The New Zealanders may attend rugby – and having been there several times, truly wonder if we can criticise the public as much as the media?

Admittedly, I’ve witnessed a percentage of the public to be supportive, yet harsh ~ where is the majority of negativity really? Certainly media does play a huge role.

An extremely ardent fan of McCaw – I agree as player of the decade – however, insufficient tribute has been given to South Africa’s John Smit. His captaincy is briefly mentioned, yet the achievements notched up for the year were incredible – he was backed by a great team – certainly significant players – do not see Jean de Villiers in the article – neither Morne or Frans Steyn who ousted Dan Carter in a test. One doesn’t have to buy the South African: John Smit’s book to witness that brilliant players will do little for a captain who hasn’t got what it takes.

I recall the difficulty NZ had getting back the Bledsloie Cup – that was an annual nightmare. We’ve had it a few years now – but boy us Kiwis really appreciate keeping that one. To be honest, I’m more satisfied that the ABs carry on with their winning culture year after year. 82% is really quite a feat!!

Australia is going through a slump after a golden period – I thought the same may occur for the ABs after the exodus of 2007. 2008 and 2009 were tough for the ABs, yet we managed to come out on top again. And there really does seem to be some considerable talent emerging as well.

Rugby is embedded in NZ culture – until that changes I believe NZ will carry on being over achievers in this sport (and we might even snatch another Webb Ellis to boot)

An 80% winning ratio for a decade is a tremendous achievement and one that may take some time to repeat. If it was any other team it would be trumpeted from the rooftops. NZ fans will expect the All Blacks to sustain that winning percentage for another decade but realistically there is only one direction we can move in and that’s down. We may bounce back during the decade but I can’t see us dominating to the same extent.

IF New Zealand win the World Cup in 2011, then some other “everest” will emerge for New Zealand rugby — more than likely winning a World Cup away from home. That’s simply the way sport goes. If you’ve conquered every last frontier, as the Australian cricket team did this year, as soon as you lose a series then the challenges begin to reappear.

I don’t buy that the NZ public will enjoy the rest of next decade if the All Blacks seal a home victory at the RWC. They’ll merely turn their attention to the lastest string of losses. The bar has been set too high — 80% winning record and three World Cups next decade? I doubt it. At some point, Australia will reclaim the Bledisloe and NZ will go through a scratchy period once Carter and McCaw retire. Only then will people recall this period more fondly.