Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans announces an unchanged starting xv for Tri Nations encounter against All Blacks
Australian national Rugby Union team's head coach, Robbie Deans, has announced his match 22 for their first away leg match of the Tri Nations encounter against the All Blacks.
The New Zeland squad will host the Wallabies on Saturday, August 6 at Eden Park for the highly anticipated fixture.
Deans has announced the same starting XV which whipped the Springboks 39 – 20 in their 2011 Tri Nations opener. However, Deans have ringed three changes on to the bench to strengthen his side
for their crunch encounter against the All Blacks.
Deans has left out the duo of the Matt Hodgson and Sitaleki Timani from the starting line-up, even though the pair was part of the 24 –man squad announced for Wallabies tour of New Zealand.
The changes on the bench include Luke Burgess, Lachie Turner and Dan Vickerman. Commenting on the changes in the replacements, Deans said, “For the South Africans, it's physicality first, second
and third. The All Blacks employ more width and rely on speed of recycle and movement. They play the game wider and faster, which is why the extra speed and additional backline resources are required on the bench.”
Deans added that the Burgess, Turner and Vickerman have won their place in the squad through their hard work, commitment and dedication.
Deans added that the Saturday’s game will have its effect on the history of the game. He reckons that his side recent performance and players run of form can help them to achieve this feet.
He added, “We feel that we are in good shape, but we have no illusions as to how big the task is that we have ahead of us.”
However, Dean acknowledges that his side faces an uphill battle to defeat the world’s number one Rugby Union side at home. He said, “The All Blacks do draw strength from their record at the
ground, but playing at Eden Park is not something to be feared. It's a challenge - and an opportunity - to be embraced and enjoyed.”
Wallabies are yet to register their first win in the last 25 years at Eden Park.
Former New Zealand international player, Robbie Deans added that it’s the dream of the visiting teams to be able to deliver something exceptional at Eden Park. However, it becomes even more
special as later this year as the Rugby World Cup final will be played there.
Deans expressed his desire to finish the game as winners in Saturday’s clash.
The Wallabies squad for their August 6 encounter against the All Blacks includes,
Starting XV: Kurtley Beale, James O'Connor, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia,Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Rocky Elsom (capt), James Horwill,
Rob Simmons, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu.
Replacements: Saia Fainga'a, Pekahou Cowan, Dan Vickerman, Scott Higginbotham, Luke Burgess, Anthony Fainga'a, Lachie Turner.
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