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With the first Bledisloe and Tri-Nations games only a week away, we should have a look at which players we think will be the keys for each team.
Wallabies
Berrick Barnes. I think that he takes so much pressure away from Gits that he is the real key for me. He adds another dimension to the kicking game and allows Gits to take on the line when need be. He ensures that the Australian team is less one dimensional.
Luke Burgess. If he is able to give some quick service to the backs, the Wallabies may be able to get on the front foot in attack. With players outside of him that are able to break the defensive line (Mortlock, AAC etc) there is nothing more important than giving them the ball on the front foot.
Al Baxter and Benn Robinson. I never thought that I would include Baxter in something like this but his form (particularly in comparison to Alexander) has been very good this season so far. The front row really need to set a platform for the rest of the pack. This also helps players like Smith have a bigger impact if the others are holding their weight against the awesome black pack.
George Smith. I don’t think I can understate how important this player is to the Wallabies team at the moment. He is such a driving force for the rest of the pack to follow and such an influential person. It is also important because of his direct clash with possibly the greatest 7 of all time in McCaw. If he can any way put McCaw off his game (no matter how slight), he will have done his job in getting the Wallabies over the line.
All Blacks
Mils Muliaina. Mils forms a very strong combination with his wingers and is the key to counter attacking for the All Blacks. The Wallabies have shown that they have quite a strong kicking game this year and if Mils is able to make inroads into the Wallabies during kick returns then the All Blacks will be well placed.
Ma’a Nonu. With his ability to break the line and offload, he could be the key to setting the All Blacks backs into many attacking raids. With his test experience, he could be a useful support for a lesser experienced fly half.
Piri Weepu or Jimmy Cowan. Both of these players will have an important role because of the missing figure of Daniel Carter. Whichever one starts on the field will have the job, I believe, of not only directing the forwards around the park, but helping in a big way to run the backline. It is something that All Black half backs have not had to think about for a while, but they will have to take a much bigger role in offense.
Richie McCaw. What else do I need to say. An inspirational captain and leader, a lead from the front man if ever I have seen one. Richie seems to have the ability to turn a game on his own. He will make that amazing cover tackle, but better yet he will get to his feet, steal the ball and pass off to an explosive back to counter attack. George Smith has been brilliant this year and Richie will need to ensure he plays well to dominate Smith if he wants his team to win.
As for the match ups, lets see what starting teams are named and who is playing where.
I am looking forward to an amazing series and hope that these games continue to match up with the hype surrounding them. One of the first games of Rugby (having grown up in a League house) I watched was a Bledisloe game and every time I watch one it still brings back very enjoyable childhood memories.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.