9th July, 2003
DOMESTIC TEST SERIES
This is my summary of Domestic Test Series played in the Southern Hemisphere this year:
All Blacks are looking sensational for World Cup, Mitchell has rotated his full squad through of 30 plus players and they are looking extremely good in all positions and in their pattern of play. Mitchell will struggle now to reduce his squad he has so many good players to pick from. NZ will win the Tri-Series, Bledisloe Cup and finish 1 or 2 in the World Cup.

France left behind 7 first choice players and still gave the AB's a run for their money, their scrum and lineout are awesome. They are the dark horse of the World Cup if they are focused in the early rounds they will play NZ in the final.

England what can you say it brought tears to the eye see their magnificent set pieces. They are part of the Super 4 for the World Cup : England, NZ , Oz and France. They could finish anywhere from 1 to 4.

Australia struggling big time at the moment with set pattern of play and a lack of world class forwards in the country. Eddie Jones will have a magnificent backline but no World XV standard forwards in the front 5. This lack of an engine room will make it impossible to win the World Cup and allow NZ to win the Tri-Series and the Bledisloe Cup. Australia will finish 3 or 4 in the World Cup.

South Africa are in total disarray and will perform poorly in the Tri-Series and the World Cup. Their 3 home Tests this year have been a disgrace with Argentina robbed of victory in Port Elizabeth on the weekend. They appear to be lacking personnel of even Test standard in many positions. They rotated through a large number players in the 2 Tests against Scotland and the 1 Test against the Pumas with very few players putting their hands up to be selected. The Boks will finish last in the Tri-Series and finish outside the top 4 in the World Cup.

Regards
Matt (Bubba) Ryan