Best of Shaun Johnson in 2013!

Here's the best of Shaun Johnson in 2013!

A Look Back at the Unbeatable Season!

Here's a look back at the season of the Unbeatables, i.e. 2013.

A Look Back at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup!

It has been some tournament alright! Here's a look back at some of the best highlights from the 2013 Rugby League World Cup!


Plus my favourite highlight of the World Cup so far!

Kiwis Side Named for Rugby League World Cup Final!

Stephen Kearney has named his 19 men squad for the Rugby League World Cup Final this Saturday (Sunday morning New Zealand time) against Australia.

Frank Pritchard has failed to recover from his persistent hamstring injury meaning he misses out on the chance to help the Kiwis defend their world title. Elijah Taylor will stay in the side as his replacement along with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Manu Vatuvei and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves who have been cleared to play after injury scares earlier in the week.

The final 17-man team will be named on the day of the Final.

The squad is -

Jesse Bromwich, Greg Eastwood, Kieran Foran, Alex Glenn, Bryson Goodwin, Shaun Johnson, Sam Kasiano, Kevin Locke, Issac Luke, Simon Mannnering (C), Ben Matulino, Jason Nightingale, Frank-Paul Nu’uausala, Elijah Taylor, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Manu Vatuvei, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dean Whare, Sonny Bill Williams.

Best Tries of 2013!!

With the long rugby season over, it is time to look back at the best tries of 2013.

Goals! Best Goals from the Champions League this Week!

There have been some crackers in the Champions League this week. Here are the best 6 goals of the round!

Jack Wilshere, Arsenal v Marseille


Douglas Costa, Shakhtar Donetsk v Real Sociedad


Gareth Bale, Real Madrid v Galatasaray


Isco, Real Madrid v Galatasaray


Samir Nasri, Man City v Viktoria Plzen


Tomas Horava, Man City v Viktoria Plzen

SBW is League World Player of the Year!

Sonny Bill Williams has been named International Rugby League World Player of the Year in the same year he made his return from the 15 man code.

Awesome bro! Here's a look back at his incredible 2013!

Has the Haka Had Its Day?

New Zealand. The haka.

Both are so associated with each other that it is hard to fathom a New Zealand without the haka. It is probably our most famous cultural export and contribution to the world.

And there is no more famous performer of the haka than the All Blacks - or indeed any mens sporting team other than the All Whites, although more so with rugby union or league.

Yet, with the All Blacks playing so often a season nowadays and even ladies teams doing the haka - as well as American college sides and even ads having their own spins on the Maori war dance - some might say that the haka has lost its value and uniqueness.

Some even say that the haka is outdated in this world and should be consigned to history - including prop Cian Healy who raised eyebrows slamming the haka.

Some say that the All Blacks just do the haka for publicity sakes - remember the reaction the Welsh crowd gave when the ABs refused to do the haka in front of them some years ago before the ABs played the Welsh in a test?

Even respected writer, Joseph Romanos has become the devils advocate and gone against keeping the haka as a part of sport in NZ - http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/sport/opinion/joseph-romanos/9446599/Haka-gives-ABs-an-unfair-advantage-edge.

Needless to say, critics of the haka just don't understand its cultural and personal significance. From a simple point of view, it psyches the players up and makes them more pumped up. But there's more to the haka, almost a spiritual element - which is ironic given how secular New Zealand has become.

The fact is, it's not the ABs and Kiwis who have ruined the haka - it's the multinational corporations who have attempted to make a profit by using something sacred to iwi as a marketing gimmick for their own profit that are probably looming as the threat to this great tradition.

It would probably be the darkest day in New Zealand history if the ABs and Kiwis were outlawed from doing the haka.

It looks very unlikely at this stage. God hope it stays that way!

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Questionable for Final!

Coach Stephen Kearney will leave it late to make the final call on injured trio, Frank Pritchard, Manu Vatuvei and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Tuivasa-Sheck, the tournament's top try scorer has been cleared of a broken right fibula but has been rested this week while Frank Pritchard and Manu Vatuvei are still recovering from groin and hamstring injuries respectively that ruled them out against England last weekend.

The trio will be tested through the team's final big hitout in Leigh. Pass the test and they should start in Sunday morning's big final.

Otherwise, expect the likes of Krisnan Inu to feature with changes throughout the team to accomodate the injuries.

It would be a shame if Tuivasa-Sheck did miss the Final given he has been one of the tournament's biggest stars - that try against England in the semifinal was probably one of the most memorable.

