I remember as a kid in Auckland my father told me on more than one occasion that if Auckland were playing well then the All Blacks would play well. Admintedly this was before the days of Super 12 or Super 14 so it was based soley on the NPC but to date its been fairly true.

That being the case all bodes well for the forthcoming World Cup. The Blues have looked like the most comfortable team in the Super 14 this year and will certainly make it to he finals. This weeks thrashing of the Waratahs was a fine demonstration of a team that is playing as a team and a damn fine one at that.

It will be interesting to see how the Blues travel in SA. Personally I think it will be a forgone conclussion that they will emerge victorious and after winning the Super 14, will provide the All Blacks with the backbone of an unbeatable world cup squad.