Gosh the All Blacks are charming.


On Tuesday we bowled along to the Embassy and I was able to give Mr Henry a few pointers on how the guys could go a bit better. If we lose tonight, it will only be because they don't follow my plan.

Although...the 'bring back Buck' suggestion didn't look like it was going to get much of a run.

While I was talking to both l'entraîneur de l'équipe de rugby néo-zélandaise and, later, Anton Oliver, someone cut in and I drifted off - and in both cases they came back over, apologising for being interrupted. I couldn't believe how careful they were to be well-mannered. Everyone wanted their time, and they were gracious and charming with everyone. Every player there had just been dropped from the top team but you wouldn't have known it.

Josie, managing not to drool I'm sure, observed how young they looked. Surely the All Blacks look younger than they used to. Don't they? Like the policemen. What's happening here?

We asked a couple of the guys if they'd had a chance to do any sight-seeing while they were here. Yes, they'd been to Euro-Disney. So, you see, there really is something to do in Paris.

Tonight we'll speed down to the Eden Park bar before the game. On the way to the ground we will sing 'Carter y va marquer'. We will chant 'Allez All Blacks!" We will revel.