Veteran Aussie rugby commentator Gordon Bray turns up on our screens this year as the face of Six Nations rugby in the southern hemisphere - he talks to the New Zealand Herald's Chris Rattue.
Has Robbie Deans fallen short or is a long-term plan coming together? "Most definitely the latter ... we've become very competitive against New Zealand and should be reaching the desired level at the right time. In that sense he's done an outstanding job. He's learnt about the Australian character and invested in young guys and encouraged them to do their own thing."
The South African coach Peter de Villiers does his own thing, but is that good for the Springboks? "I haven't had a lot to do with him but he certainly wears his heart on his sleeve. He has a lot more knowledge than he is given credit for. But his selections are erratic and his press conferences are all over the place. South Africa's victory against England at Twickenham saved his bacon - but I'm not convinced that was the best outcome for South Africa."
"Do you like the new Super Rugby format? "South Africa has been greatly disadvantaged in the past because of the travel involved. And it should encourage tribal rivalries, something the competition has lacked a bit. The Melbourne Rebels, with their coach Rod Macqueen back in the frame, could be a surprise package. They have a lot of journeymen but Macqueen picks players who can really forge a culture. I've seen him turn average players into very, very good players particularly when he started with the Brumbies. He will produce something special over the next few years."
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