Unfortunately we have a bit of a woeful record when it comes to the Bledisloe. Even as far back as 1884 the editorial writer of The Sydney Morning Herald wrote: "Rugby isn't our game ... we'll always court defeat if we play New Zealanders." Winning one game in the series is considered a victory and a cause for celebration. Australia's desire to win is forged by years of denial at the hands of the Kiwi's, who view the Cup as a god-given birthright.

Winning the cup back in 1998 with a clean sweep, not to mention winning on NZ soil for the first time in fifty years, was a great moment in Australian sport. It no doubt brought tears to the eyes of many a strong former Wallaby that never got the chance to hold up the silverware.

The size, speed and skill of the All Black team is frightening consistent from year to year, decade to decade. For every veteran hanging up his boots, there is a school of hungry youngsters lining up to fill the void. You only have to look at their regional Super 12's teams to realise the depth of talent is extraordinary. Rugby is more than the national sport, more than a pastime in NZ - it's as close as they come to a national religion.