No Kiwi can ever go past an All Black Test

Chris Cairns

July 3, 2001

While there is a copious amount of cricket being played around the world, being a New Zealander, one can never look beyond an All Black Test.

I would never swap my black cap to be an All Black, but I have huge respect for the men who represent our country in the black jersey. Along with Steve Rixon, our old coach, it was D J Graham, an ex-All Black captain who was our team manager from 1996 until 1999, who brought some great values to our team culture, some I know that were taken from his days in the ABs.

I sat in front of the telly with my AB cap and scarf on, on Saturday preparing for our boys to give the French a right old hiding.

I always keep an eye out for a few players such as Andrew Mehrtens, who, as well as being a CBHS old boy, is always good for taking a few bucks off on the golf course.

Jonah Lomu, of course, because every time he touches the ball, along with every other New Zealander I find myself on my feet yelling, and when he is in full flight there is no better sight in the world of sport, and Jeff Wilson..

Now amongst the cricketing fraternity out there the name Jeff Wilson will be one you may remember from the summer of 1993 when he played for the Black Caps against the Aussies and is the last of the unique cricket and rugby double internationals.

On Saturday, the performance Jeff put in reminded of the phrase, 'form is temporary, class is permanent.'

'Goldie' (his nickname) had been touted as not being anywhere near his best form during the Super 12. After a self-imposed rest from the game of rugby last year, he did seem to be a little at sea for the Highlanders early in the season.

He was only finding his way back into the game and people were quick to jump on the bandwagon saying he was past it.

On Saturday he showed just what class is. He was everywhere and his reading of the game was beautiful.

Goldie is a bloke I know the CLEAR Black Caps would love to have in our side. His belief, his skill and his enthusiasm make him one of New Zealand's great sportsmen and I know he has a few years left in him yet.

Overall, it was a great performance from the ABs and they look in great form for the Tri Nations. Good luck to Anton Oliver and boys.

Well, the Aussie cricketers just keep rolling on adding another trophy to their cabinet last week against Pakistan. In fact, the whole of Australian sport seems to have every trophy that's up for grabs!

Currently, as a nation, the only thing they have trouble coming to grips with is GST which they think stands for "Gloria, schooner Tooheys' but, in fact, is short for Goods and Services Tax. I'm sure they'll get it soon.

Anyway, the English are going to have their hands full with this team, especially the bowling attack.

My prediction, Aussie to win, surprise, surprise, but good luck to England as they do have a good team and do have their best chance for years.

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Players/Umpires

Chris Cairns

Teams

New Zealand