All Blacks v Wallabies
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The All Blacks rugby selectors have stuck with the starting lineup who successfully opened the tri-nations series in Cape Town for their second match against Australia here on Saturday. The only change, as expected, comes on the reserves bench where Waikato lock Mark Cooksley replaces Canterbury's Chris Jack.
Jack came into the squad when Cooksley injured his shoulder a few days before the season's first test against Samoa on June 16.
New Zealand opened their tri-nations campaign with a 12-3 win over South Africa on July 22.
Australia lost 15-20 to the Springboks in Pretoria a week later and have never won at Carisbrook, the test venue. The match kicks off at 2.30pm
New Zealand
Jeff Wilson, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu, Pita Alatini, Tony Brown, Justin Marshall, Ron Cribb, Taine Randell, Norm Maxwell, Troy Flavell, Reuben Thorne, Greg Somerville, Anton Oliver (captain), Carl Hoeft. Reserves: Mark Hammett, Carl Hayman, Mark Cooksley, Marty Holah, Leon MacDonald, Andrew Mehrtens, Byron Kelleher.
Jack came into the squad when Cooksley injured his shoulder a few days before the season's first test against Samoa on June 16.
New Zealand opened their tri-nations campaign with a 12-3 win over South Africa on July 22.
Australia lost 15-20 to the Springboks in Pretoria a week later and have never won at Carisbrook, the test venue. The match kicks off at 2.30pm
New Zealand
Jeff Wilson, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu, Pita Alatini, Tony Brown, Justin Marshall, Ron Cribb, Taine Randell, Norm Maxwell, Troy Flavell, Reuben Thorne, Greg Somerville, Anton Oliver (captain), Carl Hoeft. Reserves: Mark Hammett, Carl Hayman, Mark Cooksley, Marty Holah, Leon MacDonald, Andrew Mehrtens, Byron Kelleher.
Australia has made three changes for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations rugby test against New Zealand in Dunedin, with Stephen Larkham back at first five-eighth.
Justin Harrison replaced suspended second rower David Giffin while New South Wales flanker Phil Waugh replaced his Waratah teammate David Lyons on the bench.
Larkham is back after an arm injury kept him out of the deciding test against the British and Irish Lions and the opening Tri-Nations loss to South Africa.
``It's pretty clear why Harrison and Larkham have been named, but on the bench but we thought the inclusion of Phil Waugh would give us some new options for this match,'' coach Eddie Jones said.
``Once again, anyone who misses out is unlucky and that certainly is the case with David Lyons but he'll travel with the team to assist management.''
Jones said Waugh's commitment at training has been outstanding.
He said the prospect of two world class open side flankers on the field at once is a real possibility.
``I think seeing George Smith and Phil Waugh playing together would be something special to watch but we'll just have to wait and see,'' Jones said.
Waugh, the Australian Super 12 player of the year, was looking forward to being a part of the team which is out to break a 96-year drought at Carisbrook.
``I'm just happy to be in the 22 and facing the challenge of the All Blacks in Dunedin, it's always an honour to be picked for Australia,'' Waugh said.
With Larkham back, Manuel Edmonds drops out of the 22 with Flatley moving back to the bench.
Australia: Matthew Burke, Andrew Walker, Daniel Herbert, Joe Roff, Nathan Grey, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan, Toutai Kefu, George Smith, John Eales (captain), Justin Harrison, Owen Finegan, Rod Moore, Michael Foley, Nick Stiles.
Justin Harrison replaced suspended second rower David Giffin while New South Wales flanker Phil Waugh replaced his Waratah teammate David Lyons on the bench.
Larkham is back after an arm injury kept him out of the deciding test against the British and Irish Lions and the opening Tri-Nations loss to South Africa.
``It's pretty clear why Harrison and Larkham have been named, but on the bench but we thought the inclusion of Phil Waugh would give us some new options for this match,'' coach Eddie Jones said.
``Once again, anyone who misses out is unlucky and that certainly is the case with David Lyons but he'll travel with the team to assist management.''
Jones said Waugh's commitment at training has been outstanding.
He said the prospect of two world class open side flankers on the field at once is a real possibility.
``I think seeing George Smith and Phil Waugh playing together would be something special to watch but we'll just have to wait and see,'' Jones said.
Waugh, the Australian Super 12 player of the year, was looking forward to being a part of the team which is out to break a 96-year drought at Carisbrook.
``I'm just happy to be in the 22 and facing the challenge of the All Blacks in Dunedin, it's always an honour to be picked for Australia,'' Waugh said.
With Larkham back, Manuel Edmonds drops out of the 22 with Flatley moving back to the bench.