Best Tries of the 2013 NRL Season!!

With the rugby league coming to a close, it's time to look back on the season gone by.

We all love hits, but we probably love tries even more!

So here are the best tries of the 2013 NRL season!!

Andrew Hore Retires! Best of Horey!

New Zealand rugby's worst kept secret has finally come out.

83-cap test veteran Andrew Hore officially announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect. Indeed, given Hore doesn't have a Super Rugby contract at this stage for 2014, it is probably the end of Horey's top flight professional rugby career unless there is a last minute change of heart by Super Rugby sides to take the illustrious All Black hooker.

Horey will now turn his full attention to his Maniototo farm which he has been looking after on a part time basis.

Andrew Hore made his debut for the All Blacks in 2002 after a strong season for the Hurricanes but his career in black really picked up after the 2007 Rugby World Cup following the retirement of former Otago teammate, Anton Oliver with his scrummaging abilities making him a first choice for Graham Henry et al.



Hore and Mealamu complimented each other on the field and off the bench and Hore played a key role as the ABs won the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

However, Hore's time was coming up with coaches preferring Dane Coles over the former Taranaki and Hurricanes captain and at the ripe old age of 35, Hore decided to call time on a career which he can look back with fondness.

There is no doubt that Horey was a real leader on and off the field and his experience and mana have definitely been passed onto the likes of Keven Mealamu and Dane Coles. He may have had his controversies on and off the rugby field - whether it's shooting seals off the Otago coast in 2005 or breaking Bradley Davies' jaw - but all in all, he was a highly popular character in the All Blacks camp.

Thanks for the memories, Horey! And keep away from the seals!

Best All Blacks Tries of 2013!

2013 has been a vintage year for All Blacks rugby - not only did they finish the season 100% but they also scored some incredible tries along the way.

Steve Hansen's side are a blend of youth and experience, playing some of the most exciting and quality rugby you'll ever see.

Best Ever Tackles in the NRL!

Most of us league for the tries but also for the big hits and tackles.

Here are some of the best ever tackles seen in the NRL.

Best Tries of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup!

It has been described as the best ever Rugby League World Cup. And with one game to go, it's time to look back at the tries of the World Cup.

Which one is your favourite? Here are 13 of the best as voted on Facebook!

Ben Smith's Tries for the All Blacks in 2013!

There is no doubt that Ben Smith was by far the best All Black back of 2013. He was consistently at the top of his game whether he was playing at wing or fullback.

The signature of his form was the quality of his tries. Here's a look back at all the tries he scored in black in the calendar year of 2013.

FLASHBACK: Kiwis Win 2008 Rugby League World Cup!!

The Kangaroos take on the Kiwis for the Rugby League World Cup this Saturday. It is the third consecutive final featuring these two sides - indicative of the dominance of both sides in the game of rugby league.

Can the Kiwis make it two in a row for the first time ever or will the Kangaroos exact revenge for 2008?

Here's a look back at 2008 (full game and highlights below!)

The Unbeatables! The All Blacks 2013 Season Review!

After a season that started back in February this year and didn't seem to want to end, New Zealand rugby fans can finally catch a breather, put up their feet and relax for the summer.

Indeed, as they sit back on their decks and enjoy what is expected to be a hot and dry summer, they can look back on a season with many fond memories and smiles.

After all, what tops perfection - something the All Blacks have achieved this season for the first time since 1989.

And naturally, they're the number 1 side in the world - officially on the IRB rankings by a long way from South Africa - with plenty more bright than dark points to take away from the season

Has world rugby ever seen a more dominant international side? Probably, but certainly in the international era, no side has ever been this better than anyone else than this All Blacks team.

Yes, the Irish were only seconds from denying the All Blacks that perfect and unbeaten season - but it still takes a great side to steel themselves and come from so far behind in the game, when they're not at all playing that well, and then win with a great pressure kick.

A champion side is one that not only wins playing well, but also wins when they're not playing well and the ABs have definitely shown both those qualities.

However, it's been a season where we've seen most of the former, particularly in the middle of the season during the Rugby Championship as they conquered all asunder.

The most impressive win was probably against South Africa in the cauldron of Ellis Park.

If this was one place the ABs were expected to fall, it was here, but boy did they blow any thoughts of a stumble here with one of the greatest performances away from home ever by a New Zealand side.

