New Zealand tomorrow. Assume crash position.

The dust settled a couple of weeks ago and South Africa found they had won. Wales found themselves genuinely (and rightfully) disappointed that they hadn't won. James Hook had gifted the Boks a 7 pointer by throwing an interception pass, and this followed us hospitably surrendering a 10 point head start in the opening moments of the game. Wales clawed back the deficit, dominating the breakdown in the second half and getting with 5 points, but simply ran out of time. Plus points we bullied the Boks forwards in open play (the first time I've ever seen that) but on the downside our line out fell apart in the second half.

So tomorrow brings The All Blacks and all is gloom in the Valleys or at least that sample of the Valleys I communicate with via Gwladrugby.com. A "reaming" is expected. Flags fly at half mast. The Ravens have left Cardiff castle.

We struggled past a poor Canada last Friday although ours was a B side. I "watched" the game on a Gwlad thread on my Blackberry under the table at a posh dinner party. It was dreadful to watch even as text! This does not bode well is the received opinion on Gwlad.

Poor Katherine Jenkins hit the papers this week as she has been banned from singing the anthem before a game. Poor Katherine. Wonder if it was anything to do with the new £10m contract she has signed and the fee demands from her new record company as they look to recoup on a 360 basis from Katherine's live performances. I suspect her fees have just gone up. Still we'll miss her. She's lovely.

Even Katherine wont be of any help against the ferocious All-Blacks what with their nasty new Haka and all. But I shall be travelling in hope. It is 30 years since Andy Haden jumped out of the lineout in 1978 to cheat us of victory. Its about time we avenged that. Fingers crossed and Faggots and Chips to look forward to for lunch.