Henry dismisses talk of more settled Wallabies

All Blacks coach, Graham Henry. AAP Images

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has dismissed talk the Wallabies are the more settled side heading into tonight’s Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations opener at Eden Park.

All week it has been suggested that Australia’s combinations are bedded down better than the home side’s, who have struggled with injury in their lead-up Tests, particularly at five-eighth with champion Dan Carter (Achilles) missing.

The chopping and changing has led to some indifferent form for the All Blacks against France and Italy, but inspirational captain Richie McCaw’s return, among other senior players, has also created a sense of deja vu that the Australians could be in for another Auckland ambush.

Asked whether the Wallabies were the more settled side, Henry sounded a warning.

“They’re always difficult, aren’t they?” he said.

“I think only time will answer that question.

“There’s a lot of talk about that, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens on the field.”

Henry said McCaw’s return might have spooked the Wallabies into their decision to play three openside flankers, with George Smith to start and Phil Waugh and David Pocock on the bench.

“I guess they might be concerned about our seven as well so they’re trying to double team him at some stage which is good, which shows a lot of respect for what we’re trying to do as well,” Henry said.

But there are also signs of nerves among the Kiwis with Australian media unusually locked out of their final training session on Friday.

One NZ newspaper columnist even suggested the $1.65 favourites – New Zealand – were actually the underdogs for tonight’s match, despite not having lost at Eden Park since 1994.

“It’s good for a change, isn’t it?” Henry said.

“Whether you go in as underdogs or you’re favoured to win the game is immaterial I think in these contests.

“Tri-Nations is like that, a huge contest every time you play.”

McCaw said he’d noticed an extra edge to training this week.

“There has been and you’d hope so going into the Tri-Nations playing the Wallabies this week,” he said.

And the All Blacks skipper couldn’t resist a mind game of his own as he subtly reminded the Wallabies of their second half fade-outs in Brisbane and Hong Kong last year.

“You’ve got to play for 80 minutes and I think the last two Tests we had against them it was 20 minutes to go …” he said, tapering off.

Meanwhile, Henry said it was uncertain when Carter would return after reports suggesting he could be playing provincial rugby in NZ by the end of the month.

“We just have to wait and see on Daniel and see how he goes,” Henry said.

1-New Zealand v 3-Australia
All venues: Played: 156, Australia won 45, lost 106, drawn 5
In New Zealand: Australia won 17, lost 51, drawn 1
2008
Australia 34-19, Sydney
New Zealand 39-10, Auckland
New Zealand 28-24, Brisbane
New Zealand 19-14, Hong Kong
Biggest Australian win (margin) at all venues: 21 (28-7) Sydney, 1999
Heaviest Australian defeat (margin) at all venues: 37 (43-6) Wellington, 1996
Biggest Australian winning score at all venues: 34 (34-19) Sydney, 2008
Most points conceded by Australia at all venues: 50 (50-21) Sydney 2003
Most Tests by an Australian against New Zealand: 29 David Campese, 27 George Gregan, 23 Tim Horan, 22 Stephen Larkham, 22 Phil Kearns, 20 George Smith
Most points in a Test by an Australian against New Zealand: 24 – Matt Burke, Brisbane, 1996
Most points in a Test by a New Zealander against Australia: 29 – Andrew Mehrtens, Auckland, 1999
Most tries in a Test by an Australian against new Zealand: 4 – Greg Cornelson, Auckland, 1978
Most tries in a Test by a New Zealander against Australia: 3 – by five players
Leading Australian pointscorers against New Zealand: 176 Matt Burke, 133 Michael Lynagh, 84 Stirling Mortlock, 61 Matt Giteau
Leading Australian tryscorers against New Zealand: 8 David Campese, 7 Matt Burke, 5 Tim Horan, 5 Stirling Mortlock

TEAMS
AUSTRALIA Adam Ashley-Cooper, Lachie Turner, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander, Dean Mumm, Phil Waugh, David Pocock, Will Genia, James O’Connor.

NEW ZEALAND: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ma’a Nonu, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So’oialo, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Res: Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Jason Eaton, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko.

Kick-off: 5.30pm (AEST)
TAB Sportsbet: Australia $2.30, NZ $1.60
Referee: Craig Joubert (RSA)

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