RUGBY

New Zealand 16 Australia 7

What a game.

And how great to see a southern hemisphere game that didn't finish with some preposterous sixty-something to forty-something scoreline like in the Super 12 basketball

It was played in foul conditions - cold, windy and pouring with rain (like Leicester 9 months of the year), which probably marginally suited the All Blacks more than the Wallabies, though I doubt either side were exactly happy.

How the Wallabies held on to only lose by 9 points I will never know. Their defence was awesome. The All Blacks must have spent 50% of the game within 10 metres of the try-line but just couldn't get over to score, and finally were resorting to kicking at goal rather than their preferred line-out and drive options, until finally Howlett crossed the line.

Then when Mortlock got a break-away try to bring it back to a 6 point difference I had a horrible feeling the Aussies would somehow sneak it. Thankfully the Kiwis got another penalty and held on for a hugely deserved win.

Pacific Islanders 24 South Africa 38

Thanks to the wonders of Star Sports changing their scheduling without telling anyone my video missed the last 10 minutes of this game, but what I saw convinced me the Pacific Island team deserve to be taken seriously. They have given all 3 Tri Nations participants a huge run for their money and should be included in a remodelled 4 Nations in the future, or even a 5 Nations including Argentina. And each of the Pacific Island member countries should get a Super 12 team to provide some depth to their squads and ensure that come the World Cup they can still be competitive.

Of course it won't happen because then these players may opt to stay at home and not play their rugby for New Zealand or Australia, so clearly these 2 won't allow such a structure to develop, but wouldn't it be great if it did.