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No doom or gloom here, but the Wallabies won't win the Bledisloe this year

Roar Guru
10th August, 2014
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Will Richie lift the Cup again? (AFP PHOTO / Marty Melville)
Roar Guru
10th August, 2014
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With the first Bledisloe Cup Test of 2014 on Saturday, a long week lies ahead as supporters from both teams engage in predictions and banter about sheep, convicts, poaching and dole queues.

The All Blacks have it, the Wallabies want it. But can the Wallabies win the Bledisloe this year?

A fair bit has been made of the Waratahs maiden title win in Super Rugby, with many suggesting the Wallabies can glean momentum from that.

Fair enough too, a number of Waratah players will be full of confidence and are playing exceptionally well. That confidence and success is likely to rub off on their teammates as they prepare for this Test match.

There is also no doubt in my mind that the Wallabies are a vastly happier, improved and more settled group than the team of 2013 under Ewen McKenzie, which will be reflected in their play.

There is a good mix of youth, excitement and experience in this Wallaby squad and in Bernard Foley a quality playmaker who has shown he can stand up to the pressure of the big occasion.

There is also a growing depth within the Australian ranks, though just how deep this runs will be tested, with the Wallabies again troubled with a number of injuries.

No doubt about it, this Wallabies team are tracking upwards. However I am sceptical that it will be enough, this year anyhow.

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The Wallabies will fight tooth and nail but the All Blacks have a very settled line-up and proven performers at Test level. While they have a few injuries of their own, their quality of depth remains greater than the Wallabies’.

Some have suggested that the All Blacks are too old. Richie McCaw, Conrad Smith and Kevin Mealamu among others have been mentioned as past their use by date.

Rubbish. If that were true they would not be there.

This group is highly motivated and will be fully prepared. The threat of this Wallabies team has been noted and the All Blacks will be ready.

McCaw being the last Crusader on the field, soaking in all of the Waratahs’ post match celebrations, is a great sign of how highly motivated and hungry he still is. As captain, he will leave no stone unturned come Saturday night.

I tell you what though, when you throw names like Stephen Moore, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Henry Speight, Will Genia, Scott Sio, David Pocock, Quade Cooper and James O’Conner into the mix, it really does change the whole dynamic of this Wallaby team.

At their strongest will be a challenge for anyone.

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The Wallabies are coming for the Bledisloe. But it won’t be this year.

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