Justin speaks...

We can't say that we are great fans of Justin Marshall's comments role on the Sky rugby commentaries. He has yet to learn the golden rule of television commentary that less is more, as the viewers can actually see what's going on. He does though bring a player's perspective, and that is invaluable.

But in print, his words are easier to digest; he opines:

Call me mad. Dub me naive. Christen me crazy if you like.

Just don't label me panicky for I refuse to fret about the All Blacks' recent losses to South Africa and Australia.

I realise I just alienated a large chunk of you in that last sentence. Many of you will be apoplectic with rage after seeing the Blacks go down again on Saturday.

But my belief in the team is founded on the fact they are an entirely different animal at home.

I don't know why.

They just are.

In those words, Marshall encapsulates an intrinsic quality of sports fans; blind loyalty. We desperately want the All Blacks to win the Rugby World Cup again, and they'll never have a better chance than this year, in their own back yard. And Marshall is right; the All Blacks ARE a different beast at home.

To his credit, Graham Henry has admitted that the strategy of resting players for the South African trip was wrong. That's good, and with so much pressure on Henry and his co-slecetors, especially after the controversy over their re-selection, it's remarkable candour this close the the RWC. But the Tri-Nations is done and dusted, and there's only one goal left now; RWC 2011.

And Justin Marshall concludes:

Eden Park has this security blanket that envelops them and inspires them to great deeds. It seems to also bring out the worst in other sides. Again, I don't know why. It just does.

Hence as a pundit I'm fairly sanguine about the All Blacks' chances.

They did enough during the Tri-Nations – without winning it – to suggest they are ready, willing and able to create history. Now is the time then to ooze determination and intelligence; two qualities the Wallabies had in spades on Saturday night.

Yep; we'll buy that. As painful as it may be, the All Blacks have to admit that they were beaten by a better team on Saturday night. And they have to learn from that defeat, and do whatever it takes to make sure that it isn't repeated.

We've supported the All Blacks through thick and thin for the best part of 50 years. We're not about to turn our backs on them now.