Another Bledisloe Cup chapter finishes. The 2009 saga is now complete.

And after the zillions of words spoken and written in total, by the millions of critics and fans regarding the four Bledisloe encounters this year, it all comes down to whatever of these two short sentences you prefer.

"The All Blacks are too good for the Wallabies," or "the Wallabies simply aren't good enough."

I’ve read what a truly irritated Robbie Deans has said after the test in Tokyo.

His frustration with the penalty count was blended in with his assertion that his team showed marked improvement yet again and is all but winning.

But deep down, Robbie will know that this frustration-speak and constant talk of improvement counts for very little and that this Wallabies outfit is currently inferior to the All Blacks by every critical benchmark.

As is the case when losing has become endemic, rumours of ill-feelings within the Wallabies camp are emerging.

To me, the rumour that holds the most credibility suggests that anger still exists over the way in which Lote Tuquiri was banished from any future involvement with the Wallabies.

It's a murky tale indeed but what is undeniably the truth is that Tuquiri was a much respected and liked man within the Aussie ranks.

But from an All Black fan's perspective, so what?

Our preoccupation is to celebrate the fact that the Wallabies' reservoir of fear and respect for our men in black has been once again filled to the brim.

What also demands comment is the immediate, positive effect that the changing of the roles adopted by Graham Henry and co. has already imposed.

It has to be said that the defence, now overseen by the new defensive coach Wayne Smith, was sound.

The backline, now overseen by the new backs coach Steve Hansen, exuded harmony.
And the forwards, particularly in regards to our contentious lineout, must have pleased their new coach, Graham Henry.

In truth, there is satisfaction to be gained from this outcome for both Henry and co’s friends and foes.

Their supporters can be well pleased that the trio is still in charge.

Their detractors can be equally satisfied that the need for some change was acknowledged, executed and appears to be of considerable benefit.
The momentum gained from Tokyo is critical.

Every bit of it will be vital in the clash against Wales this weekend in the forbidding Millennium Stadium in front of the 70,000 plus crowd of fanatical Welsh.

PS.  A big congratulations to the winner of the 300 dollar voucher "Pick the Score" competition. Would ealeym@xtra.co.nz kindly contact camt@lonestar.co.nz  with your address and phone number  to arrange receiving the voucher