Tri-Nations’ Rugby Series 2010 Final: All Blacks and Wallabies ready to battle
All Blacks and Wallabies will be going into the last match of the Tri-Nations with apparently different reasons. All Blacks have so far won all the matches of Tri-Nations which enable them to win not only Tri-Nations’ title but also the Bledisloe Cup whereas Wallabies have been able to grind victories only against Springboks. All Blacks will be in the mood to finish the Tri-Nations on a high note while Wallabies will be looking to record consolation win against their Trans-Tasman rivals.
New Zealand’s coach, Graham Henry has made five changes for All Blacks’ finale against Australia in Sydney. These changes come as a result of few injuries in the squad as well as Henry’s interest in testing new talent. Daniel Carter has been ruled out of the fixture due to ankle injury and he will be replaced by Aaron Cruden, who will start at fly-half. Carter is hopeful of recovering while Israel Dagg will replace Joe Rokocoko on the left wing.
Similarly, Henry has preferred to choose Piri Weepu for scrum-half spot in place of Jimmy Cowan. Victor Vito is expected to replace Jerome Kaino, whereas prop Owen Franks has won the spot in place of his brother, Ben. Additionally, Rene Ranger will be providing outside cover while lock Anthony Boric will take the place of Sam Whitelock. All Blacks are expected to furnish at a strong bench in the form of Cowan and Kaino and uncapped Canterbury five-eighth, Colin Slade.
All Blacks’ captain, Richie McCaw will add yet another feather to his cap when on Sunday he becomes the All Blacks’ most capped skipper. He will lead his team for the 52nd time in Sydney moving past New Zealand’s legendary captain Sean Fitzpatrick. Nevertheless, Graham Henry expects tough challenge from their traditional rivals especially after Wallabies triumphed over South Africa in Bloemfontein last Sunday. Wallabies defeated Springboks in a close match with the score of 41-39.
However, Henry will be expecting to extend his side’s winning streak over Australia to 10 matches. A victory now will also make Henry’s team first side to win all six matches in Tri-Nations series. The final match is also expected to feature one of enchanting rivalries of modern rugby. The battle for supremacy between two of the world's best flankers is expected to rage on when Australia takes on New Zealand on their home soil. Richie McCaw is expected to get tough challenge from young David Pocock.
McCaw is 29 but rich in experience, whereas, 22-year-old, Pocock is progressing towards his peak. Rivalry between these two players has been a distinguished feature of recent Australia-New Zealand matches. The fact that Wallabies’ No.7 is considered a threat by All Blacks’ defense is testimony to the talent of Pocock. McCaw has been recently criticized for his borderline illegal work at the breakdown. Resultantly, he has been accused of slowing down the possession and hampering of ball-retention during play.
Pocock is full of praise for his opposite number. He said, “He's very smart and very good about the way he goes in his game, playing to the limits, which is what every No.7 should be doing. He is smart and good at reading the play on the right time. The key is how he reads refs. A lot of people think he gets away with stuff, but it's the way he plays right to the edge.” On the other hand, McCaw is also wary of Pocock’s threat to his team’s chances. Commenting about their rivalry, All Blacks’ skipper said, “At the breakdown he has a good idea of how to have an impact. He's a strong character who has physical presence. In the Tests that we've played, we've had to make sure we keep him under control.”
All in all, the finale of Tri-Nations is expected to provide some mouth-watering battles between players as well as both teams.
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