Australia: Matthew Burke, Andrew Walker, Daniel Herbert, Joe Roff, Nathan Grey, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan, Toutai Kefu, George Smith, John Eales (captain), Justin Harrison, Owen Finegan, Rod Moore, Michael Foley, Nick Stiles.
RUGBY-TRI-BURKE
BURKE SAYS ALL BLACKS UNDER MORE PRESSURE
NZPA Correspondent
Sydney, Aug 8 NZPA - Fullback Matt Burke believes his Wallabies will be under less pressure than the All Blacks in their Tri-Nations rugby test at Carisbrook on Saturday.
The All Blacks have not lost to Australia in Dunedin in 12 tests and Burke said that could weigh heavily on the New Zealand players' shoulders.
``I don't think history has a great deal of bearing,'' Burke told the PlanetRugby website.
``In fact, I think they'll be under more pressure than us as they wouldn't want to spoil their record.''
Before former coach Rod Macqueen took over as Wallabies coach, Australia were on an eight-match losing streak, spanning three years, against their trans-Tasman rivals.
However, the Wallabies have won five of the last seven Bledisloe Cup tests.
``Confidence has a lot to do with it,'' Burke said.
``We still have respect for the All Blacks, but we know a lot about their play having played against them so often of late.''
He said the world champions remained upbeat despite the 15-20 loss to South Africa in Pretoria.
``We can take positives from the loss. But it would've been nice to have continuity in that match, which we didn't have when you look at the stats.''
Since the advent of the Tri-Nations in 1996, Burke has been fullback in 10 of the 12 tests against New Zealand, amassing 115 points from five tries, six conversions and 26 penalties.
He said it would feel strange to not mark injured All Blacks fullback Christian Cullen.
In a column on the same website, former Springboks coach Nick Mallett predicted Burke and New Zealand first five-eighth Tony Brown would be the likely matchwinners.
``Both are excellent goalkickers and so it will come down to the referee,'' Mallett wrote.
``Sadly this aspect of rugby has not achieved the consistency and accuracy of interpretation that is required it make it an easier game to play and coach.''
Mallett leaned towards the All Blacks winning a close test, believing the Wallabies would struggle to adjust to the ``rugby conditions'' in Dunedin.
``Carisbrook is probably the most vociferously pro-All Black ground in all New Zealand. For the entire week, the Aussies will be told `Welcome to Dunedin, but you're going to lose on Saturday'.
``ACT have generally struggled against the Highlanders in the `House of Pain' and that will also weigh heavily on the minds of the Brumby-dominated squad.''
However, Mallett said the Wallabies couldn't be as lethargic as they were in Pretoria.
BURKE SAYS ALL BLACKS UNDER MORE PRESSURE
NZPA Correspondent
Sydney, Aug 8 NZPA - Fullback Matt Burke believes his Wallabies will be under less pressure than the All Blacks in their Tri-Nations rugby test at Carisbrook on Saturday.
The All Blacks have not lost to Australia in Dunedin in 12 tests and Burke said that could weigh heavily on the New Zealand players' shoulders.
``I don't think history has a great deal of bearing,'' Burke told the PlanetRugby website.
``In fact, I think they'll be under more pressure than us as they wouldn't want to spoil their record.''
Before former coach Rod Macqueen took over as Wallabies coach, Australia were on an eight-match losing streak, spanning three years, against their trans-Tasman rivals.
However, the Wallabies have won five of the last seven Bledisloe Cup tests.
``Confidence has a lot to do with it,'' Burke said.
``We still have respect for the All Blacks, but we know a lot about their play having played against them so often of late.''
He said the world champions remained upbeat despite the 15-20 loss to South Africa in Pretoria.
``We can take positives from the loss. But it would've been nice to have continuity in that match, which we didn't have when you look at the stats.''
Since the advent of the Tri-Nations in 1996, Burke has been fullback in 10 of the 12 tests against New Zealand, amassing 115 points from five tries, six conversions and 26 penalties.
He said it would feel strange to not mark injured All Blacks fullback Christian Cullen.
In a column on the same website, former Springboks coach Nick Mallett predicted Burke and New Zealand first five-eighth Tony Brown would be the likely matchwinners.
``Both are excellent goalkickers and so it will come down to the referee,'' Mallett wrote.
``Sadly this aspect of rugby has not achieved the consistency and accuracy of interpretation that is required it make it an easier game to play and coach.''
Mallett leaned towards the All Blacks winning a close test, believing the Wallabies would struggle to adjust to the ``rugby conditions'' in Dunedin.
``Carisbrook is probably the most vociferously pro-All Black ground in all New Zealand. For the entire week, the Aussies will be told `Welcome to Dunedin, but you're going to lose on Saturday'.
