Hello again all, I'm finally back revisiting the fern after a prolonged absence, and I have to say, some things never change.

Its great to read the same old comments from the same old names, I often come on here to browse, but not so much to write, still.. the urge has re-appeared.  This time I even remembered to punctuate.

So, some thoughts for the game on Saturday, and for the year as a whole.

Firstly a couple of points on the some of the more debated selections for the game.  Personally I agree with the whole starting lineup barring Muliaina at fullback, I would have gone for MacDonald, as he is more hardened, has played fairly consistently all season and is totally fit, Mils could do with some time, as has been stated, but I think Leon could have been a more solid option at this stage.

Oliver for Mealamu, I could see that coming, Oliver plays well in the tight, and they (the selectors) probably wanted his solidarity for an hour or so and Kevs impact from the bench.

Rawlinson was a must over Filipo, as I think Flavell and Filipo are both of a similar mould, mobile, rugged in the loose, slightly flankeresque.. that sort of thing.  Also the lineout is vital as has already been mentioned.

I am immensely looking forward to Toeava and his first test against SA at centre, I believe the Saffa pairing at 12 and 13 to be amongst the more capable in the world at the moment, and certainly one of the most physical, although Mauger and Ice offer more creativity.  I would be slightly concerned at numerous large runners in that channel, particularly if our loosies get sucked into the forward battle regularly.

Still a massive amount of talent and scoring potential at our disposal, should we play a little more direct than in previous tests this season.  My only criticism of our backs sometimes this year has been our tendency to play slightly too sideways.  Bringing the wingers into the line to straighten things off Mauger and Carter should be a regular ploy I  would think.

Looking to the year as a whole, and to the World Cup, I am very confident at our abilities, individually and as a team, possibly the most impressive thing about this coaching setup is their knack of picking sides that are balanced, even with numerous changes.  Previously we have seemed to lack that, becoming overly focused on playing pretty, or not having enough grunt upfront.

I will be a lot happier once our top five locks return though.  Any other nation in the world would be seriously more inconvenienced than us should that fate have befallen them in my opinion.  There is also the much anticipated return of Conrad Smith to look forward to, a centre who would certainly start in the strongest All Black side in my view, although I see the value in other candidates for the 13 spot. I believe he is our most complete option.

I have also been able to see some of the games involving the Juniors in the last few weeks, and I have to say, the sooner Marty Holah returns as part of the ABs the better, he is second only to McCaw as a specialist 7 in my view and would certainly add to the party of 30 come the world cup time.

I am quietly confident about Saturdays test, but our front 3 must stand up and be counted to take as much pressure off 4 and 5 as possible, no reason why they shouldnt, as they are all solid players and characters.  Should Flavell and Rawlinson play the games of their lives there is no reason why we shouldnt come away with victory, as quite simply I believe we are a better and more skilled side in most areas.  South Africa should never be discounted and the game will be immensely physical as always.

The Boks and the French present our biggest and most serious challenges to the World Cup later this year, but I think the tests between now and then must be seen as individual games in their own right, and not as some sort of build up.

Have a bigger picture, but, win the next game should be the motto for now.

Cheers for now to the rugby watchers the world over. 

Many best wishes to you all and party on Saturday, whatever the outcome I'm sure it will cause a fair few debates on the Fern.