Well the boys got up to beat the Australians but it wasn't exactly comfortable, was it? I was on the edge of my seat watching the game at the stadium.

First up, I think the boys did pretty well - it wasn't an easy game and it was a bloody good hit-out considering we have to face the Springboks in Hamilton next.

But it was still far from the perfect performance. We just seemed to be in a rush all the time and don't have the patience we used to have, especially in the first 40 minutes.

The execution and the accuracy of our game has been missing through the South African tests but it finally seemed to come good after half-time on Saturday.

We dominated the second half and I think that was due to control over the set-piece.

The mistakes we did make were in the running, free-play areas of the game, although we did force the Aussies into making a few mistakes as well.

I also think Australia suffered when Berrick Barnes went off and they only had one kicking option.

And, conversely, when Stephen Donald came on it made a big difference for us. Some of the kicks he put in were rakers deep into the twenty-two which weren't caught on the full.

That meant they couldn't return the kick with any interest. I really believe he helped cement the win with his tactical kicking.

As for the pack, I think the front row really put the Aussies under the cosh - and that was good to see because if we want to beat the Springboks we'll have to do it to them as well.

We know we've got the ability, it's just putting it together on the paddock that has been our problem so far.

So we got the win, but it would have been nice to pull back a bonus point against Australia - with a bit of luck we could have had three tries and maybe pushed at the end for the fourth.

But now we just have to beat the Boks and hope Australia can take a head as well!

One of the interesting things out of the game for me was Graham Henry's decision to keep a lot of his replacements on the bench, injuries aside.

When you've got a good thing going you don't change things too much, so that was fine with me. When you've got a team under the cosh it's the wrong time to bring on a player unless they are really flagging.

Robbie took Al Baxter off because he was getting a hiding, but if our boys are doing a good job and getting round the track then why bother replacing them? It's nonsensical to do that.

Speaking about injuries, with both Conrad Smith and Luke McAlister looking likely to miss the South African test I've been trying to work out what options there are for replacing them. It's a tough one!

Ma'a - who I thought had a great game when he came on - is the obvious choice to fill Luke McAlister's spot at second five.

But it might be a bit harder to replace Conrad Smith.

I've been reading about Isaia Toeava as a possible replacement, but he hasn't shown any form.

We could bring Mils Muliaina up from fullback or even Tamati Ellison - the only problem is if you end up just being a utility back like Tamati you never play any bloody rugby!

You've got youngster like Robbie Fruean down the line, but this time Graham will probably want to stay within the squad he's already got.

I guess you could have Ma'a in at 13 with Dan Carter and Stephen filling first and second five spots, but on the balance of things I might be tempted to play Mils at centre and put Cory Jane in at full-back.

But even that's not without its own problems because the Springboks will just bomb him. I think the kicking game will still be in their repetoire becuase it's worked already, depending on the weather in Hamilton of course.

I don't doubt Cory's ability under the high-ball but he's not the biggest of fellas compared to the rampaging South Africans trying to bash the shit out of him.

He's a tough little rooster so it's a balancing act. Maybe his agility at fullback would be a good thing!

I also wouldn't change the forward pack too much for the next game. Although I didn't see Kieran Read involved in the game as much as some have suggested, I'd give him the nod again for South Africa and leave Rodney So'oialo on the bench.

Kieran's been showing some exceptional form, and as I've said before, if players are in form then let's keep them!

And finally on the test match, wasn't it just great to see the players celebrating at the end of the match? I think that really showed how much the win - and keeping hold of the Bledisloe Cup - meant to them.

I also want to touch briefly on the Air New Zealand Cup as I'm thoroughly enjoying this season of footy.

I watched the game on Thursday night between Manawatu and Otago and it was a brilliant game of football.

Talking to all the supporters over in Sydney, everyone is just loving this year's Air New Zealand Cup - mainly because of the little guys taking down the big teams.

It shows you just how much these big teams have been relying on their All Blacks over the years.

Now that they're not there it's creating a very good competition. Long may it continue!

So what did you think of the test? What do we need to do to beat the Springboks. And have you enjoyed the Air New Zealand Cup as much as I have?

As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments.