THE Wallabies are bracing for the return of injured All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and New Zealand's most dangerous speedster, Sitiveni Sivivatu, for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland on July 18.
While the Wallabies, who assemble in Sydney tomorrow for a training camp, are expected to make just one change with Wycliff Palu scheduled to regain his No.8 Test spot, they are anticipating the return of numerous notable All Blacks for the Tri Nations opener.
While McCaw missed the three recent Tests against France and Italy with a right knee injury, he explained yesterday that he was now primed for the Tri Nations, and his two-month absence would not be a liability.
"I've had a good couple of weeks of actual fitness stuff," McCaw said.
"As long as you know exactly what you have to do out on the field, after a couple of games you come right."
McCaw's return will have him against George Smith, who at Eden Park will become the fourth Australian player to reach the 100-Test milestone.
The All Blacks have also begun to ensure that one of their most penetrating attacking players, Sivivatu, is fit for the match, involving him in two club games at the weekend.
Sivivatu had not played since the Super 14 finals series where he dislocated his shoulder, but he was one of 10 All Blacks who appeared for their clubs on Saturday, doubled up in reserve and first grade. The All Blacks selectors take the view that if Sivivatu is fit, he will play, knowing that the Wallabies are wary of his attacking danger.
While Luke McAlister will be the Test five-eighth because Stephen Donald is unavailable, there is uncertainty who out of Jimmy Cowan and Brendon Leonard will be the New Zealand halfback. While Leonard is the more talented playmaker, Cowan is the better scrapper and is well attuned to what is required in tense Bledisloe Cup fixtures.
The Wallabies are anticipating that Cowan will be in the run-on team, knowing how much he loves antagonising Australians.
The Wallabies are also set to take to Auckland the bulk of the team that travelled there last August and failed to make an impact when thrashed 39-10.
There is a sense of deja vu about the Eden Park Test because the All Blacks are again under threat, because of poor form, and the Wallabies are supposedly on the rise.
It will become a true gauge of where the Wallabies are, and how much they have learnt in the interim because at least 12 Australian players who were in last year's starting XV are scheduled to run on again. The only change to the pack should be Richard Brown as the blindside breakaway for Phil Waugh, while Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell are expected to be the wingers.
LIKELY TEAMS
WALLABIES
Adam Ashley-Cooper; Lachie Turner, Stirling Mortlock (c), Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell; Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
ALL BLACKS
Mils Muliaina; Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko; Luke McAlister, Jimmy Cowan; Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (c), Jerome Kaino, Brad Thorn, Isaac Ross, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
No comments:
Post a Comment