All that stands in the way is the old foes - England.

But honestly, how can it not be said that, notwithstanding a complete internal explosion in the New Zealand forward pack, England will lose next week?

Contrast that with South Africa, who made 143 tackles and leaked, er - ZIP. I'm pretty sure our mate Eddie Jones would have a heart attack if he had to digest statistics of that nature.

If the English press in general is to be believed, what this team lacks is simply another Martin Johnson; but they've made up for that by appointing him manager. Or is it coach, buggered if I know. Anyway, a bloke with zero track record at coaching. But maybe that's the crux of this organisation, when push came to shove they appointed a legend because of his mana, and overlooked the need for a proven track record at the task in hand. In this case - coaching. In some management schools, this would probably be the stuff of "what not to do" case studies.

At least the Aussies, to their credit, had enough sense to leap at the opportunity of a top coach, even if he was from the wrong side of the ditch.

Right now, the Times Online have an interesting highlight box on their rugby web site, something along the lines of "World Cup holder five years on". They'd just beaten Australia 20-17, and the article waxes lyrical about the coming dynasty of English rugby. This is my favourite quote: "The match-winner has ushered in a new age of fly-half play that could mean an era of England dominance". Well, with the wonderful benefit of hindsight I feel safe to call that for what it was - a load of over hyped dog turds.

All this leads me to believe there is something seriously wrong in the English rugby organsation. As the well known Chinese proverb goes, "Fish rot from head down". They are living in the past, have no self belief, there are few signs of a game plan and some serious skill shortfalls. It doesn't take much of an oracle to see pain in the near future.

But don't worry, in the best English tabloid tradition, a 15 point loss will be hailed a 'moral' victory and the talk all this week will be how the Haka gives the All Blacks an unfair advantage.

So roll on the boys, and roll on our fourth Third Slam!