Tri-Nations cracker on the cards

By TOBY ROBSON in Auckland - The Dominion Post

Last updated 05:00 18/07/2009

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NO HISTORY: Australian captain Stirling Mortlock doesn't think history will be a factor in the first Tri-Nations test at Eden park.

Australia are taking on the glow of a Robbie Deans-coached side and that is perhaps the biggest threat to the All Blacks' chances. Crusader-like catch cries have emanated from the Wallabies camp in recent days as they try to convince themselves they can break a 23-year Eden Park drought.With Deans alongside him, Australia captain Stirling Mortlock spoke yesterday of building, growing and moving forward."The group, the nucleus of the squad has grown a lot," he said. "Our understanding and clarity of what we are trying to achieve has improved and that shows in our training and our mentality."Under Robbie the group has learnt that leadership is not just about one or two or three people driving, that it's about the whole group."Had the jerseys been red and black it could have been a Crusaders press conference in the Deans era.That's a scary thought, considering a win usually followed the next day and it is obvious the Wallabies believe that will happen tonight despite not having won in Auckland since 1986.Asked if history was a factor, Mortlock said: "It shouldn't be."The reality is some of these sort of hoodoos or patterns form in sport and the reality is they get broken."Australia's confidence and the uncertainty that has swirled around the All Blacks are why the match shapes as the closest and most enthralling trans-Tasman clash for years.While Australia have done their best to swagger into town, the All Blacks have assumed the demeanour of a stubborn toddler told lollies will have to wait till morning tea.When it was suggested that the Wallabies had a superior kicking game, coach Graham Henry said: "They can kick from 9, 10, 12 and 13, and even their two wings are good kickers."We're aware of that and we've practised accordingly."I guess they're all quality players and I guess it's hard to leave them out," he added, on Deans' selection of three opensides."I guess they might be concerned about our No7 as well and might double-team him at some stage, which shows a lot of respect for what we're trying to do as well."Henry's humour is not arrogance, but the understated Kiwi version of Australia's less subtle confidence.There is no doubt the All Blacks' body language has changed drastically since the loss to France, with senior players Rodney So'oialo and Andrew Hore stamping their mark.None has been more noticeable than first five-eighth Stephen Donald, who has struck the ball sweetly in practice this week and gained a confidence since being chosen to start ahead of Luke McAlister.Donald will be key. With thunderstorms circling Eden Park overnight, rain is likely and the first-five's kicking, both at goal and for position must be better than his last effort in Wellington.

The Wallabies halves, Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes, have impressive kicking games, the former capable of winning the match on his own.

In Wycliff Palu, George Smith and Richard Brown they have a quality loose trio and there is plenty of pace and flair out wide.

The tactical battle is clear. Australia have gone for pace across the ground, while the All Blacks will diffuse the bombs and fight in the trenches.

But has Deans misread the landscape?

Under the ELVs the Wallabies have a team that would thrive on the breakneck aerial ping pong and quick taps.

How will it fare though, without free kicks and against All Blacks who appear to be backing their physicality and a lineout that has become a force under the calling of lock Isaac Ross.

The beauty of this match is that nobody is quite sure how it will pan out.

KEY AREAS:

TACTICAL KICKING

Australia appear to have an edge, with the boots of Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes in the halves providing options on both sides of the rucks. The All Blacks don't possess quite the same all-round kicking game, with Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Sitiveni Sivivatu not known for their boots. The All Blacks will need to be at their best to defuse the barrage of bombs and cross kicks that will inevitably come their way. It will be the quality of the kick and chase that will decide who wins the game of force-back and who gets the most set pieces in the opposition's half to attack from.

THE LINEOUT

The All Blacks' set piece has gone from strength to strength under rookie caller Isaac Ross, and they have superior height to the Wallabies, who have opted for shorter, faster loose forwards in George Smith and Richard Brown. Expect the All Blacks to kick for touch and back their lineout and possibly even to bust out a few old-school rolling mauls with hooker Andrew Hore buried in the middle.

THE BREAKDOWN

Perhaps the most crucial area of all. Richie McCaw's return gives the All Blacks a presence at the tackle they badly missed in the opening three tests of the season. His battle with George Smith will be worth the price of admission. But it's not just one on one, with the Wallabies having Richard Brown on the blindside and Phil Waugh and David Pocock waiting in the wings. If McCaw dominates the breakdown this time, his legend will rise to giddy heights and the All Blacks will probably win.

HOW THEY LINE UP

Where and when: Eden Park, Auckland 7.30pm today

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ma'a Nonu, Stephen Donald, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Jason Eaton, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko.

Australia: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Lachie Turner, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander, Dean Mumm, Phil Waugh, David Pocock, Will Genia, James O'Connor.

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

TV: Sky Sport 1, 7.35pm

TAB: All Blacks $1.62, Australia $2.2.