Karl Du Fresne had a column that was right on the money in todays Dom Post.

For example.  I detect a mood of growing public scepticism and disenchantment, even among rugby fans. You know something has gone seriously wrong when a high- profile sports writer, the New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue, declares we were sold a pup.

and this:   But as Sydney rugby guru Spiro Zavos warns, nothing can be taken for granted. Promoting his book How To Watch The Rugby World Cup 2011, Zavos - a former journalist on this newspaper - says there are half a dozen teams that are capable of winning "on the day".

The All Blacks may be rated the best in the world, but when it comes down to the RWC final, assuming they make it that far, the result may turn on something as fickle as the bounce of the ball or a referee's call.

I like Zavos's laconic response when people ask him who's going to win. "We're having a rugby match to find that out," he tells them.

In the same paper today which may or may not be RWC related this story

It will be five years since they were charged if the trial is delayed until next year, lost forever in the black (pun intended) hole of the NZ justice system, you can check out any time you like but you can never leave.