Blast aka Bill Gray

The opening match of the Tri Nations is tonight.

The time has come. This game should put everything into perspective and tell the world where everyone is in terms of development and progress towards the Rugby Union World Cup 2007

Aussie have ignited the prematch build up with an ad showing the All Blacks doing the Haka with digitally added handbags over their shoulders

Nothing gets under the noses of us Kiwis more than someone else taking the piss out of the Haka. Especially Aussie who are known for their ill treatment of their original land keepers.

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If NZ has played the right cards so far, we should see a win but I have the feeling that it won't be flashy. The All Blacks will be playing their cards too close to their chest for that. (especially as this is the first of the extended Tri Series)

Australia, on the other hand, has only one team and depth is a problem for them. For years they have failed to develop newer players but now the seasons are getting longer, this will be the big question mark hanging over their heads.

Aussie have had a revival of sorts and with big backs running at the opposition, they are punching holes and then offloading. Their lineout has been awesome with five players able to be called to jump.

New Zealand has been struggling in the lineouts but you can bet they have been working on this since the last test.

All up, I think it will be a narrow win to the All Blacks. There should be a bit of scoring though, despite the weather predicted.

New Zealand need the win to continue their build up towards next years World Cup. They have been accused of continually peaking mid world cup and results bear this out. With the radical changes that the coaching staff have put in place regarding team selection, a win is a must. A loss will bring out the wolves and there will be plenty of baying for blood... and thats from inside New Zealand.

For what it's worth, I enjoyed the ad, but come match time I will be firmly entrenched in the AB's camp. Bring it on!!!