``ACT have generally struggled against the Highlanders in the `House of Pain' and that will also weigh heavily on the minds of the Brumby-dominated squad.''
However, Mallett said the Wallabies couldn't be as lethargic as they were in Pretoria.
RUGBY-TRI-NZ-N/L
SMITH PROMISES MORE ATTACKING PLAY FROM ALL BLACKS
By Harris Choy of NZPA
Dunedin, Aug 8, NZPA - All Blacks coach Wayne Smith today promised more attacking play against Australia than the team showed against South Africa in last month's Tri-Nations rugby series opener.
He said there was no danger of his players remaining in that defensive mode against the champion Wallabies in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations test at Carisbrook.
``I think you've got two teams with pretty attacking mindsets, so it's going to be interesting,'' Smith said today after retaining the same starting 15 that beat the Springboks 12-3 in wet and difficult conditions in Cape Town on July 22.
In the only change to the squad, Waikato lock Mark Cooksley will replace Canterbury's Chris Jack on the bench.
With his height and weight advantage over other locks in the side, the 2.03m-tall, 123kg Cooksley is likely to come off the bench sooner rather than later in the game.
``We want to have a look at Mark now that he's got an opportunity off the bench -- he should be important to us I would imagine,'' Smith said.
Cooskley played the last of his nine tests in 1994 against Australia -- two years after his debut. He last played for the All Blacks on a tour of Britain in 1997, and provides more experience than Jack.
``Yes, that was a factor. If we lost someone in the first five minutes he's good man to come on,'' Smith said.
Cooksley missed the first four tests this season because of an injured shoulder after he was named in the 22 for the first test of the season against Samoa on June 16.
Smith resisted changes in three key positions: at fullback, where Leon MacDonald remains on the bench despite injecting sharpness when he replaced an unwell Jeff Wilson at Cape Town; at halfback, where home-town boy Byron Kelleher may be sharper with his passes but lacks the experience and leadership of Justin Marshall; and at lock, where Troy Flavell was retained ahead of Cooksley and Jack.
``It was a pretty gutsy performance (against the Springboks). We've got the personnel, we've just got to do the little things right and hit our straps on the day,'' Smith said.
``It's fair to say our attitude in Cape Town was very defensive and it had been built up that way because of the (wet) conditions during the week and on the day of the match.
``We decided that if it was going to be a battle of attrition, then we'd try to win the physical and the defensive battle and that's where we put all our energy.''
Smith didn't think the team would remain in that defensive mode but provide a more balanced attack-defence game against an Australian side that have shown few weaknesses in their recent tests.
``I'm a believer that it's hard to separate your attack and defence,'' Smith said.
``Generally, if you take the initiative in defence it tends to flow over into your attack and also you're not the ones getting hurt. You're not the ones taking the knocks -- you're the ones playing with confidence.''
He said there was no reason why Saturday's game wouldn't be similar to the two exciting clashes between the trans-Tasman rivals last season, both of which were decided in the dying minutes.
The Australian side were also announced today and Smith saw nothing to surprise him.
The Wallabies brought back a fit-again first five-eighth Stephen Larkham and slotted in Justin Harrison for suspended lock David Giffin.
``He's a great player and a great five-eighth, slightly different to (Elton) Flatley,'' Smith said of Larkham.
``They generate a lot of play off him, so we're expecting a few more variations.
``He tends to pop up in different positions and slides across field to find his runners, which changes the way they attack, so he'll create problems for us -- no doubt about that. It's our job now to try to shut him down.''
Smith said Harrison was one of the form players of the Super 12.
``He showed against the Lions that he's up with the skills.'' Smith said.
Teams:
New Zealand: Jeff Wilson, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu, Pita Alatini, Tony Brown, Justin Marshall, Ron Cribb, Taine Randell, Norm Maxwell, Troy Flavell, Reuben Thorne, Greg Somerville, Anton Oliver (captain), Carl Hoeft. Reserves: Mark Hammett, Carl Hayman, Mark Cooksley, Marty Holah, Leon MacDonald, Andrew Mehrtens, Byron Kelleher.
Australia: Matthew Burke, Andrew Walker, Daniel Herbert, Joe Roff, Nathan Grey, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan, Toutai Kefu, George Smith, John Eales (captain), Justin Harrison, Owen Finegan, Rod Moore, Michael Foley, Nick Stiles. Reserves: Brendan Cannon, Ben Darwin, Matt Cockbain, Phil Waugh, Elton Flatley, Chris Latham, Chris Whitaker.