Kieran Read and Ben Smith were two standouts in that game as the All Blacks beat the Boks 38-27 - fitting really as both have been the best All Blacks by far this season.

Kieran Read continued to strengthen claims that he is the best player in the world right now and is hot favourites for the IRB World Player of the Year title - is he the best number 8 ever to play for the All Blacks? That's for another day to debate.

Ben Smith also took his chances with Cory Jane and then Conrad Smith unavailable for selection and stamped his mark - he finished top try scorer of the ABs for the year and still looked a good player at centre even if he wasn't scoring the tries he did when he had more room at wing.

Kieran Read's future is certain for now while question marks hang over Ben Smith who has to keep playing this well to stay in the starting XV with Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Charles Piutau, Israel Dagg all fighting for the positions Ben Smith is adept at.

Rookie of the season? Charles Piutau had a phenomenal finish to the season but Steven Luatua has to be rookie of the season for the consistency he showed all year.

All Blacks' young guns

It's been a while since the ABs have had a player so capable of playing two positions, so impressive as a debutant and so imposing at a young age. Steven Luatua appears to have reached Jerome Kaino's high standards so early in his rugby career - it's mind blowing to think how good he'll be in years to come if he continues this progress.

Luatua's and Piutau's success in feeling at home so quickly in international rugby - along with the development of fellow young stars, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Tom Taylor, Sam Cane, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, Aaron Smith, Julian Savea, Ryan Crotty, etc. - is a testament to the philosophy of the coaches who have blended the success and experience of the likes of Woodcock, McCaw, Carter, Nonu and Conrad Smith with the emerging youth of New Zealand rugby.

So on to 2014.

What's left for the ABs to achieve?

The Hillary Shield is up for grabs again in New Zealand next year when England visit

The All Blacks play England in 3 tests in June next year - this series should give a foretaste of what to expect at the Rugby World Cup the following year given that England are hosts and we saw at Twickenham a few weeks ago, on the rise.

There's the rigours of the Rugby Championship and then the end-of-year tour - that tour will be the last chance for New Zealand's young guns to stake their claims for the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad. And signs are that it will be quite a challenge to usurp this current crop.

But I guess the one record the ABs would dearly love to achieve is the longest winning streak in test rugby. In 2012, they came close to tying the record of 17, but fell short when they drew with the Wallabies in Brisbane in October.

The record is now Cyprus' with 20 - so the All Blacks will need a clean sweep of England in June plus at least 3 wins in the Rugby Championship to tie that record, so it will be quite a challenge to break that record.

Mind you, the ABs seem to be motivated with the toughest of challenges and if this side is anything to go by, getting that record will be a piece of cake.

And if they achieve it, then this side deserves to be called the greatest All Blacks side of all time.

Anyway, kaki te ano New Zealand and congratulations to the All Blacks on a stupendous season.

The Unbeatables as we will call them now have made us proud and we can look to the long, hot, dry summer ahead knowing our team is perfect and the best of them all.

Goals! Of the Weekend! (Happy 900 Posts!!)

Isn't it great to have football back after the international break?

Andre-Pierre Gignac, Marseille v Ajaccio


Mario Goetze, Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund



Joselu, Eintracht Frankfurt v Schalke 04 (3rd Frankfurt goal)



Daniel Ginzcek, Nuremburg v Wolfsburg (Nurnberg goal)

Diego Costa (2nd), Atletico Madrid v Getafe

Charlie Austin, QPR v Charlton

Scott Parker, Fulham v Swansea



Jonjo Shelvey, Swansea v Fulham (2nd Swansea goal)



Nicolai Muller, Mainz v Werder Bremen

Milan Badelj, Hamburg v Hannover



NOT THE GOAL OF THE WEEK

Artur Boruc, Arsenal v Southampton



BONUS GOAL!

Jesus Navas, Man City v Tottenham - not quite the fastest goal ever in the Premier League.

Is this the World's Best Rugby League 17 Now?

With the Rugby League World Cup nearly over, it is time to ponder on who you think would make the World XVII?

Here's mine -

1.Greg Inglis, Australia
2.Jarryd Hayne, Australia
3.Brett Morris, Australia
4.Kevin Sinfield, England
5.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, New Zealand
6.Shaun Johnson, New Zealand
7.Cooper Cronk, Australia
8.Sam Burgess, England
9.Cameron Smith, Australia
10.Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, New Zealand

11.Sonny Bill Williams, New Zealand

12.Simon Mannering, New Zealand

13.Paul Gallen, Australia

INTERCHANGE - 

14.Corey Parker, Australia

15.James Graham, England

16.Johnathan Thurston, Australia

17.Manu Vatuvei, New Zealand

Shaun Johnson Touch Magic!

