The Wallabies Set to Face the All Blacks
The Australia Wallabies are set to face-off against the New Zealand All Blacks this weekend in Melbourne. The game, to take place on the 31st of July, will be the Wallabies second of the 2010 Tri-Nations tournament, while the All Blacks will be participating in their third.
Table
Heading into this weekends clash, the All Blacks sit at the top of the Tri-Nations table with 10 points and a point differential of plus-34. While the Wallabies are currently in second place, after winning their opening match. The victory gave the Aussie club four points and a differential of plus-17. The strong play of the New Zealand and Australian sides have taken their toll on the South African Springboks who are in last place with zero points over three games and a point differential of minus-51.
Tri-Nations so far
The first four matches of the 2010 Tri-Nations tournament have not at all been what experts predicted. The South African Springboks were supposed to break into the competition like gang-busters and dominate their opponents. The results thus far have been the exact opposite, as the Springboks have struggled and the Wallabies and All Blacks look to be in top form.
The All Blacks have been exactly what their International Rugby Board ranking of number one would suggest. They were in complete control over their first two matches of the tournament, absolutely dominating the Springboks at home in Auckland and Wellington respectively. Their complete control helped them to amass 10 points early in the competition, capturing the bonus point in both matches.
The Aussies came into the tournament as the heavy underdogs, a role they have gotten used to over the last six years. However, this year looks to be different, as their first match ended in a resounding victory over the world number two. The Springboks looked undisciplined and slow against a very young and quick Australian side.
Preview
Both the New Zealand and Australian squads were thought to be too small to compete with the large Springboks side. However, their size allowed them to manipulate a much slower South African unit, who were forced into penalties, taking them off their game plan.
The match in Melbourne this weekend should be a speedy affair, in which the back line will play a pivotal role in deciding the game's outcome. Without a great deal of size up front, expect both teams to use their speed in one of the world's most heated rivalries.
The Aussie victory over the weekend added fuel to the fire, in a match that might otherwise have been written off due to the recent quality of the All Blacks. Nevertheless, both countries look to be at the top of their game and ready for a Tri-Nations classic.
Home field advantage should not play a major role, as the All Blacks have faired well in Melbourne over the past few years. Although the home fans should help to pump up the Wallabies, it is unlikely the All Blacks will be as intimidated as the Boks appeared to be at Suncorp Stadium over the weekend.
Line-Up Changes
The Aussies will be hindered by a two-week ban that was handed down to fly-half Quade Cooper. Berrick Barnes is set to come into the fray, as the Wallabies have elected to move Matt Giteau over to fill Cooper’s position. Giteau was strong with his boot against South Africa, registering five penalties, and looks to be the safest option in the middle.
The All Blacks will be helped as Joe Rokocoko is set to return to the line-up, replacing rookie Rene Ranger this weekend. Victor Vito also returns to the line-up, meaning Liam Messam will not be making the trip to Australia.
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