The flight to Wellington over the weekend for the new All Black squad must have been like being on cloud nine. All 31 had been on the blower over the previous 24 hours and were told the news, they're off to the UK to retain the rugger World Cup.

They were on their way to the Beehive to listen to the political palaver, kicked off by by the Sports Minister Jonathan Coleman who looks more suited to a stethoscope than a rough and tough game of rugger. Apparently though this Auckland Grammer old boy did kick the ball around in his youth and even had outings with a world champion rugby team, made up of politicians and hangers on.

Parliament's in recess this week so the political turnout was mainly limited to Wellington MPs. Prissy Peter Dunne who's shown a few deft moves in his time was there, along with Trevor Mallard who once told world cup organisers to stick a bottle of Heineken where the don't don't shine.

Angry Andy Little was putting in his bob's worth along with Teflon John Key who's already told Ritchie McCaw a knighthood's in the mail, regardless of the cup outcome.

Key was guiding his right hand with caution as he grabbed the significant paw of McCaw which can make a rugby ball look like a cricket ball. There wasn't going to be a repeat of the three wayer he had after McCaw was handed the Cup four years ago at Eden Park. It still rankles with him when he's reminded of it. He tells those poking the borax to have a close look at the video of the handshake that initially began as a finger massage.

To set the record straight I've again examined the encounter in slow mo and Teflon John has every right to be defensive.

It goes like this: McCaw gets handed the cup but as it happens there's a moment that looks as though he's about to go in the for handshake. Instead he takes the cup and immediately his hand's extended to Key but IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset gets there first with what turns out to be a rather effeminate clutch of McCaw's index finger.

Key's committed though and manages to engage with the captain's pinkie and ring finger and a sort the massage ensues. At that point he should have pulled out, but he perseveres and Lapasset withdraws and the full clinch is complete. Finally the cup's held aloft at the completion of the lovefest.

If they retain it then the three will be centre stage again, this time in London, but what's the bet this time, they'll take their turn?