Australia's legendary leg spin bowler Bill O'Reilly often said a well trained collie dog could coach a cricket team. When watching the All Blacks in recent times, one often wondered if the same applied with rugby sides. The New Zealand players were so well functioned, so rigid in their beliefs, so determined in winning and so talented, it just needed someone to herd them together. Just get them on the paddock in time for kick-off. No wonder it appeared at times All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has been in cruise control, with the players giving him the best armchair ride of all. But at last, Hansen is under pressure, and New Zealanders will finally discover if he has proper coaching nous. After being conclusively out-coached by his Wallabies opposite Michael Cheika in Sydney, Hansen will have to provide something more than smart-alecky lines, and deliberate attempts to provoke the referee, to get a stuttering All Blacks unit operating again.

And it is clear that Cheika has the All Blacks second guessing. While Hansen took delight in playing mind-games with Robbie Deans, who never bit back, and Ewen McKenzie, who also stuttered a bit in the off-field banter, he is obviously more cautious in taking on Cheika, who is far more unpredictable and far more streetwise. Hansen has met his match. Those watching the warm ups before the Sydney Test took note that Hansen was fascinated by some of the Australian drills. Having the All Blacks looking over their shoulder is exactly how the Wallabies want it. It is now time to take advantage of that. But after Cheika's bewildering team selections, including in picking Quade Cooper at No.10 and Wycliff Palu at No .8 as well as no specialist back-up half-back, you have to ponder whether he is suddenly feeling sorry for Hansen.

Waratahs not one big happy family

Waratahland is yet again going through a Loony Tunes phase. It's is just over a year since the Waratahs won the Super Rugby title, but it hasn't taken long for head office to lose its bearings. Many disenchanted employees have left in recent weeks, with a big, big name likely to depart before Christmas due to his exasperation at the intervention of ARU chief executive Bill Pulver pushing his personal preferred governance and organisational structure mantra through the NSW Rugby Union and the Waratahs. A Waratahs board member told colleagues recently: "I really don't care what happens out there any more. I've had a gutful of all the politicking going on." While some major sponsorship deals are suddenly in serious jeopardy, it appears Waratahland also knows nothing about media relations. Numerous reporters who cover club rugby were astounded that they did not know anything about the Catchpole Medal function, where the Shute Shield's best player is announced, until some time after the event. The invitations were clearly lost in the mail or didn't even make it to the post box. That's why it only got scanty coverage. Then again what do you expect when one of the most important officials at NSW recently told club representatives not to have anything to do with the press, 'because they're our enemies.' Then again moronic statements from NSW officials are all the rage at the moment.

Several Waratahs players were surprised that the Matt Burke Cup function - where NSW's best player is announced - was held on the weekend of the club semi-finals, thus restricting some of those involved being able to really enjoy the night as they were playing the following day. To which a supposedly media savvy NSWRU official told them: "Well they could have moved the club semi-finals. The Matt Burke Cup is far more important." The same official was heard saying that when told that the media was surprised about the Catchpole Medal shutout: "Who cares about the Catchpole Medal. It's not that important."

And with such dunderheads involved, you wonder why rugby struggles to get publicity.

Auckland and Aussies just don't mix

With the Wallabies having a fair chance of at last breaking the 1986 Eden Park hoodoo, here are some favourites from past Ruck'n Maul columns explaining the trials and tribulations of Auckland visits. Queensland prop Glenn Panoho was involved in Australia's horrific 34-15 loss to New Zealand in Auckland in 1999. His most vivid memory of that trip? "I remember when I arrived in Auckland and went to an automatic teller machine. I put my card in and up flashed three All Blacks front-rowers. I just couldn't get away from them." And New Zealanders just love playing mind games with their Australian counterparts. Former representative coach Peter 'Fab' Fenton was at the Auckland Test in 2003 when a New Zealand walked up to him and asked if he wanted to be in a $200 sweepstake. "Mate, you gotta pick the winner and also be nearest to the correct score," Fenton said. "No problem, I'll get both of them spot on." The Kiwi came back. "No, don't get it dead right. It's nearest the correct score. If you get the correct score, we don't pay." Only in New Zealand.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen may have met his match in Michael Cheika © Getty Images

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Ticket prices leave fans with bitter taste

There were some interesting conversations among those at the Wallabies' win at ANZ Stadium last weekend. Many were amazed how quiet the Wallabies supporters were - with the thought that as they had been scarred so many times before by Australian teams losing their way, they are actually frightened to cheer in fear of being embarrassed. Also there were many quibbles from punters about having to pay exorbitant ticket prices for what were pretty average seats. The ARU should watch themselves. They need to look after their fan base, especially as they are stinging the lower levels of the game with player levies.

NRC mascots preparing for season launch

The National Rugby Championship is almost upon us, and there's already excitement among the provinces about potential mascots. The North Harbour Rays have sprinted out of the blocks, and been in contact with several Chinese manufacturers to make them a Stingray mascot suit. Due to concerns about potential rashes and heat stroke, they are currently giving several suits a test run. There is even a suggestion that the Stingray mascot will do some of his pre-game rev-up while swimming around an aquarium. It depends on the budget, but the aquarium may have to be downsized to a child's wading pool. The Rays other mascot - Mac Warrior - from Macquarie University has found himself caught up in a bit of controversy. Mac Warrior impressed NRC crowds last year when he braved the chill bare chested and wearing just a kilt. However some thought this was a bit too provocative, and this year he has been urged to wear a T-shirt. A Rays spokesman said this week: "We know there are some Rays female and male supporters really filthy and blowing up deluxe that he has to cover up, but we're thinking of the welfare of the kiddles." And an update on the Warringah Rattie, who became a Youtube hit last year when he crashed and pulled his hamstring during last year's mascot race when his pants fell down. The Rays have done a whiparound and have bought Rattie a pyjama cord.

Whispers of the week

- A Wallaby player has discovered it was not smart to nod off during a recent team meeting. Now he is well and truly on the outer.

- An ARU official is on his second warning for dumb behaviour after calling a leading club official "uneducated.'

- The regular appearance of an ARU official in the Wallabies team photographs this year has led to bickering, with a high ranking ego maniac from ARU HQ upset that he is not allowed to be photographed with the players. A pathetic jersey tugger or what?

- Is it really true a bumbling Waratahs staffer has upset numerous players by nominating them for the Cleo Bachelor of the Year award without their approval? The players include several who are in long-term relationships, and are understandably less than impressed. It hasn't help life on the home front.

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