31/07/2008 12:16 PM
VENUE & TIME: Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday 2 August, 5:35pm AEST.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 153 – New Zealand 103, Australia 45, Drawn 5.
LAST TIME: July 26, 2008 - Australia 34-19 New Zealand.
WALKING WOUNDED: Having been named in the team for the second Test, fullback Leon MacDonald suffered a recurrence of concussion problems and was forced out while hooker Andrew Hore was expected to recover from his hip pointer injury while halfbacks Jimmy Cowan and Andrew Ellis were in a race to be fit for consideration. Cowan suffered a broken nose and a knee injury while Ellis had a rib injury. Australian captain and centre Stirling Mortlock returns to the side and adds greatly to its defensive capabilities. Flanker Rocky Elsom was unable to be considered due to an injury he suffered in Sydney.
FORM: Australia clearly heads the form rating with its convincing win in Sydney and will only be strengthened by Mortlock while the choice of Phil Waugh to partner George Smith will only increase the mobility of the side. With the confidence boost from the first Test win the Australians will only be tougher second time around as they seek a rare Test win on Eden Park. The All Blacks had an off day, especially with their handling, and also in tactical judgment. They had the possession and they created the line breaks so they were not without form but that handling was the concern.
WHO'S HOT: First five-eighths Dan Carter was not only hot, but on fire in Sydney and demonstrated his class when shining under the conditions. He can expect extra attention after the Australian analysis is completed, but from his side he can also expect greater support and the return of McCaw will be a decisive link in that happening.
Matt Giteau is as much of a key man for the Australians and has already formed a cohesive link with second five-eighths Berrick Barnes. Wing Lote Tuqiri also loomed large but there is no doubting the greatest Australian impetus came from the loose forwards where Smith was supreme while No.8 Wycliff Palu was consistently strong. New Zealand's front row was impressive and more of the same can be expected up front.
WE THINK: The momentum is certainly with Australia after its bonus-point try win over the All Blacks in Sydney. But with their backs to the wall, even this All Blacks side which has endured disjointed preparation knows it has a tough task ahead of it. Wet weather may also result in more scrummaging which would suit the All Blacks. But the real key is ball retention, support play and tactical choices and if McCaw can inspire his side to lift its game in these areas then the All Blacks are capable of reversing the result. All Blacks by five.
TEAMS:
New Zealand1 - Tony Woodcock, 2 - Andrew Hore/Keven Mealamu, 3 - Greg Somerville, 4 - Brad Thorn, 5 - Ali Williams, 6 - Jerome Kaino, 7 - Richie McCaw (captain), 8 - Rodney So'oialo, 9 - Jimmy Cowan/Piri Weepu/Andy Ellis, 10 - Dan Carter, 11 - Sitiveni Sivivatu, 12 - Ma'a Nonu, 13 - Conrad Smith, 14 - Richard Kahui, 15 - Mils Muliaina.
Reserves: 16 - Hore/Mealamu, 17 - John Afoa, 18 - Anthony Boric, 19 - Adam Thomson/Daniel Braid,