What a tournament it has been! 48 tries in eight games so far. Some have lamented a lack of old-school grit and grind but we reckon an average of three tries per team, per game, is about right. It certainly looks like the new law interpretations are taking us in the right direction.
The first question is: What exactly is at stake here? At first glance, not a whole lot. The Tri-Nations was decided three weeks ago and we knew the Bledisloe Cup was staying in New Zealand two weeks before that.
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The most obvious answer is national pride. Ask any of the players or coaches involved and they won't hesitate in emphasising the importance of every Test match.
That said, this match is probably more important for Australia, who need to build some winning momentum after almost throwing victory away for a second straight week in Bloemfontein.
Australia vs New Zealand
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We don't need to tell you how long it's been since Australia beat their rivals from across the ditch - but we will anyway, just to make our point. A losing streak of nine straight Tests against New Zealand does not sit well with the Wallaby faithful. Dig a little deeper and the record shows just two wins in seventeen starts. As the REM song goes, "everybody hurts sometimes." (OK, we'll stop now).
Another defeat this weekend would see Robbie Deans' men set a new record for consecutive defeats against New Zealand, beating the old mark set from 1936-47. (Really, time to stop)
After burying their Highveld hoodoo, the time seems right to finally get one over the Kiwis.
The next question is: What's in it for the All Blacks? Of course, none of the above means the men in black won't be giving it 100 per cent. On the contrary, there will be a handful of fresh faces lining up for the Haka that will want to make a big impression.
Top of that list is Aaron Cruden, who is the heir apparent to Dan Carter's throne. Having Hurricanes team-mates on either side of him will certainly help him feel at home. With five out seven in the NZ back-line being 'Canes, continuity shouldn't be a problem.
One of three full-backs in this week's starting line up, Israel Dagg is pushing hard for a spot in the first-choice XV. Victor Vito will want to take grip on a place in the squad before Graham Henry and co. get any ideas of recalling favourites from the past.
It'll also be a special day for Richie McCaw, who will move past Sean Fitzpatrick as the most-capped skipper in New Zealand history.
Assistant coach Steve Hansen, who joined the squad late after leaving his condemned property, says that the recent Christchurch earthquake has "put an extra edge on the Test" as the All Blacks "make sure the time spent away from the people [they] love is worthwhile."
So there seems to be no lack of motivation for the visitors.
Considering the Wallabies' woeful record, the fact that they have just flown across eight times zones and that New Zealand would like nothing more than that to halt any momentum Australia might be gathering a year out from the World Cup, the ensuing question might be: Do the hosts stand a chance?
The answer is a definite 'yes.' We're not sure they will, but they certainly can win. Those two early blitzes in South Africa gave us a taste of what this Wallaby side is capable of - they just have to keep it up for all 80 minutes.
Last updated:11-09-2010
from 12:00 until 14:00
10-09-2010 on 23:52
Tri-Nations
Players to watch:
For Australia: After being shoved off their ball in Bloemfontein and deprived of possession off their own line-out throw at a vital times in Pretoria, the Wallaby set-piece has once again been shown up as a weakness. If the pack can't provide their backs with solid set-piece ball, the cause could already be lost. Salesi Ma'afu in particular could be in for another long evening against Tony Woodcock.
For New Zealand: As is always the case when His Fly-Halfness Dan Carter is absent, the spotlight will be fixed on the All Back number ten jersey. Many have tried, and failed, to live up to the expectations that come with leading the New Zealand back-line but Aaron Cruden has all the skills necessary. There isn't much room for error at this level, so he'll have to learn fast.
Head-to-head: No prizes for guessing who we will pick here - opensides Richie McCaw and David Pocock renew their battle at the breakdown. Both experts at blurring the lines between what is and isn't allowed, he who adapts best to ref Mark Lawrence's interpretations could win the day for his team.
