Well what about that!
As I write this I can hear the creaking of North Hemisphere keyboards scoffing at the fact that we saw nine-tries in the Test between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Melbourne last night but no one can deny the entertainment and no one can begrudge the skill that was on display.
Some critics might want to see a tense, low-scoring Test but not me. Give me the pace, width, skill and fitness of the All Blacks any day. That is what the people want to see.
And Graham Henry and his team can thank the new tackle-ball interpretations for their world-beating style.
Never have the rules suited our athletes more and it's just so pleasing to see that all our guys, from 1-15, have the skills and execution to play this open but clinical style.
Mils Muliaina's first half try was a case in point. We saw tight forwards like Brad Thorn and Keven Mealamu have the skill and confidence to off-load on the counter-attack and then Cory Jane's chip, well, that was just something else.
But the Wallabies should be given credit too because with 14-men they tried to match the All Blacks up-tempo game and succeeded at times.
Sure their first up-defence is a concern but if New Zealand is off their game in Christchurch next week I think the Wallabies have the players and the game to sneak a win.
But they're never going to have a chance with 14-men. Referee Craig Joubert's card flashing was unnecessary last night and the second yellow to Drew Mitchell was particularly harsh.
Every Tri Nations match has been marred with yellow cards so far and personally I would only like them to be used in extreme circumstances and I'm not sure if any of the incidents last night constituted 'extreme.'
Buck Shelford is a former All Blacks captain and will be commenting on their performances for tvnz.co.nz throughout the international season.