Shaun Johnson is one of the greatest stars in rugby league right now. But the man himself didn't get there just on a talent alone.

Indeed, he got to where he is today by honing his skills through New Zealand's summer sport, touch.

Here's the best of Shaun Johnson from touch days.

Greatest All Blacks Sides of All Time!

The 2013 All Blacks may have done it the hard way, but they've done it. They've finished the season 100% - the first ever All Blacks side in the professional era to do so.

So they should really be considered one of the greatest ABs side ever right?

Certainly in the professional era, Steve Hansen's class of '13 have earned the right to be considered one of the greatest international sides of the era.

But how do they compare with other great All Black teams? Here are 5 others.

1905 Originals

The first great rugby side to don the black jersey and the creators of the All Black legend. They lost only 1 test - that infamous 3-0 defeat to Wales as they took on the best of the Northern Hemisphere and took them to the cleaners.

1963-1968 All Blacks

One of the most fondly remembered All Blacks sides. Coached by the Fred "Needle" Allen, the ABs featured some legends, including three knights, i.e. Wilson Whineray, Brian Lochore, Colin Meads, etc.

1987 All Blacks

Our first ever Rugby World Cup winning side and definitely one of the finest sides ever to grace the black jersey. Ok, they might not have played South Africa - who were banned at the time - but they took on the best at the time, and won comfortably.

1989 All Blacks
The last All Blacks side to finish the season perfect and definitely one of the greatest, featuring many from the 1987 side at their peak.

1996-97 All Blacks

Another of the most fondly remembered All Blacks sides - particularly with the Jonah Lomu Rugby generation. They only lost 1 test - South Africa in Johannesburg in what was really a dead-rubber - but won many including the ABs' only series win in South Africa.

All Blacks Finish the Season Perfect!!

The All Blacks have finished the 2013 season unbeaten for the first time since 1997 and with a perfect record for the first time since 1989.

However, it was not at all as easy as the pundits had made it out before the game with the ABs requiring a Ryan Crotty try and then drama at the end with Aaron Cruden needing to take the conversion attempt twice after the Irish had charged Cruden too early.

It will be a game remembered for all the right and wrong reasons for both Irish fans who once again have to face yet another heartbreaker against the All Blacks as their record against them remains at 0%.

After all, the Irish were only seconds away from the biggest upset in international rugby for some time - going into this game, the ABs were overwhelming favourites over the Irish who had been thrashed by the Wallabies the week before.

Indeed, the tired ABs performance perhaps raises more support for a shorter and unified international window with many of the forwards looking tired against the fresher and hungrier Irish pack.

Sean O'Brien was the standout for the Irish although Jonny Sexton and Conor Murray were excellent against a lacklustre ABs effort.

The result of this game meant that TJ Perenara again has to wait for his first All Blacks cap - the longest wait possible perhaps?

Anyway, congratulations to the ABs and now to enjoy the summer!

Full replay of game -

Has This Been the Best Ever Rugby League World Cup?

The 2013 Rugby League World Cup will conclude next weekend with the Final at Old Trafford - don't ask me why the Final is at a "slightly" smaller stadium than Wembley Stadium which seats 99,000 (sorry Manchester United fans).

And to be honest, as a fan of the other rugby code, this has been a highly enjoyable World Cup for the game we just call "league".

The format has been a highly successful one - the organizers deserve credit for this given that the only real powerhouses of the game are Australia, England and New Zealand meaning that anyone who plays them is likely to get thrashed.

Scotland pushed the Kiwis hard early in their quarterfinal

Indeed, it's been the games featuring less established sides like USA, Scotland and Italy that have really made this World Cup such a hit - as well as playing games at the traditional cozy rugby league grounds rather than going for the big bucks like rugby union's World Cup come 2015 and playing games at Premier League grounds.

Tonga and the Cooks have livened up this World Cup

The fact is that rugby league acknowledged its limitations as a global game and rather than imitate rugby union and football, played to its strengths, and played them well.

At the same time, rugby league introduced new innovations which have proven to be popular - some could be adopted by rugby union including having the television referee commentate while reviewing a decision, enabling fans to understand the TMO decision better, as well as the format which enables the minnows to play each other and reduce the number of cricket scores which don't do the game any favours.

