Dan, Dan, Dan, where for art thou Dan?

Dan, missing lady action at home, has frigged himself into such a frenzy
that he has broken his nether regions. This is bad.

Well, as predicted Dan Carter will not have to be relied on to win us the World Cup. Dan the most outrageously gifted first five we've ever had will again not be around as he's busted. Again.
Cruden's been called up. The few tests he's played have been dire probably due to his youth so can't imagine we'll see him playing at all. Now this is an occasion when the selectors should've addressed this situation a year ago. Nick Evans (the best no. 10 who isn't Sth African) should've been asked to come back a year ago and settle back into the line-up as cover for the inevitably injured Dan. Harsh on Slade maybe, he's done nothing wrong, he just isn't as good as Dan or Mr Evans.
I see the Weepu experiment continued in the second half against Canada. He looks good at 10, but he doesn't have the length, breadth and depth of experience at that position yet. He looks easily the most creative player at that position in our side though and probably will hold down the spot come the big games from here on. Doesn't say much for the other players in the NPC though does it?
Whatever - we have a decent squad and one player has never won a World Cup on their own. Step up boys, everyone can be the national hero now.

My prediction of a Wales v NZ final continues to look fairly safe, well at least on the Wales side of things. We have the tricky task of probably having to beat South Africa who have improved significantly since the tournament began. They have their injury worries too though with the other Steyn being sent home with lady shoulder disease or something.
The Welsh have a huge task against Ireland which I think they will overcome although battered and bruised a bit but should have more than enough to beat whoever blustered around enough to win the England vs France quarter. Both those teams couldn't have done anything more to play less rugby - like watching paint dry. Pity they can't both be eliminated in that quarter.
That'll do for today. You could write novels on this RWC. It has been so blinking good. Amazing games featuring Samoa, Tonga, Canada, the dramas of Scotland vs England and Argentina. Such great rugby on display - the highlights reel will look like one huge string of Kirwan tries strung together. Magic.