THE SOCCEROOS should take a bow. We have for the first time ever qualified for two successive world cups. It has been an extraordinary achievement. Thank goodness we no longer have to endure the heartwrenching last ditch qualifing games anymore (Iran circa 97, Uruguay circa 01, 05). The move into Asia has meant the team gets to play regular matches together against better opposition and place in the World Cup finals determined by a host of matches from cold Sydney nights at the Olympic Stadium to blistering desert conditions in the Middle East rather than a one-off home and away leg. the move has meant more important games at home and literally millions of dollars extra for the national body.

LOTE TUQIRI shock, horror has been left out two weeks in a row from the Wallabies squad showing a) Dingo Deans doesn’t give a Kiwi bird’s arse how much he’s being paid and b) in all honesty there are better contenders for wing spots that Lote.

 On the subject of players being left out the Tele ran a story last week about Lote and Timana playing club rugby. In this morn’s Herald mentions how Phil Waugh is one of five members of the Wallabies squad and one of 40 Super rugby players running around for their clubs today. Hmmm, can you imagine that instead of these players going to club rugby they were going to a smaller, higher level competition? Wouldn’t it be fantastic to see these guys playing with and against each other while the Test season played out? Instead of some players here and there as well as a few playing in Brissy and Perth comps. Another argument for our national club comp Mr O’Neill.

 THE WALLABIES while they aren’t going to South Africa next year (well they are but not for soccer) they’re performance last week was one of the best season openers in a long while. Gits and Barnes operating as first and second five-eighths makes Australia that much better and their tactical kicking was spot on. O’Connor is truly a freakish talent and alongside Lachie Turner will electrify our backline play. Add in a few injuried forwards and we have a decent shot at the Tri-Nations.