Yes, the thrashings of Scotland, France and the USA by New Zealand, England and Australia respectively were inevitable but those sides had already achieved their prize by making the quarterfinals and earning the right to play those powerhouses for a place in the semifinals.

Rugby league is still a very small fish in the big ocean of global sport and definitely pales in comparison to rugby union and probably will do for some time.

However, on its side is the fact that it is a highly skilled and exciting game to play, as well as the fact that the rules are probably easier to understand than rugby union.

Furthermore, league has an ally at grassroots level in touch football, a more universal game and one whose rules and structure are more similar to league than union - Kiwis star Shaun Johnson honed his skills playing touch in the summer.

After the disaster of the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, international rugby league has possibly finally laid the foundations for a better future as a global game with the last two editions of the World Cup.

Both 2008 and 2013 editions have been highly profitable and have helped the game gain new fans as well as bring new life to the international game.

Indeed, yesterday afternoon's semifinal between England and New Zealand was the icing on the cake even if it wasn't quite the result British league fans were after. The game was probably the best semifinal ever seen at the World Cup and made for a good advert for the game.

No matter what happens next Saturday afternoon, it has been mission accomplished for rugby league.

Julian Savea Major Doubt for All Blacks v Ireland!

It appears that Julian Savea's recent wretched run of injuries has continued with the big Oriental Rongotai winger a doubt for this Sunday's All Blacks test against Ireland due to a tweaked knee in training.

Julian Savea's tour has been dogged by illness ruling him out of the game against France - he was already rested for the Japan game - and his test last weekend against England where he scored a brace appears to be his last for the calendar year with the coaches not likely to risk the big winger's health and long term future for the season finale given that they do have some depth in the wingers.

It means that Charles Piutau's incredible finish to the season in black is set to get an unexpected encore with Piutau likely to take Savea's place alongside Cory Jane and Israel Dagg in the outside back positions.

Savea 2013 hasn't quite lived up to the previous edition but it is not a reflection of his poor form - even if Savea did have some off-field issues earlier in the year that definitely hampered his form. Rather, the form of Ben Smith and later in the season, Charles Piutau have somewhat cast a shadow on the big winger. Yet Savea, as he showed against England, remains a key player for the ABs and should be for some time to come.

Hopefully 2014 will see Savea lift his game again - the ABs will be even stronger for it.

All Black of 2013?

The end of year has come.

After a long and drawn out year, the rugby season is finally over and with the climate warming up, it's time to look forward to the off season and summer time - make sure you like the Facebook pages of Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Hamish Rutherford in the bar on the right to continue to get your sports fix from this blog.

It's time to pick the All Black of 2013 - it's more likely he'd be the New Zealand rugby player of the year too if Super Rugby form is considered.

Here are my 2 contenders for the overall title and 2 for rookie of the season.

1. Kieran Read 

Is Kieran Read the greatest number 8 the All Blacks have ever had? Whatever you might think, he's up there alongside Graham Mourie, Brian Lochore, Murray Mexted, Zinzan Brooke, etc. as one of the best we've ever had in a position that requires one to be a tremendous all rounder. Richie McCaw's absence early on was definitely negated by Kieran Read's form and leadership and when McCaw eventually hangs up his boots, expect Read to step up - it's a bit like Lochore and Meads really. Definitely a shoe-in for IRB World Player of the Year.

2. Ben Smith

If Kieran Read was the All Blacks' best forward this year, Ben Smith has definitely been by far our best back. Early in the season out on the wing he was devastating having his most productive season on the try scoring charts with 8 tries in the Rugby Championship - top try scorer in that competition. He was moved to centre to cover for Conrad Smith who went on sabbatical and while he hasn't quite made an impact on the tries as a playmaker at centre, he has still been pretty effective there. A solid runner-up in my book.

Rookie of the season -

1. Steven Luatua

A definite show-in for the title of New Zealand's rookie of the year. Steven Luatua carried over his incredible form for the Blues into the All Blacks and easily covered for Liam Messam early in the season while the Chiefs blindside was injured. His ability to cover lock and the back row with ease means he definitely has value on the bench. Indeed his form was so good that one wonders if Jerome Kaino might struggle to get back into the ABs given his Blues' teammate's form. Luatua had a quiet end to the season with Liam Messam getting an extended run-in in the side but there's plenty of time for the rising star of New Zealand rugby.

