For a match which has nothing riding on it, there's certainly no shortage of interest in tonight's test match between the All Blacks and the Wallabies. The Tri-Nations was won three weeks ago, and the Bledisloe Cup wrapped up even earlier, but Australia's last-gasp win at Bloemfontein a week ago has breathed life into this contest.
The All Blacks will be desperate to continue the dominance over their trans-Tasman rivals. The Wallabies will be cock-a-hoop after last week's win, and keen to stem the bleeding; a loss tonight, and Robbie Deans will have sole ownership of the worst-ever losing sequence by an Australian coach against New Zealand. More importantly perhaps is the momentum which the winning team will take into end-of-season tours, and ultimately, into World Cup year.
There are some interesting selections in the All Black side, and we reckon Henry and co have one eye on the future. Israel Dagg gets a start ahead of Joe Rokocoko on the left wing. Victor Vito caps an impressive season with a Tri-Nations start on the blindside. And then there's the #10 jersey.
Part of us is in a high state of excitement at the prospect of Aaron Cruden's first test match start. The other part of us is a little bit nervous. There's little doubt that Cruden has talent in bucketloads, but equally he's no Dan Carter - yet. He will have to be at the very top of his game tonight. If he can dictate the game, the All Blacks will undoubtably win.
Cruden's job will certainly be easier with Hurricanes players inside and outside of him. iri Weepu has been a transformed player this season although doubts still linger over his ability to clear the ball quickly, and Ma'a Nonu is in the form of his life; he's matured, and is a far better player for that.
The All Black forwards should dominate, and that should give Weepu and Cruden the platform they need; should. We have no doubt that the All Blacks will be looking to play a high-tempo, high-intensity match, and even though they squeaked home, the Wallabies faded in the second half of both South African matches. Remember, the Bloemfontein match was only won because of South Africa's inability to shut the match down in the dying minutes. The trip home and short turnaround won't have helped.
This should be a cracking match, but unfortunately we won't be watching live as we're off with Inventory Jnr to watch the 'Nix beat Sydney FC tonight. MySky has already been set however! We'll tip a win to the All Blacks, and a new record for Aussie Bob Deans.
1 comments:
Its hard to believe Dagg is on the wing despite his good showings as a replacement. Shades of Christian Cullen and will it lead to a drop in Daggs form? I would like to have seen him at fullback as he is every bit the equal of Muliaina.
Cruden is an unknown quantity and much will depend on the service he gets from Weepu who must pass the ball to him, not run over and give it to him. If the ab's lose it will be because it breaks down at 9,10 and 12.
Vito will be interesting. Elsom will be a good benchmark to gauge him on.
Good to see Own Franks back - how did he get offside with Henry?
I am off to the Walkabout on the Thames embankment for a look. It will be loud and full of Aussies, Yarpies and New Zealanders.
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