SMITH PROMISES MORE ATTACKING PLAY FROM ALL BLACKS
By Harris Choy of NZPA
Dunedin, Aug 8, NZPA - All Blacks coach Wayne Smith today promised more attacking play against Australia than the team showed against South Africa in last month's Tri-Nations rugby series opener.
He said there was no danger of his players remaining in that defensive mode against the champion Wallabies in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations test at Carisbrook.
``I think you've got two teams with pretty attacking mindsets, so it's going to be interesting,'' Smith said today after retaining the same starting 15 that beat the Springboks 12-3 in wet and difficult conditions in Cape Town on July 22.
In the only change to the squad, Waikato lock Mark Cooksley will replace Canterbury's Chris Jack on the bench.
With his height and weight advantage over other locks in the side, the 2.03m-tall, 123kg Cooksley is likely to come off the bench sooner rather than later in the game.
``We want to have a look at Mark now that he's got an opportunity off the bench -- he should be important to us I would imagine,'' Smith said.
Cooskley played the last of his nine tests in 1994 against Australia -- two years after his debut. He last played for the All Blacks on a tour of Britain in 1997, and provides more experience than Jack.
``Yes, that was a factor. If we lost someone in the first five minutes he's good man to come on,'' Smith said.
Cooksley missed the first four tests this season because of an injured shoulder after he was named in the 22 for the first test of the season against Samoa on June 16.
Smith resisted changes in three key positions: at fullback, where Leon MacDonald remains on the bench despite injecting sharpness when he replaced an unwell Jeff Wilson at Cape Town; at halfback, where home-town boy Byron Kelleher may be sharper with his passes but lacks the experience and leadership of Justin Marshall; and at lock, where Troy Flavell was retained ahead of Cooksley and Jack.
``It was a pretty gutsy performance (against the Springboks). We've got the personnel, we've just got to do the little things right and hit our straps on the day,'' Smith said.
``It's fair to say our attitude in Cape Town was very defensive and it had been built up that way because of the (wet) conditions during the week and on the day of the match.
``We decided that if it was going to be a battle of attrition, then we'd try to win the physical and the defensive battle and that's where we put all our energy.''
Smith didn't think the team would remain in that defensive mode but provide a more balanced attack-defence game against an Australian side that have shown few weaknesses in their recent tests.
``I'm a believer that it's hard to separate your attack and defence,'' Smith said.
``Generally, if you take the initiative in defence it tends to flow over into your attack and also you're not the ones getting hurt. You're not the ones taking the knocks -- you're the ones playing with confidence.''
He said there was no reason why Saturday's game wouldn't be similar to the two exciting clashes between the trans-Tasman rivals last season, both of which were decided in the dying minutes.
The Australian side were also announced today and Smith saw nothing to surprise him.
The Wallabies brought back a fit-again first five-eighth Stephen Larkham and slotted in Justin Harrison for suspended lock David Giffin.
``He's a great player and a great five-eighth, slightly different to (Elton) Flatley,'' Smith said of Larkham.
``They generate a lot of play off him, so we're expecting a few more variations.
``He tends to pop up in different positions and slides across field to find his runners, which changes the way they attack, so he'll create problems for us -- no doubt about that. It's our job now to try to shut him down.''
Smith said Harrison was one of the form players of the Super 12.
``He showed against the Lions that he's up with the skills.'' Smith said.
Teams:
New Zealand: Jeff Wilson, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu, Pita Alatini, Tony Brown, Justin Marshall, Ron Cribb, Taine Randell, Norm Maxwell, Troy Flavell, Reuben Thorne, Greg Somerville, Anton Oliver (captain), Carl Hoeft. Reserves: Mark Hammett, Carl Hayman, Mark Cooksley, Marty Holah, Leon MacDonald, Andrew Mehrtens, Byron Kelleher.
Australia: Matthew Burke, Andrew Walker, Daniel Herbert, Joe Roff, Nathan Grey, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan, Toutai Kefu, George Smith, John Eales (captain), Justin Harrison, Owen Finegan, Rod Moore, Michael Foley, Nick Stiles. Reserves: Brendan Cannon, Ben Darwin, Matt Cockbain, Phil Waugh, Elton Flatley, Chris Latham, Chris Whitaker.
FETCHED BY PEGDEN ON 09-AUG-01,07:52: NEW FILE NAME IS BLAX09-PEGDEN-WTE
RUGBY-TRI-NZ-D/L
OTAGO PAIR KEY TO NZ DEFENCE
By Harris Choy of NZPA
Dunedin, Aug 9 NZPA - Otago's Taine Randell and Tony Brown have been entrusted the All Blacks' trickiest task of closing off Wallabies George Gregan and Steve Larkham in Saturday's rugby test.
