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A dead rubber? Try telling that to the Kiwi and Australian fans when their teams clash heads this weekend in the final Tri-Nations of the 2010 season. Let’s take a moment and explore the good, the bad and the ugly facing both teams this weekend:
Wallabies:
The Good
• Absolutely rapturous and upbeat after a superb last minute win against the Boks after decades long drought.
• Sydney – the fortress of Australia and the home of the only Bledisloe success under the Deans reign (2008).
• A win here breaks the stranglehold of the All Blacks and provides real hope for the World Cup and that’s a lot of motivation.
• The Wallaby pace out of the gates is fast and furious and four tries in the first 20 minutes of the last two games is truly impressive.
The Bad
• The second half jitters and the Melbourne debacle after the last Bok victory
• The Deans strategy looks a lot like the Kiwi template (are they cousins?)
• Nonu, McCaw, Dagg, Mils, Read, Jane, Woodcock, Thorn, Henry.
• Jetlag, battered, bruised and tired legs.
The Ugly
• John Williamson’s sad attempt to resurrect Waltzing Matilda.
• A loss means an unprecedented 10 losses on the trot for the Wallabies. A bad loss and evil eyes turn back on Deans.
• The longest winning streak in the last 32 games is three, and that includes Italy.
All Blacks:
The Good
• A win here is 14 victories in succession, and the first whitewash of a Tri-Nations since the extension to the three-game format.
• Richie McCaw’s NZ record as the most capped all black captain – the bloke is just getting better and better.
• Rested, motivated and high fitness levels ready for a fast, unrelenting 80 minutes.
The Bad
• Playmaker Dan Carter out – a huge amount of pressure on Cruden (but thank the gods Stephen Donald is out).
• Let the Wallabies own the breakdown in the last meeting.
• Henry’s temptation to experiment with the second tier players.
The Ugly
• Jitters and family concerns for the All Blacks after the devastating Christchurch quake.
• Relentless rugby scribes demanding a yellow card for Richie.
• A loss here and Henry’s magnificent year deflates.
• Did I mention John Williamson?
Both teams have more than pride on the line here. It’s not going to be easy for the All Blacks and the Wallabies will be fired up after their victory. I suspect it will be tears for Robbie and another All Blacks victory.
Too much gas in the tank and the rest would have done the All Blacks well.
It’s hard to see the Wallabies reversing their second half collapses particularly with the legs going to jelly. Deans bench management, which has been dismal during his reign, combined with a lack of bench depth will be crucial and it’s unlikely he can redeem this weakness overnight.
Stash’s prediction – All Blacks by 15.
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.