There has always been a will-o-the-wisp magic to Australian backs. The Gregan-Larkham double act, the incomparable Mark Ella, the perfect Tim Horan, the eccentric David Campese... these are the greatest backs in rugby history, players who often operated behind packs that, while capable, were never dominant.
That is not to say New Zealand hasn't had its share of backs with attacking genius, led by the likes of Christian Cullen in the past and rising new stars such as Israel Dagg. But if you consider that New Zealand rugby has the pick of this country's sporting talent, there have been too many carthorses and standard breds in the All Black backlines over the years. Even to this day, our best Super rugby side - the Crusaders - have hardly taken back skills development to any extreme level.
When you look at the class which pops up in Australian backlines, the conclusion has to be New Zealand rugby is missing a trick somewhere. Compared to New Zealand's ranking as the No 1 side in world rugby, the All Blacks are bereft of established, all-time backline stars now. There seems to be some sort of celebration around the battle for All Black wing spots, yet two smashing wings should have been firmly established this close to the World Cup tournament.
Unlike last week's disgraceful, faux test match against a deliberately awful Springboks lineup, this week's Tri-Nations game has the feel of being the real deal. Robbie Deans' Australia will be desperate for victory on Saturday night, so they have a foothold of success on New Zealand soil before the World Cup. Another defeat for the Wallabies here will only reinforce the self doubts, no matter how buoyant they have tried to be this week. The forward battle should go the All Blacks' way. Out wide though, and in broken play, the Wallabies have the winning of any match, as always. The All Blacks should triumph, but you sense one heck of a battle is in store.
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The ITM Cup is running to a frantic schedule and I'm picking the most exhausted rugby people in the country will include television commentators and supporting cast. Keeping up with the constant flow is hard enough as a spectator - TJ, Nisbo and Co must wonder what town they are in at times.
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Don't you love it when cricket talks about the wonderful tradition the game has for superior conduct. India have been lauded for reversing a confusing run-out decision against the English batsman Ian Bell, accompanied by the usual guff about cricket's noble past.
Come on, troops. Cricket is the most corrupt game in international sport, mired in match fixing. Players constantly appeal for decisions when they know an opponent isn't out. Umpires are placed under immense pressure by ruthless teams. The only thing gentlemanly about cricket is that it is patronised by people who like to think of themselves as gentlemen. The game has a superiority complex, despite all the evidence to the contrary.
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On the subject of appeals ... a horrible trend in rugby and league involves players appealing for favourable decisions from referees. In league, teams in possession constantly raise their arms for holding down penalties. Rugby players do the same at rucks. Very unappealing.
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The Warriors got there in the end, and congratulations to them. The appointment of Brian McClennan as the new coach is a great day in league history, the rise of an Auckland character to a prized position of influence. McClennan has the ingredients to take the club - and New Zealand league - to a whole new level.
There were some nerve-racking moments along the way, particularly when the name of the Warriors' former Aussie forward Justin Morgan kept popping up. New Zealand and especially Auckland league has long produced brilliant players, and needs to have more faith in itself so long as the right men come along. McClennan is the right man. You only have to look at the brilliant work of John Ackland and the Junior Warriors to understand what this club is capable of.
To an avowed McClennan fan, the announcement was more of a relief than anything else.
Departing coach Ivan Cleary is doing a decent job but nothing beyond the minimum when you consider the Warriors' advantageous position in securing rising talent. Cleary has gone five seasons without going all that close to a grand final appearance, and for my money that is not good enough.
An irony is that at the very moment of McClennan's appointment, the Warriors have emerged as firming title hopes. Their own form is good, and the leading NRL contenders look beatable. The Dragons' bubble has burst, and the Sea Eagles were unable to protect a lead against the magical Wests Tigers. Melbourne, guided by their remarkable coach Craig Bellamy and greats Cameron Smith and Billy Slater, keep winning with a fresh-looking squad but don't have enough proven experience to be rated as invincible. The race is wide open.
