By Country / South Africa

Wales got ruddy close to a right scalp in the end?

Talismanic skipper Ryan Jones said they finished the "bigger, stronger, and fitter" side but it was scant consolation, especially considering the majority of the Welsh team play together week in week out, and they would've all been much sharper compared to the Springboks.

But it was all a bit too late, no?

Exactly. I thought the most recent Grand Slam might've knocked the [we gave it our best shot and we should've won] stuffing out of them. Clearly second-best is still good enough.

Any stars?

Andy Powell's high & mighty debut at the grand old age of 27 was encouraging. The excitement must've got the better of him as he even started talking up the chances of beating the All-Blacks. Steady on! Canada first.

And the young Halfpenny lad?

Powell's fellow Cardiff Blue stood up well in his baptism of fire against the world's best, Bryan Habana. It's fair to say, Canada won't be as tough and well-drilled in defence so he should enjoy a bit more room to roam.

Yes, the blood of a European. That thunder you can hear is the shuddering footsteps of the southern hemisphere rolling onto northern shores.

Bitterly cold, pounding rain and freezing wind - we couldn't have predicted a ‘warmer’ welcome party for November's customary international merry-go-round.

Saturday's Bledisloe Cup teaser might not have set the pulses racing but it served its purpose, both commercially and preparing two rusty teams for warfare.

Graham Henry has shoved a dirty sock down his critics’ throat. Three wins out of four against the Wallabies makes them the medal scalp.

Australia and New Zealand both looked vulnerable but in Dan Carter and Matt Giteau they have match-winners and the game’s most tactically astute managers.

It's going to take a mighty effort to dethrone the kings from the southern hemisphere but it is possible.

Ireland and England will both fancy the Wallabies and Welsh missiles are locked in and awaiting Springbok fire.

What price on playing the All-Blacks minus Dan Carter? Can the Australians sort out their scrum? And will the South Africans keep rugby strictly on the playing field? 

Questions are aplenty for the boys from the chilly north too.

Can Declan Kidney motor Ireland's engine like he did at Munster? Has Martin Johnson got a bit of the Harry Redknapp's about him? And will Messrs Gatland and Edwards be able to galvanizing similar standards from last year's Grand Slam?

Sadly, the Scots best chance is against Canada and another opportunity for Mike Blair to prove he can carry a poor side.

And a bigger picture looms with the small matter of a British & Irish Lions tour in June. Everyone has something to play for. Even in a losing battle.