The weekend that was...

The RWC phony war is well and truly underway, with Tri-Nations and northern hemisphere warm-up internationals competing both for column inches, and our viewing attention.

And what have we learned this weekend?

1. that New Zealand are currently right in the groove, more than a month ahead of when they'll need to be;

2. that no one seems either willing or able to give the All Blacks a decent game - which, if I was a Kiwi, would concern me hugely;

3. that Ireland's strength in depth is surprisingly half-decent;

4. that Scotland's strength in depth just isn't;

5. that Wales look to be in desperate need of a coach who will loosen the tactical straightjacket; and

6. that England in black didn't look so bad after all.