2. Charles Piutau

A great year for Auckland rugby with another rookie emerging from their ranks. Piutau bided his time, taking advantage of Ben Smith's move to centre to really impose himself as a real threat on the wing. He had a fine game against Japan and continued that run against France and England even with the lack of space. Piutau's ability to cover the whole backline means he has a big future ahead although wing is probably the position he should focus on - bad news for Cory Jane and Ben Smith when Conrad Smith returns from his sabbatical.

All Blacks Side to Face Ireland Named!

The All Blacks have named their side to face Ireland! 7 changes have been made to the lineup that played England in a bid to freshen up the squad at the end of what has been a very long season - 2 of these are enforced due to injuries to Dan Carter and Tony Woodcock.

The side is -
1.Wyatt Crockett
2.Andrew Hore
3.Charlie Faumuina
4.Luke Romano
5.Sam Whitelock
6.Steven Luatua
7.Richie McCaw (captain)
8.Kieran Read
9.Aaron Smith
10.Aaron Cruden
11.Julian Savea
12.Ma'a Nonu
13.Ben Smith
14.Cory Jane
15.Israel Dagg

16.Dane Coles
17.Ben Franks
18.Owen Franks
19.Brodie Retallick
20.Sam Cane
21.TJ Perenara
22.Beauden Barrett
23.Ryan Crotty

Should the All Whites Join Asia?

The All Whites' campaign to qualify for the 2014 World Cup Finals is over. And the preparation to qualify for the next edition in Russia has already started with the start of the search for a new coach to replace Ricki Herbert.

At the same time, New Zealand Football must also consider the next steps to ensure that the national side doesn't fall back as it did back in the 1980s in the aftermath of that memorable 1982 World Cup.

If there was one thing glaringly obvious last night, it was the glaringly huge gap in quality between the All Whites and Mexico, a side that struggled to finish 4th in CONCACAF qualifying behind USA, Costa Rica and Honduras.

And one wonders if that gap will stay like that if things stayed the way they were with New Zealand football - and it's not the coach who as we know is going.

It's rather where the confederation All Whites choose to base themselves - the All Whites are just far too big a fish in a small pond that is the Oceania confederation, much as it offers the All Whites a supposedly easy opportunity to make the World Cup Finals - although that really is a lottery depending on how FIFA works out the draw for qualification for the Finals and as we showed, it's a bit of a disadvantage to the All Whites rather than an advantage.

Socceroos have flourished in Asia since they joined in 2006

I think we need to see the light our Aussie brothers across the Tasman saw 7 years ago and apply to move to AFC, i.e. Asia. Australia who battled through 31 years of heartbreak to make a 2nd World Cup Finals, now find qualification de rigour rather than a surprise - they were the first nation to qualify for the Finals in 2010, their first campaign through the AFC and it's not because Asia is weak but rather because Australian football competes at a level close to Asian heavyweights, Japan and South Korea.

Joining Asia could be a very good financial move for New Zealand Football too, with NZFC clubs able to participate in the financially lucrative AFC Champions League and AFC Asian Cup and the All Whites will be able to play competitive football on a more regular basis against teams who are on their level, i.e. China, Jordan, Bahrain, etc. - means more All Whites competitive games too in New Zealand which can't be a bad thing.

Of course that would leave Oceania pretty much a graveyard without its biggest star - perhaps it is time for FIFA to acknowledge that to further develop the game, the OFC which runs football in Oceania, be merged with the financially lucrative and stronger AFC?

Malaysia and Singapore have more Manchester United fans than anywhere else but are minnows in international football 

The AFC could then become a huge umbrella organization - based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as it is right now - that should be subdivided further into subregions to properly develop the game - Southeast and South Asia have many football followers but are just struggling right now because the development of the game in Asia seems slanted towards the likes of Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc. since they have made the World Cup many times.

Moving confederations nowadays is no big deal and seems to be happening a lot- Kazakhstan did it with some ease, moving from the AFC to UEFA a few seasons ago.

It's time for big decisions for New Zealand Football and the time has never been better.

Mexico Give All Whites Football Lesson!

World Cup quarterfinalists and regular finalists, Mexico, have given the All Whites a football lesson in front of a packed Westpac Stadium crowd.

Mexico's Oribe Peralta scored a first half hat-trick to put the matter of participation in the World Cup Finals next year beyond doubt as the Mexicans without their European stars, Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) and Giovanni dos Santos, gave the All Whites a masterclass in playing football with their quality passing and skill.