The Brumbies inside back players have developed the most lethal combination of any test side, with their ability to pop up anywhere or slide out at midfield to put a runner through the best of defences.
Most international coaches believe halfback Gregan and first five-eighth Larkham form the most dangerous combination of any test side.
All Blacks first five-eighth Brown says the best way to stop the Wallabies in Saturday's Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup clash at Carisbrook is to deny them ball supply and space in the inside backs area.
The alternative, he says, is to tackle them first time.
Every Super 12 and international team has struggled with the pair's acute angles and cutback passes that have cracked the best defence walls in the game.
More remarkable is the fact that they have been able to put any player, back or forward, through the holes.
Fullbacks Matt Burke and Chris Latham, wingers Joe Roff and Andrew Walker, midfielders Daniel Herbert and Nathan Grey and even loose forward Owen Finegan have scored from their play.
``Attacking around the first five-eighth area nowadays is the safest and the easiest way to get over the advantage line,'' Brown told NZPA yesterday.
``Australia do it very well, they're probably the best at it of any team. They target a lot of their attacks through that area and they bring all sorts of players into the game like that.
``It's an area we have to be really strong on defence this week. We've been doing a lot of defensive drills to shore up that area.''
While Brown's sound all-round game and dynamic defence has again kept Andrew Mehrtens waiting to crack his 50th test, Randell is making his mark at openside flanker after a fair shot at No 8 and No 6.
``That's definitely one of the strengths of their game,'' Randell said of the Wallabies' halfback-first five combination.
``They run angles very well. The way they operate -- they seem to encourage everyone in the team to have a go, and they do it very well.''
Ten of Randell's 44 tests have been against the Wallabies and he has an astonishing record at Carisbrook, where the Wallabies have yet to win.
Randell has won 94 percent of the games he has played there, home ground for both him and Brown.
``It's a huge record,'' he said.
Brown, whose nine tests of 13 have been as a substitute, will start in a major test at Carisbrook for the first time on Saturday.
The little settlement of Kaitangata in South Otago, where he was raised, is expected to come to a standstill for the 2.30pm kickoff.
``I'm expecting a few friends to come up,'' Brown said. ``Mum's in Stewart Island and dad lives in Balclutha, they'll be coming up for the game and so as my two brothers -- pretty much all my family will be there so it'll be a special occasion for me.''
Brown regards Larkham as the best first-five in the world and is keen to gauge himself against the elusive-running Australian.
``He'll dictate what Australia do and I'll dictate what New Zealand will do, but you don't often come up one-on-one in the game, so it'll be more of a technical battle.
``I never really had a major test as a first-five and sort of always wondered in the last few years if I was good enough. It's definitely pleasing to be able to mix it with the best. The All Blacks have won all the games this year, so that makes it easier.''
RUGBY-TRI-NZ-D/L
OTAGO PAIR KEY TO NZ DEFENCE
By Harris Choy of NZPA
Dunedin, Aug 9 NZPA - Otago's Taine Randell and Tony Brown have been entrusted the All Blacks' trickiest task of closing off Wallabies George Gregan and Steve Larkham in Saturday's rugby test.
The Brumbies inside back players have developed the most lethal combination of any test side, with their ability to pop up anywhere or slide out at midfield to put a runner through the best of defences.
Most international coaches believe halfback Gregan and first five-eighth Larkham form the most dangerous combination of any test side.
All Blacks first five-eighth Brown says the best way to stop the Wallabies in Saturday's Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup clash at Carisbrook is to deny them ball supply and space in the inside backs area.
The alternative, he says, is to tackle them first time.
Every Super 12 and international team has struggled with the pair's acute angles and cutback passes that have cracked the best defence walls in the game.
More remarkable is the fact that they have been able to put any player, back or forward, through the holes.
Fullbacks Matt Burke and Chris Latham, wingers Joe Roff and Andrew Walker, midfielders Daniel Herbert and Nathan Grey and even loose forward Owen Finegan have scored from their play.
``Attacking around the first five-eighth area nowadays is the safest and the easiest way to get over the advantage line,'' Brown told NZPA yesterday.
``Australia do it very well, they're probably the best at it of any team. They target a lot of their attacks through that area and they bring all sorts of players into the game like that.
``It's an area we have to be really strong on defence this week. We've been doing a lot of defensive drills to shore up that area.''
While Brown's sound all-round game and dynamic defence has again kept Andrew Mehrtens waiting to crack his 50th test, Randell is making his mark at openside flanker after a fair shot at No 8 and No 6.
``That's definitely one of the strengths of their game,'' Randell said of the Wallabies' halfback-first five combination.
``They run angles very well. The way they operate -- they seem to encourage everyone in the team to have a go, and they do it very well.''
Ten of Randell's 44 tests have been against the Wallabies and he has an astonishing record at Carisbrook, where the Wallabies have yet to win.
Randell has won 94 percent of the games he has played there, home ground for both him and Brown.
``It's a huge record,'' he said.
Brown, whose nine tests of 13 have been as a substitute, will start in a major test at Carisbrook for the first time on Saturday.
The little settlement of Kaitangata in South Otago, where he was raised, is expected to come to a standstill for the 2.30pm kickoff.
``I'm expecting a few friends to come up,'' Brown said. ``Mum's in Stewart Island and dad lives in Balclutha, they'll be coming up for the game and so as my two brothers -- pretty much all my family will be there so it'll be a special occasion for me.''
Brown regards Larkham as the best first-five in the world and is keen to gauge himself against the elusive-running Australian.
``He'll dictate what Australia do and I'll dictate what New Zealand will do, but you don't often come up one-on-one in the game, so it'll be more of a technical battle.
``I never really had a major test as a first-five and sort of always wondered in the last few years if I was good enough. It's definitely pleasing to be able to mix it with the best. The All Blacks have won all the games this year, so that makes it easier.''
RUGBY-TRI-AUST-D/L
FOLEY SAYS YOUNG WALLABY FRONT ROW HAS THE GOODS
By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA
Sydney, Aug 9 - Wallabies hooker Michael Foley has defended his young props against claims by former All Black Andy Haden that they would be Australia's weak link in Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby test at Carisbrook on Saturday.
Veteran Foley, 34, is considered Australia's best scrummaging technician. He told NZPA that the Wallabies were disappointed with their set piece performance in the 15-20 loss to South Africa in Pretoria.
However, he said familiarity with the All Blacks' front row would be a major advantage to young loosehead prop Nick Stiles of Queensland and inexperienced New South Wales tighthead Rod Moore.
``In Pretoria we came up against an opposition they hadn't faced many times,'' Foley said.
``We weren't at all happy with how we scrummaged but (Springboks prop) Cobus Visagie hadn't played for a couple of years and we didn't know much about the hooker (Lucas van Biljon).
``As young guys I'm very pleased with how Nick and Rod are going but I think they realise that at test level the changes you have to make are far greater than probably the next level down.
``We're definitely looking for an improved performance on Saturday. We acknowledge the Otago boys have got a fantastic combination up front and are a difficult scrum to play against but at least we've had some experience of it before.''
Haden told The Australian newspaper that he was surprised the Lions didn't use their best scrummaging front row in the recent series.
``The Wallabies front row is hanging on by its fingernails ... New Zealand will target them there,'' said Haden, who believed the All Blacks would be unbeaten this season going into the Tri-Nations' final match at Stadium Australia on September 1.
``People who say the All Blacks have lost an edge up front haven't seen what I've seen in 2001,'' he said.
``They've got a hardness and resolve about them that they didn't have last year and it comes from having had enough of coming second. They've been through their darkened day.''
Foley, the second-most capped Australian forward behind John Eales with 43 caps, will turn to coaching next year but wanted to ensure he left the Australian front row stocks in a healthy state.
``We've got a lot of promising young players but there isn't a lot of experience there. For now, it's a matter of these guys trying to learn as much as possible in every game they play,'' he said.
Jeremy Paul was to be the starting Wallabies hooker this season but an injury in the opening Lions test handed Foley a final-season bonus.
The Queenslander said Paul would evolve into a world class hooker while props Bill Young and Ben Darwin had plenty of talent. Former Argentine international Patricio Noriega was a good short-term propping remedy when he returned to full fitness.
Foley predicted the All Blacks lineout, which rarely contested South African throws in Cape Town, would be out to make his life miserable on Saturday.
``Norm Maxwell stands out for me as one of the best defensive lineout forwards going around. He's a guy who will be a factor,'' Foley said.
``New Zealand has the personnel there. (Ruben) Thorne's very good at the back and (Troy) Flavell is competent at winning his own ball.
``From game to game a lineout may not function but that can only be because of small things.''
He said throwing in had returned to the pinpoint difficulty levels of pre-1995, when lifting was not allowed.
``In those days you had to drop right on your jumper because everyone was going up, it was a bit of a dockyard brawl,'' he said.
``When lifting came in it became easy because nobody was competing. But now people are adapting to the rules and realising there is a good chance to contest the ball.''
The Wallabies were to arrive in Dunedin today, seeking to avoid suffering consecutive test losses in a season for the first time since 1997.
Ironically, that year the losing double was Dunedin and Pretoria.
FOLEY SAYS YOUNG WALLABY FRONT ROW HAS THE GOODS
By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA
Sydney, Aug 9 - Wallabies hooker Michael Foley has defended his young props against claims by former All Black Andy Haden that they would be Australia's weak link in Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby test at Carisbrook on Saturday.
Veteran Foley, 34, is considered Australia's best scrummaging technician. He told NZPA that the Wallabies were disappointed with their set piece performance in the 15-20 loss to South Africa in Pretoria.
However, he said familiarity with the All Blacks' front row would be a major advantage to young loosehead prop Nick Stiles of Queensland and inexperienced New South Wales tighthead Rod Moore.
``In Pretoria we came up against an opposition they hadn't faced many times,'' Foley said.
``We weren't at all happy with how we scrummaged but (Springboks prop) Cobus Visagie hadn't played for a couple of years and we didn't know much about the hooker (Lucas van Biljon).
``As young guys I'm very pleased with how Nick and Rod are going but I think they realise that at test level the changes you have to make are far greater than probably the next level down.
``We're definitely looking for an improved performance on Saturday. We acknowledge the Otago boys have got a fantastic combination up front and are a difficult scrum to play against but at least we've had some experience of it before.''
Haden told The Australian newspaper that he was surprised the Lions didn't use their best scrummaging front row in the recent series.
``The Wallabies front row is hanging on by its fingernails ... New Zealand will target them there,'' said Haden, who believed the All Blacks would be unbeaten this season going into the Tri-Nations' final match at Stadium Australia on September 1.
``People who say the All Blacks have lost an edge up front haven't seen what I've seen in 2001,'' he said.
``They've got a hardness and resolve about them that they didn't have last year and it comes from having had enough of coming second. They've been through their darkened day.''
Foley, the second-most capped Australian forward behind John Eales with 43 caps, will turn to coaching next year but wanted to ensure he left the Australian front row stocks in a healthy state.
``We've got a lot of promising young players but there isn't a lot of experience there. For now, it's a matter of these guys trying to learn as much as possible in every game they play,'' he said.
Jeremy Paul was to be the starting Wallabies hooker this season but an injury in the opening Lions test handed Foley a final-season bonus.
The Queenslander said Paul would evolve into a world class hooker while props Bill Young and Ben Darwin had plenty of talent. Former Argentine international Patricio Noriega was a good short-term propping remedy when he returned to full fitness.
Foley predicted the All Blacks lineout, which rarely contested South African throws in Cape Town, would be out to make his life miserable on Saturday.
``Norm Maxwell stands out for me as one of the best defensive lineout forwards going around. He's a guy who will be a factor,'' Foley said.
``New Zealand has the personnel there. (Ruben) Thorne's very good at the back and (Troy) Flavell is competent at winning his own ball.
``From game to game a lineout may not function but that can only be because of small things.''
He said throwing in had returned to the pinpoint difficulty levels of pre-1995, when lifting was not allowed.
``In those days you had to drop right on your jumper because everyone was going up, it was a bit of a dockyard brawl,'' he said.
``When lifting came in it became easy because nobody was competing. But now people are adapting to the rules and realising there is a good chance to contest the ball.''
The Wallabies were to arrive in Dunedin today, seeking to avoid suffering consecutive test losses in a season for the first time since 1997.
Ironically, that year the losing double was Dunedin and Pretoria.
Go the All Blacks !!!!
I don't know if I will be having a bet on this game. I think that I will just sit back and enjoy what should be a good test match.
I don't know if I will be having a bet on this game. I think that I will just sit back and enjoy what should be a good test match.
Call me patriotic but the Aussies will have to do very well to win this game, and I can't see them doing that, the Aussies under their new coach Eddie Jones do not appear to be the Aussies of recent years.
I see them getting hammered and the new coach coming under a heap of criticism
-4.5 is a steal, 1.55 is also a great price.
Must add my record on here is a dismal 0-2 which is why I shut the #### up most of the time! I await Anders views before I will commit any hard earned $$
I see them getting hammered and the new coach coming under a heap of criticism
-4.5 is a steal, 1.55 is also a great price.
Must add my record on here is a dismal 0-2 which is why I shut the #### up most of the time! I await Anders views before I will commit any hard earned $$
It's a coming ...
Preview some time tomorrow but what the hey, sneak preview ahoy...
I fancy a wager upcoming on the ABs at -4.5
Preview some time tomorrow but what the hey, sneak preview ahoy...
I fancy a wager upcoming on the ABs at -4.5
A fancy wager. Don't confuse a old guy. I guess I can always ask Reds, what the heck your doing.
Tri-Nations Rugby
All Blacks v Wallabies, Carisbrook
All Blacks -4.5
We constantly talk in betting about getting a team in "a good spot". I believe that's what the hosts are in here.
The All Blacks are still a long peg away from becoming world-beaters. But they have been a solid unit in the international season to date, exemplified by their gritty opening Tri-Nations win in South Africa. Now they host an Australian team at a venue that has them 12-0 SU against their trans-Tasman rivals and one that has only seem them lose twice in All Black history - both times v the British Lions.
Coach Wayne Smith has kept a settled first-choice side, resisting the temptation to play the likes of Andrew Mehrtens and Byron Kelleher. He has stuck with Tony Brown at first five, with his defensive qualities seen as a key against the close to the ruck Brumbies-style attack of new coach Eddie Jones which revolves around George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and Owen Finnegan.
Brown will also be instructed to ensure the damaging attacking capabilities of Jonah Lomu, Tana Umaga, Doug Howlett and Jeff Wilson get more exposure. The Aussie midfield back pairing of Daniel Herbert and Nathan Grey were shown up quite often v the Lions in their torrid series so Umaga and sidestepper Pita Alatini will be keen to have a crack.
Up front, the All Blacks aren't as dominant as the packs of old but Carl Hoeft, Anton Oliver and Greg Somerville are solid and the Wallaby front-row of Rod Moore, Michael Foley and Nick Stiles (under an injury question mark) are not a formidable opponent.
It's a tough time for Jones in his second match. The Wallabies were fortunate to win the Lions series - I thought the beaten side were a better team overall - and it seems some players are coming to the end of their international careers and maybe sliding down the other side of the hill. Obviously John Eales is aware of this himself, announcing his retirement for the end of the year, but Toutai Kefu and Owen Finnegan look short of international pace this season while even Matthew Burke doesn't appear to be the player he once was. The threat of another openside on the bench in Phil Waugh I think confirms Jones' concerns.
If the All Blacks can improve their lineout work - they must contest the opposition throw because Australia certainly will, they have the firepower to cause Australia problems. Look for them to target Larkham too after his return from injury - I imagine Lomu, Reuben Thorne, Norm Maxwell and Oliver will all have a run at the invaluable pivot in the early stages.
The ABs seem to have a growing fierceness and fire about them that has been lacking in recent years and know a win here will keep 3 millions fans happy and set them up for a series win.
PLAY ALL BLACKS -4.5
GLTA
All Blacks v Wallabies, Carisbrook
All Blacks -4.5
We constantly talk in betting about getting a team in "a good spot". I believe that's what the hosts are in here.
The All Blacks are still a long peg away from becoming world-beaters. But they have been a solid unit in the international season to date, exemplified by their gritty opening Tri-Nations win in South Africa. Now they host an Australian team at a venue that has them 12-0 SU against their trans-Tasman rivals and one that has only seem them lose twice in All Black history - both times v the British Lions.
Coach Wayne Smith has kept a settled first-choice side, resisting the temptation to play the likes of Andrew Mehrtens and Byron Kelleher. He has stuck with Tony Brown at first five, with his defensive qualities seen as a key against the close to the ruck Brumbies-style attack of new coach Eddie Jones which revolves around George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and Owen Finnegan.
Brown will also be instructed to ensure the damaging attacking capabilities of Jonah Lomu, Tana Umaga, Doug Howlett and Jeff Wilson get more exposure. The Aussie midfield back pairing of Daniel Herbert and Nathan Grey were shown up quite often v the Lions in their torrid series so Umaga and sidestepper Pita Alatini will be keen to have a crack.
Up front, the All Blacks aren't as dominant as the packs of old but Carl Hoeft, Anton Oliver and Greg Somerville are solid and the Wallaby front-row of Rod Moore, Michael Foley and Nick Stiles (under an injury question mark) are not a formidable opponent.
It's a tough time for Jones in his second match. The Wallabies were fortunate to win the Lions series - I thought the beaten side were a better team overall - and it seems some players are coming to the end of their international careers and maybe sliding down the other side of the hill. Obviously John Eales is aware of this himself, announcing his retirement for the end of the year, but Toutai Kefu and Owen Finnegan look short of international pace this season while even Matthew Burke doesn't appear to be the player he once was. The threat of another openside on the bench in Phil Waugh I think confirms Jones' concerns.
If the All Blacks can improve their lineout work - they must contest the opposition throw because Australia certainly will, they have the firepower to cause Australia problems. Look for them to target Larkham too after his return from injury - I imagine Lomu, Reuben Thorne, Norm Maxwell and Oliver will all have a run at the invaluable pivot in the early stages.
The ABs seem to have a growing fierceness and fire about them that has been lacking in recent years and know a win here will keep 3 millions fans happy and set them up for a series win.
PLAY ALL BLACKS -4.5
GLTA
