Aisle Be Back: All Blacks v Wales

As one who wandered the lonely streets of Cardiff in 2007, I know how lovingly the Taffs treat a humiliated All Blacks fan. Which is to say – not very lovingly at all.

That’s understandable I guess if you haven’t managed to win yourself since 1953, so that even a proxy win - and they don’t come any more proxy than by Les Bleus – is reason for celebration and general rubbing of black noses in the coal-dust.

But there’s a big part of me that wishes Wales were just that bit better, just that bit more of the old foe.

I enjoyed their Cup run in 2011, including their brave attempt to win their semi against the pretty-terrible French side, despite being reduced to 14 men for much of the match. Indeed, imagine the history of the final if they’d gotten through.

They can play an appealing style, they don’t give up easily (at least against the English) and have some world-class performers. They’ve pushed the All Blacks hard in November tests without ever of course breaking that 50-year losing streak.

Yet they don’t translate that into bossing the Six Nations. And you can’t think of a worse build-up than losing to England.

Still, I’m hoping they do give it a decent crack this series, against what will be the next generation All Blacks.

++++++

So what do you expect from the first test? Will the All Blacks turn up in first gear (highly unlikely), a bit rusty (likely) or in flush the dunny mode (that could happen).

Inevitably we tend as fans to concentrate on our own players, our new faces, and get excited about what is to come.

But it’s most likely this first series and the rest of the international season will be about LAR – life after Richie. The intangible will be whether the All Blacks will still be able to dig themselves out of the inevitable holes of test rugby without McCaw.

I’m betting we’re underestimating how big that hole will be – as well as that left by Smith and Nonu’s departure.

++++++

As a season pass holder of many years, I’m waiting keenly to see the details of how they will be balloting for the Lions 2017 tour.

A ballot at least would be a step up from previous messaging about this topic, which basically seemed to be saying that you needed to sign up for much more expensive season tickets in order to secure the right to buy Lions tickets.

Now we’re told there will be a ballot. Of course that will be a ballot to buy tickets at RWC prices. You better start saving now, if you’re feeling lucky.

Lifelong All Blacks supporter Kev has followed the Hurricanes since they began. He has a season pass. Every year he predicts the Canes will win Super Rugby. He refuses to be called a long-suffering fan.