzies are going to kick butt this year, last week we were just trying to lull you into a false sense of security by cunningly losing and making it look like we didn't have a clue

Ok, that might be a bit far fetched, I don't really see anyone stopping the Kiwis except them choking on the sight of the trophy just before the final game.

Does anyone know why there are so many games this year and how you play 3 games when there are only 2 opponents.. I don't get it?

May I congratulate the Ozzie up front?

Good question AndyF, not sure about why it is set up that way either. Not sure if we should be congratulating the Ozzies just yet, reckon the Kiwis still have a bit to say on the matter!

It's all over bar the shouting mate - well done Oz! And you don't want to talk about SA chances in the 2010 Soccer World Cup - we are on a hiding to none - oops - let's not talk cricket either in SA right now - perhaps for some time to come.

If I may say something here which may give you some insight, and I am going to cut a long story short: the two sports, rugby and cricket in SA is primarily played by white skinned folk - the white skinned folk do not have a country as such - we have been told that we are settlers in SA by the black folk ...colonialists. We are aware of this and that sense of nationalism, patriotism and belonging enjoyed by normal societies such as Australia and New Zealand is certainly not enjoyed here in this respect. If it were not for the money in rugby and cricket in SA, the players would have been playing outside of SA. The picture of a "rainbow nation" and "we are one" that the SA government and business paints, its just not true - believe me! I work in the black poverty stricken townships, and these folk make up the majority of SA - they are SA, they lead SA - Jacob Zuma is the new leader - you don't want to know about this arrogant man - he has claimed that his party (ANC) will "be in power until Jesus returns", and they, along with the white skinned folk, live worlds apart from each other.

On how serious the matter is here in SA, and you be the judge of this statistic, 40% of the folk leaving, "fleeing" SA are BLACK folk!!!

So, AS LONG AS THE MONEY FLOWS, "South Africa" will still endeavour to compete in the cricket and rugby arena.

As the saying goes: "You are as good as your last match".
However, if you have the crown ...World Champions ...you get to wear it for four wonderful proud Springbok years!!!
Now put that in your pipe Ozzie, Kiwi ...but please do not smoke it.

(I just had to say that) - smile