Bledisloe preview

It’s that time of year again folks – when the second most important trophy in world sport (behind the Air New Zealand Cup) goes on the line.

Lord Sir Graham Henry has named the M.M.A.B. squad and - for reasons known only to the great one himself - Stephen Donald has been named in the pivotal number 10 role.  Whilst this selection has me completely baffled, I will continue to support Henry with the blind faith required by M.M.A.B. Rugby Believers as well as members of some of the worlds lesser religions.

There are – luckily – some positives for the M.M.A.B’s with the return of Richie McCaw and Rodney So'oialo.

So’oialo is fresh from a second division club game in Wellington and when asked by yours truly in an exclusive interview earlier in the week whether he was at full fitness for the test he replied “Yeah, Nah Bro”. 

McCaw has been a trooper of late - overcoming not only a gammy knee but his Cantabism™ also.  The combination of these two conditions could easily get on top of many lesser beings but McCaw has proved his mental toughness.

The Dirty Filthy Cheating ‘Straaaaaalyyyyns have had a reasonable build up to the match beating the Froggies and the Azzurri. 

Supporters from both the West Island and The Peoples Republic of Canterbury have heaped the praises on ‘Straaaaaalyyyyn coach Robbie Deans for his handling of the team so far this season.  The praise has been reserved for Deans’ “groundbreaking” policy of mixing the player selections up in early season matches, giving some players a break for some games and playing some squad members out of position. These same supporters believe that Deans should have had the M.M.A.B coaching job last year because Lord Sir Graham Henry’s “Rest and Rotation” policies were not working.

So – who’s gonna win? 

I have no idea. 

If Donald gets injured early I like the MMAB’s chances but if he plays the full game I’d be putting my money on the D.F.C.’S’s – I think they call it happiness insurance.