While rugby union purists will argue there were too many mistakes for the games to be classics, there is no doubt that the intensity and class of the two opening contests of the Tri-Nations were far beyond any other game seen this year, and one could even dispute even that they were the best games seen in years.

The Springboks, who took back the world No.1 ranking from the All Blacks in Dunedin, realistically are in the box seat at this early stage of the competition. It is almost as hard to win in South Africa as it is in New Zealand, and historically all Tri-Nations results show that victory away from home is the ultimate difference between the tournament's champions and the rest of the teams.

The South Africans are the one Tri-Nations team all but unaffected by European exoduses or international retirements – and with the honour of taking the All Blacks' scalp at home, will be in the running with their home leg still to come.

The All Blacks did prove that, despite a new look and inexperienced team, they will defend their Tri-Nations crown visciously, but will need captain fantastic Richie McCaw back – as well as senior second rowers - to compete with the powerful Springbok and Wallaby lineouts. The loss at home to the world champions could go either way in regards to their confidence. It could spur them to take out the Springboks in their own backyard – but they will need to win at least one game either on the Cape or in Australia to claim their ninth title.

The Wallabies are an unknown opposition so far this year. They were lucky to beat a vastly-improved Irish team, while the player roster and on-field performance of Les Bleus in their 2-0 loss to the Wallabies was at best second-rate. This was most apparent when watching the first Test against the Springboks and All Blacks, followed by the second Test of the French Australian tour.

The difference in game speed, intensity and ferocity was massive. The Springboks, completely match-hardened with two top-level games against the All Blacks, will no doubt have the Australians struggling with the initial passion.

The trump card is, of course, Robbie Deans. A coach who was not well schooled on the Irish and French players will have an impressive knowledge of the New Zealand and South African stars through his Kiwi roots and Super 14 experience. Indeed, one-third of the starting All Black team are Crusaders nurtured by “Dingo Deans” and he will pass on his intimate knowledge of Dan Carter and Co. to his Wallaby players.

The Wallabies this year have lost vast experience with the international retirements of George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and the man who was the world’s best back three-quarter, Chris Latham. However, with Stirling Mortlock, Lote Tuquiri and Matt Giteau still present in the Australian backline, they still reek of world XV class – but there are players around them who still have not played against the fury of a Springbok or All Black team.

In the forwards, there is still a feeling of a soft under-belly to the Australian pack. But while questions will always abound regarding their front row, the Wallaby locks are class acts, and Dan Vickerman's expected return will bolster the world’s third-ranked outfit.

In the loose forwards, the Wallabies are the equal of their Southern colossuses. To have two openside flankers of the level of Phil Waugh and George Smith is a true blessing, and Rocky Elsom and Wycliff Palu were in tremendous form in earlier Tests and throughout the Super 14.

Australia's green-and-gold squad are outsiders no doubt, and despite Dean’s provincial pedigree, he has failed at international coaching level before as assistant All Blacks coach. They are playing against opponents who have had two games to show the world their impeccable rugby credentials and so much will hinge with their opening game in Perth.

They will not be embarrassed, but they do not have the arsenal or the firepower to stop either the defending champions or the world champions from taking the 2009 title.