Tri-Nations Cup: Wallabies vs All Blacks - Match Preview
The Wallabies host the All Blacks in the final of the Tri-nations Cup 2011 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on August 27. This will be the second time in the tournament when the top two sides of the world will face each other. The last time they had an encounter
in Auckland on August 6, the All Blacks dominated with a comprehensive margin of 30-14. Both teams are well prepared for the decisive match because this will be their last chance to assess their strengths and weaknesses before Rugby World Cup 2011.
The sides have already had an extensive campaign in the ongoing cup and have won two games each after three outgoings. The defeats came when the All Blacks lost a match to the Springboks whereas the Wallabies were downed by the All Blacks. Both sides are
standing exactly at the same spot which was expected before the start of the Tri-Nations Cup 2011. The Boks had been ruled out by most rugby pundits due to the heavy injury to key players.
During the tournament the All Blacks continued on their journey of getting better, the Springboks went from bad to worse and the Wallabies had not made any big shift in their performance. The Wallabies did get a chance to cool the criticism they were receiving
after facing a humiliating defeat by Samoa on July 17, in a Tri-Nations warm-up match. They came out of the dark and grabbed a huge victory against the Springboks.
As far as the upcoming clash is concerned, the All Blacks have got a big psychological advantage over the Wallabies. They have won nine matches against the Wallabies in their last 10 encounters. The Australian side has managed to defeat the All Blacks on
just one occasion in 2010, while playing in Hong Kong.
New Zealand has made a few changes to their side for this particular match. Making the announcement of the 22 players for Tri-Nations final, Graham Henry told the media that he will go in with a full strength squad. He re-called Richie McCaw and Dan Carter
back into the side after resting them against the Boks. Sonny Bill Williams was excluded from the playing squad as he was failed to deliver during the last contest of the All Blacks against the Springboks.
Australia has also made a few notable changes in their side and they will be going with a new captain on to the field. Rocky Elsom, who led the side during three games, was replaced with James Horwill. James O’Connor will miss the clash due to a one match
suspension imposed ARU.
Quade Cooper, James Horwill, Will Genia and Kurtley Beale will the key men for Wallabies. Meanwhile, Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu, Richie McCaw and Owen Franks are expected to be crucial for the All Blacks.
Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Anthony Fainga'a, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Radike Samo, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 James Horwill (c), 4 Dan Vickerman, 3 Ben Alexander, 2
Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements: 16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Salesi Ma'afu, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Ben McCalman, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Luke Burgess, 22 TBA.
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu,
1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew h**e, 17 John Afoa, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Isaia Toeava.
Tags: