Tri-Nations Cup: Australia Team Preview
Australia once again heads in to the 2010 Tri-Nations cup as the underdog, a title that has become familiar to a squad that has not won the trophy since 2001, and has claimed the least with only two in their history. Unfortunately this year looks to be even more difficult for the Wallabies, as they face an experienced New Zealand side as well as a South African team that many believe is the best in the world.
In the past the Tri-Nations has been dominated by the All Black who have won all but five times in the tournaments 14 year history. The Wallabies have only won twice, back-to-back victories in 2000 and 2001.
However since the Tri-Nations adoption of the three game series instead of two in 2005 Australia is the only country to not have a trophy. The fact that Australia is heading into the tournament ranked third in the world rankings behind South Africa and New Zealand does not help their confidence.
The 2009 Tri-Nations Cup saw Australia finish third, while New Zealand took second and the Springboks took home top prize.
The 2009 tournament started on July 18 in Auckland where the Wallabies were beaten by a steady All Blacks side. They then travelled to Cape Town where they lost to the Springboks 29-17. The Wallabies then moved home where they would play the next three matches, the first against the All Blacks to decide the Bledsoe Cup, which they lost in a nail bitter 19-18. The Wallabies then lost to the Spingboks in Perth before recording their only win of the championships with a 21-6 victory over South Africa in Brisbane. The celebration was short lived however, as the All Blacks hammered the Wallabies in Wellington to the tune of 33-6. Thus putting a cap on what was a very disappointing 2009 Tri-Nations Cup for the Australian side.
The Aussies do not start their 2010 cup until the July 24 when they take on South Africa at home in Brisbane. They then make the move to Melbourne where they attempt to handle the All Blacks. The following week on August 7 they travel to Christchurch to again take on the All Blacks, and then motor over to South Africa for August 28 to play the Springboks in Pretoria.
The Wallabies off on the final day, September 11 at home in Sydney, against the All Blacks.
It is difficult to predict how the schedule will work for the Wallabies as they have not been able to stop New Zealand from beating them at home. If they plan on surprising at this year’s Tri-Nations they are going to have to beat the All Blacks on their own turf. The one thing they do have going for them is their ability to still control the Springboks at home. With that said, if they are able to get the first two games at home in Brisbane and Melbourne they could be in position to challenge for the cup with the final game in Sydney.
Throughout their June tests the Wallabies looked average, however, many believe there is a great deal of young talent on this year’s squad and if they are able to come together they could do some real damage. The difficultly still remains up front, they have sustained injuries and are just not strong enough in the scrum to compete with other top sides.
The one thing the Wallabies do have going for them is their backs. Dynamic backs such as Will Genia and Quade Cooper could put on a show and score a couple trys throughout the tournament. The trouble however will be gaining possession and holding off opponents up front. Without this the backs may not be able to gain the space needed to score points.
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