Australia vs New Zealand Preview

Scrum-half George Gregan captains his country for a record-equalling 55th time, moving him alongside John Eales in the history books. He couldn't pick a more high-profile game in which to do it.  The All Blacks, who by popular opinion are practically unbeatable unless the opposition wear kryptonite headbands, come to Brisbane looking to continue a trail of destruction which, at the last count, had seen them beat every test-playing nation since last they were slain.

Aside from the HakaGate controversy (must look into whether I can get that term copyrighted), there is a lot to play for in this game.  Should the All Blacks win, the Tri Nations tournament may as well wind up early to avoid players wasting their time.  However, if the Wallabies can take the spoils, they will come right back into contention, end their great rivals' unbeaten run, and take bragging rights until they meet again next month.  And though the All Blacks may start favourites, there is a lot of belief that this game may be where they come unstuck.

If the ABs are to be beaten, the scrum will be a crucial area.  Australia must either show more power in the front row and at least keep their own ball - or just avoid having too many scrums.  The New Zealand scrum has murdered better front rows than the Australian one - they're big and powerful and also intelligent scrummagers.  To counter the size and power elements, John Connolly has recalled Rodney Blake, who weighs twenty-and-a-half stone.  So far in his short international career, Blake has looked not half bad, but he can't be relied on to out-scrummage New Zealand all by himself.

Behind the scrum, the teams are fairly evenly matched, for all the noise made about Joe Rokocoko, Doug Howlett and company.  Steven Larkham has been magnificent for the Wallabies so far this summer, George Gregan is enjoying an Indian summer, and Lote Tuqiri has a nose for the line (and not in a Wendell Sailor way either).

Home advantage could be the deciding factor, if Australia are to win.  My prediction is that they will, by less than a try.  For the sake of a competitive tournament, I hope I'm right.  I await the game with bated breath.