Preview: Australia v New Zealand

VENUE & TIME: ANZ Stadium, Saturday 26 July, 8.05pm AEST.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 152 – New Zealand 103, Australia 44, Draw 5.
LAST TIME: July 21, 2007 (Auckland) – New Zealand 26-12 Australia.

WALKING WOUNDED: Skipper Stirling Mortlock was ruled out on Tuesday due to the effects of a head knock suffered in his side's 16-9 triumph over the Springboks in Perth on Saturday night. Mortlock is to be replaced by Western Force centre Ryan Cross who filled in admirably after the skipper was forced from the field early in the second half against the world champs, while Timana Tahu shuffles onto the bench - George Smith will lead the side for the second time in his illustrious Test career. Lock Dan Vickerman returns to the squad having made a successful return from recent ankle surgery through the club-rugby ranks. The All Blacks must also enter the match minus their skipper after inspirational flanker Richie McCaw was officially ruled out on Wednesday making way for Blues flanker Daniel Braid to make his first appearance in All Blacks colours since 2003. McCaw is expected to be back in time for next week's return clash in Auckland. Meanwhile, dual international Brad Thorn returns from suspension at lock as one of five changes to the starting XV that lost to the Springboks in Dunedin.

FORM: The Wallabies kept their try line in tact against the Springboks in what was an impressive defensive display. The Australians also showed glimpses of what they are capable of with the ball in hand under new coach Robbie Deans crossing on either side of the interval to set up a fourth-consecutive win since the Kiwi coach assumed control of the side last month. The All Blacks could not repeat their first-up win over the Springboks in Wellington falling to the world champions in Dunedin in a thrilling encounter. The absence of key forwards McCaw and Thorn was surely a factor but despite being forced to field a number of relative newcomers Graham Henry's men still had every chance to win the match and remain a serious force to be reckoned with.

WHO'S HOT: Rocky Elsom earned man-of-the-match honours in his side's last-start triumph but his backrow partners George Smith and Wycliff Palu weren't far behind him. Diminutive duo Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes were at the forefront of the Wallabies' superb defensive display against the 'Boks while winger Lote Tuqiri was strong in all aspects of the game upon his return from a knee complaint. Dan Carter was his typically brilliant self in his side's opening two Tests of the Tri Nations campaign against the Springboks, while the rampaging Ma'a Nonu continues to confirm his standing among the premier midfield runners in world rugby. Loose forward Sione Lauaki also made a significant impact off the bench in the All Blacks narrow last-start loss.

WE THINK: The Wallabies are a side full of confidence following an unbeaten beginning to the Deans era and have every chance of continuing their winning ways against the mighty 'Blacks on Saturday night. New Zealand appears to hold the advantage in the tight-five and will no doubt look to dominate the much-improved Wallabies scrum, but otherwise the sides appear very evenly matched. Matt Giteau and opposite number Carter will have a huge say in