Dan Carter=Champion

Daniel Carter: World's Best Player.

Seriously.

I know it is easy to name a fly-half as the world's best simply due to the heavy influence they have on the game, but Carter really is the world's best. His first game back from injury and from France showed he hadn't been softened up by the French. His final penalty that gave the All Blacks the win was very well taken and he looked as cool as ever.

It is sad to see Australia lose all of their games so far this Tri-Nations campaign. Australia looked fantasic during the internationals of June, much better than New Zealand looked. But, once again, they cannot hang onto a lead. They started strong against the All Blacks twice so far and also against the Springboks, but have nothing in the win column to show for it.

Now, will South Africa be able to play as well away from home as they did with the advantage? My answer: yes. They might not go undefeated, but they will win the Tri-Nations. Australia's mountain is too much for them to climb and New Zealand would have to hope for a few bonus point victories coupled with an Aussie turnaround or Springbok crash.

In other news, it is fantastic to see Jonny Wilkinson back to his old self in France! Most people love Jonny, although Conner does not like him because everything is always "Jonny this and Jonny that," and he has a point, but he can rival Carter for the title of best player. He has one of the best boots in world rugby and is the toughest fly-half of them all when it comes to tackle time.

As for this weekend's upcoming game, with hosts Australia and visitors South Africa, there is no choice but to hand South Africa another victory. Australia is looking at injuries to Barnes and Sharpe, two of their top players, in addition to Mortlock, who is already gone. Now lets see if Habana can stretch his legs for the first time this year!

One note on Tom Williams' suspension: good job getting it reduced. Fake blood is a serious offense but a full year is ridiculous, especially since he was placed in the position to fake the injury, and did not do it on his own. The Harlequins' staff created that idea, and have been justly punished.

~Tyler