It wasn't on tv here but I think the London tournament will be. It will be interesting to see how NZ reacts and plays in London having won the series but losing the last two cup finals to South Africa. I watched the Tokyo final match this weekend and SA played very well, very strong. NZ is a little out of sorts (for them) with injuries and working new players into the line-up but, as you note, the Boks have had the same problems throughout the season. At this point, I'd see SA as the favorite to win in Moscow (and I really hope that will be televised).
The USA has beaten Fiji twice now and a win against Argentina, too, is very impressive. The coaching has been much better this year and we're playing better. Avoiding relegation was huge and I hope we keep up the momentum.
Last thoughts on the All Blacks: I think they've played their older stars too long and for too many minutes. They remind me of the old Celtics. They play the game the way it's supposed to be played and (historically) execute better than anyone else but it was hard to break up Parrish, McHale, Bird, etc. and they waited too long to do it and/or to integrate younger players with significant minutes. NZ has relied upon Cama (my favorite player EVER), Forbes, and Mikkelson in a similar manner and now, instead of folding new players in seamlessly, they've gotten hit with injuries and age and have had to struggle a little (which for them means winning the series but losing the last two cup finals!). Their young players are talented and they should be scary next year.
