All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has by far the easier job at ANZ Stadium tonight, where every one of his 23-strong squad has wanted to pull on the black jersey since they could walk and talk.
It’s a religion in the Shaky Isles.
Wallaby counterpart Ewen McKenzie counters that advantage by being meticulous, as you’d expect from a highly-qualified town planner. He will go into tonight’s Rugby Championship-Bledisloe Cup opener with every “t” crossed and every “i” dotted.
I’ve never done a survey on the Wallabies interests of McKenzie’s 23-man squad as kids, but I would bet very few ever wanted to be a Wallaby: more likely wanting to wear a baggy green cap, win the US Masters, or Olympic gold in the pool.
Tonight the two vastly different cultures clash in yet another battle from across the ditch.
Statistically, it’s virtually one-way traffic, the All Blacks having won 14 of their last 18 meetings with a draw.
That’s where McKenzie’s eyes light up, having a 75% win ratio over Kiwi Super Rugby teams.
Sure, this is an international. and a very different ball game with a lot more at stake. But to McKenzie, that doesn’t matter a toss, it’s a game to win.
As Wallaby fans wait anxiously to see how the new coach will manufacture that long-awaited win, McKenzie will be very much in control of his emotions.
The question will be if his players are in the same emotional boat.
That’s one of McKenzie’s greatest assets, his outstanding communication skills to get them all on the same page.
And no doubt his stint as Rod Macqueen’s assistant was the start, learning from the best Wallaby coach of all time, claiming the 1999 Rugby World Cup in a canter, the Bledisloe, Tri-Nations, and the history-making series win over the Lions.
He won the lot.
But let’s get one thing straight right now: Ewen McKenzie is his own man, and if the ARU butts out and let’s him coach his way unhindered, not like NSW stupidly sacking him after reaching two Super finals in 2005 and 2008, then Australian rugby will reap rich rewards.
It’s time.
Blooding five new caps tonight is further proof McKenzie has courage and believes in his selected troops. Watch them respond to that belief.
And watch McKenzie target the two areas where the All Blacks have lost Dan Carter, international rugby’s most prolific points-scorer, and one of the very best play-makers, and Liam Messam, a wrecking-ball flanker of world class, both injured.
Just a parting thought. If McKenzie has a weakness, it’s his diet, Or rather the lack of it.
Chips and muffins are his fraility. But all will be forgiven if he adds All Blacks on toast.
K.C.R.
Guest
Budgie it's also worth asking how many AFL or Soccer players could hold up the scrum? They are not the right physicality for the game so are not worth mentioning. This leaves rugby league and if you don't believe that NRL is taking potential All Black talent out of NZ then your blindfold is on too tight.
darth vadar
Guest
did you just wake up sheek?
Snobby Deans
Guest
Not seeing anything from you today, David. It would appear that it's you that's missing in action.
Jerry
Guest
Nit picking? Me? Surely not. By the way, you mean 'implication' not 'inference'.
Jackster
Guest
One word to describe last nights ab performance...WOW!
js-nz
Guest
hahahaha
The High Shot
Roar Pro
Well well another one-sided snooze-a-thon in the Union. Looking forward to David's article bagging the crap out of this non-event like he did with Origin.
Seb Vettel
Guest
LOL
darth vadar
Guest
oh dear
Sux2bu
Guest
Oh well, false hope was better than no hope BUWAHAHA!
Andrew C (waikato)
Guest
Oh LORD, it's hard to be humble when you're imperfect in every (well maybe just 'most' ...... or 'some' ) wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Good luck to all you Wannabe supporters from the mighty Waikato. We've just defended the Ranfurly Shield against Northland (Rene Ranger & Co) by 9 pts win. Go the All Blacks - win by 15pts. :)
Kebab
Guest
ABs 40 - Oz 10. Can't wait till tomorrow's articles
Ra
Guest
Haha I told my Aussie missus to bring her flag up the Hub tonight and wave it around during the game, but she doesn't want to be a minority in her own country. We felt that way over home for years cause we were all forced to learn to speak Pome. Come over here n you guys have got your own version - funny that !
Ra
Guest
Maybe the Lions tour was the BIG seventh wave, the change over of coaches the doldrums and tonight the wave cycle begins again. But it might be just a little wishy washy for a starter - not long now !
Ra
Guest
What are you bleeping about budgie. For years you've had more players playing league, soccer, basketball, netball, athletics, cricket, netball, surf life saving, bowls, sailing etc etc etc and weve fronted up every time against the odds and rate ourselves a good chance every time, every code. Give yourself a good feed of that.
WEST
Roar Guru
good for you....now don't let the door hit you on the way out.
WEST
Roar Guru
we'll see... and hope he goes MIA tomorrow after some complete raving today. Good lord
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Nope, sorry I can't do it. I just can't raise enough interest to watch. Too many games. Too little interest.
Andrew C (waikato)
Guest
David Lord, are you getting nervous with 2hrs & 45mins to kickoff? a 15pt win is on the cards (Beware the Ides Of August) and the All Black PACK will shine under the new scrum laws as well as superior quickness around the paddock. Prepare to be in anguish by (say) the 70th minute. MIA tomorrow, David? No, I'm sure you'll front !!! :)
Tane Mahuta
Guest
I think the Wallabies of 2014 will be the strongest Wallabies since 1999. Those players are there now but are too green. I personally think Toomua, Lealiifano, Mogg, Folau, Mowen, Kurindrani and Sio are extremely good additions to the Wallabies. Add Moore, Genia, AAC, JOC and Horwill to that and you have a very good team. NZ 34 Aus 19