Through the week I caught some of the action from the Mitre 10 Cup, the revamped National Provincial Championship from New Zealand. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect. I know they have a plethora of rugby that keeps the masses entertained over there, but what I found was some really good footy.

It was fast, it was energetic, it was precise and I can see why there is a direct correlation between this competition and the national team: that's where it all starts.

Paul Asquith of the Western Sydney Rams is tackled by Canberra Vikings player Joe Powell during an NRC match. Credit:Getty Images

To be fair, it actually starts In the younger age groups where everybody wants to represent their country; it's drilled into their psyche.

But it's this hard-edge competition where they learn to play upbeat, up-tempo rugby. The Mitre 10 Cup has been running for years (under a few different guises) and has history on its side. I understand that rugby is the national game in New Zealand, yet the standard doesn't diminish across the teams. It's right up there. There is a pride to play the best they can. The structure doesn't deviate too much from the big boys and I'm sure All Blacks coach Steve Hansen could easily pluck out a player, if needed, to make the jump to international football.