Tri-Nations 2011: Sharp Dress Rehearsal for the All Blacks

For the All Blacks, the Tri-Nations is a no-win proposition. Win, and the attitude is "So What?" They were expected to win, and they all ready have a bunch of these Tri Nations trophies gathering dust somewhere at NZRU Headquarters. The All Blacks have pretty much owned the Tri Nations series, yet any Kiwi rugby fan worth their salt is also very mindful of another scoreline: Rugby World Cup Trophies Won:

Australia-2
South Africa-2
England-1
New Zealand-1

The ghosts of 1987 hang heavy over All Black players and fans alike. I don't know if the New Zealand decision to emulate the white collars worn on the '87 team's jersey is a good one or not. To be honest, with these new type of high-tech rugby jerseys, I don't know how great they look. I think the basic Black design was just fine.(Hey, even England is going with a black second Jersey at RWC 2011)

After yesterday's beat-down at Eden Park, the All Blacks have looked very good-but we have seen this scenario numerous times in World Cup years.

The other thing that cannot be ruled out, with matches to play in Australia and South Africa, can the the All Blacks avoid any major injuries? We have already seen Welsh Fullback Morgan Stoddard break his leg against England on Saturday, dashing his Rugby World Cup dreams.

With 33 days before the start of Rugby World Cup 2011, I don't know if today's win over the Auld Enemy from across the Tasman really will calm the nerves of All Black fans, but at least it's a good dress rehearsal before these games really count.