HAMISH KEITH IS SPOT ON WITH HIS COMMENTS RE THE ALL BLACKS !

I don't often disagree with Brian Rudman but he is wrong about the pre match line up of dead faced lip muttering All Blacks mangling both versions of the National Anthem.

Sure its a mournful dirge but it is our mournful dirge and there is simply no excuse for making it more mournful.

Contrast the ABs with the Italians - most of them not even Italians - who sang away like a line of Sesame Street glove puppets.

No guys, on your pay you can squeeze out a better performance than that - and while you are at it - play better too - in a Recession no nation needs fresh disappointments delivered on a regular basis from its "icons".

Cheers us up. Play with verve. Sing with style.

The Hokitika under nines can do better on both counts.

Footnote:

The Bookman is with you Hamish. I felt ashamed by their pathetic performance with the National Anthem, their performance with the ball wasn't much better mind.