The difference in quality between the two sides was evident particularly with Jeremy Brockie's tame penalty effort at the end of the first half which was easily saved by Mexico's keeper.

Perhaps, inspired by that footballing lesson - and aided by the fact that Mexico could afford to coast in the second half being 8-1 up in the tie with 45 minutes to go, the All Whites played with much vigour and skill - the introduction of Rory Fallon gave the All Whites more physical presence up front.

They were rewarded for their brave efforts with a penalty kick converted by the impressive Chris James and then another goal to Rory Fallon as All Whites fans dreamed of an unlikely tie. Alas, the win to Mexico was put beyond doubt when they scored again to make the final score 4-2.

Given Mexico finished 4th in CONCACAF qualifying, it is quite staggering to wonder how good the USA, Costa Rica and Honduras are and in the end, it is good that a side as skillful as the Mexicans with their passionate fans is going to the biggest show in world football.

As for the All Whites, plenty can be learnt from this game and one hopes that Herbert's successor will try and play a more attacking game which the All Whites' young guns, Rojas, Barborouses, Fenton, James, McGlinchey etc. showed in the 2nd half.

Perhaps, a move to the Asian Football Confederation where teams play with similar skill if not as great as the Mexicans rather than remain in Oceania where the quality hasn't changed too much and the All Whites are really big fish in a small pond - but more on that later.

For now, congratulations to Mexico and pats on the back for the All Whites on a brave effort that ultimately wasn't enough for football's biggest stage.

And time to ponder who to follow at next year's Finals.

And The Countries Going to Brazil 2014 Are.....

The business end of qualification for the 2014 World Cup Finals has concluded.

Here are the nations who have already qualified -

Brazil (as hosts)
Japan
Australia
Iran
South Korea
Holland
Italy
Costa Rica
United States
Argentina
Belgium
Switzerland
Germany
Colombia
Russia
Bosnia-Herzegovina

England

Spain

Chile

Ecuador

Honduras
Nigeria
Cote d'Ivoire
Cameroon
Ghana
Algeria
Croatia
Greece
Portugal
France
Mexico

Uruguay

Who Will Feature for the ABs against Ireland?

The All Blacks are one game away from their first unbeaten season since 1997 - Lorde was only 1 year old then and Jim Bolger was still Prime Minister.

Moreover, the All Blacks are one game away from their first perfect season since 1989 - and it will be the first in the professional season.

They face Ireland on Saturday, opponents who have come close to beating the ABs in the past but have never done so in their long history.

And given the form of the Irish recently, despite new coach, Kiwi Joe Schmidt's efforts - and the form of the ABs right now - you'd have to say that it is almost a given.

However, the ABs won't ring in the changes and field effectively a B team like they did against Japan. While there will probably be changes, enforced due to injury, they won't be significant.

Ben Smith and Kieran Read have had massive but long seasons and deserve a breather

Indeed, expect Richie McCaw to start as usual but he might very well move to number 8 to cover Kieran Read who energetic as he has been, has had a very long season and probably deserves a break. Sam Cane could come in and play at 7.

Expect some of the older All Blacks or those who have featured prominently for the ABs this season to have a break from the game or have limited roles in this game at best (thinking Dagg, Aaron & Ben Smith, Read, Retallick, Messam) given the brutality of their encounter against England last weekend - the depth of the ABs should enable them to do this easily.

As mentioned before, the All Blacks are forced to make changes due to injuries to Dan Carter and Tony Woodcock, so Aaron Cruden and Wyatt Crockett will start with Beauden Barrett and Ben Franks moving to the bench.

Finally, expect Andrew Hore to start his last ever game for the All Blacks in what will be an emotional farewell for the Maniototo legend.

My predicted lineup -
1.Wyatt Crockett
2.Andrew Hore
3.Charlie Faumuina
4.Luke Romano
5.Sam Whitelock
6.Steven Luatua
7.Sam Cane
8.Richie McCaw (captain)
9.Tawera Kerr-Barlow
10.Aaron Cruden
11.Julian Savea
12.Ma'a Nonu
13.Ryan Crotty
14.Cory Jane
15.Charles Piutau

16.Dane Coles
17.Ben Franks
18.Owen Franks
19.Jeremy Thrush
20.Kieran Read
21.TJ Perenara
22.Beauden Barrett
23.Ben Smith