Australia 25 New Zealand 32 Andrew Mehrtens exorcised a malevolent rugby spirit here yesterday.The New Zealand outside-half has carried a cruel burden for the past year. A little over 13 months ago Mehrtens missed an injury-time drop goal which would have given the All Blacks victory in the World Cup final against South Africa in Johannesburg.That miss inevitably sent New Zealand tumbling to an unlikely extra-time defeat in Ellis Park and, inevitably, questions were asked about the Canterbury stand-off's ability to cope with the pressures of Test-match rugby. But yesterday, in no less trying circumstances, Mehrtens answered his critics as he sealed a brilliant New Zealand second-half comeback to capture the inaugural Tri-Nations title.The All Blacks had seemed to be sliding towards defeat before Mehrtens stepped in to alter the course of an epic match. Trailing 22-9 on the hour, Mehrtens followed his captain Sean Fitzpatrick's no-nonsense instructions to attempt a long-range penalty goal. Won't take spin."The judge eventually tired of Boycott's anecdotes about Brian Close and told him to clam up, admonishing the lawyer who had called him that his witness was "getting out of hand" Mr Justice French, the BBC needs you.. What a shame that Court TV has not taken off in this country: it would have been fun to watch Boycs probing his lawyer's brief with a car key: "Nay, lad, you'll never get a conviction out of that Not a result brief, that.

It would seem that even wearing the white coat of authority, he is still not sure where the off stump is.Meanwhile Geoffrey Boycott was holding forth in the High Court, in a manner familiar to all BBC viewers. What a man.Michael Atherton was given out lbw by Peter Willey, to his evident consternation. It was a decision best described in cricket terms as questionable - which in layman's terms means "diabolical" Easily explained, though. In Willey's later years as a batsman he used a stance so contorted that on taking guard at the wicket he asked the umpire for "middle and square leg, please". "The great thing about that stuff is that you can apply it anywhere," Benaud observed Gower was unsure. "I'm told that there are one or two spots where it is advisable not to use it," he said. Benaud was adamant: "It works anywhere." One got the impression that Richie pops a can of Ralgex on the bedside table to treat any nocturnal malfunctions in the nether regions of the popping crease.

The pain of it showed in Smith's face, and we will see that look of confusion again and again in the coming days. Sadly, the spotlight has been turned away from the stars.What a relief to be able to switch from the grim scenes in Atlanta to the peaceful greenery of Lord's, where a traditional England collapse was under way. With half the summarising crew in the dock for Imran v Botham, or "Gorillagate", Richie Benaud and David Gower were left to carry the flag between them. Running short of material as the luncheon interval approached, they decided to discuss the efficacy of the "magic spray".

Men and women who have been training for years find that in their moment of glory they are denied the attention and adulation that they deserve. Graeme Smith needed consolation even after winning a bronze medal. When he was interviewed by Sue Barker hours afterwards, she was concerned to get his reactions to the bomb. But the poor man, on the greatest day of his sporting life, hadn't been out of the Olympic village and had no reactions to give.This is where the terrorists hurt those who escape injury. It is a difficult challenge for the television presenters, requiring tact, common sense, a light touch, and great empathy with the feelings of the viewer.