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Deans factor gives Aussies hope
24/07/2008 07:49 - (SA)
Sydney - The Robbie Deans factor has given Australian rugby fans hope the Wallabies can upset the All Blacks on Saturday and boost their chances of success in the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup this year.
Four undefeated matches into his tenure as the Wallabies' first foreign coach, Deans approaches what will be an emotional first meeting with his homeland and a fascinating sub-plot of wits and tactics with Graham Henry.
Although Australia and New Zealand are rebuilding after their traumatic quarter-final exits from last year's World Cup, beneath the surface of Saturday's match lies a compelling test of loyalties and emotions.
When the New Zealand Rugby Union's World Cup autopsy led to Deans being controversially rebuffed as the new All Blacks coach in favour of retaining Henry, Deans immediately switched allegiances to the Wallabies.
"There will be a piece of me in there in terms of the contest and wanting the group to thrive, but it's team on team," Deans said.
Assistant All Blacks coach Steve Hansen knows what it is like coaching a team against your home nation, having coached Wales three times against the All Blacks from 2002 to 2003.
'It'll be tough for him'
Hansen said the first time was hardest when the national anthems were played.
"Obviously, you're a New Zealander and it is a time to reflect. So it'll be tough for him, he's not the emotionless fish that everyone thinks that he is."
Under Deans, the Wallabies have vanquished Ireland, France twice and world champions South Africa.
But a Bledisloe Cup showdown with their trans-Tasman rivals is the most-anticipated rugby event here, even more so this year, and there is optimism the Wallabies are responding to the playing system that "Dingo" Deans used to coach the Crusaders to five of their record seven Super rugby titles.
If the Wallabies were to register back-to-back Bledisloe wins over the All Blacks in Sydney and Auckland over the next nine days, they would go to the top of the IRB rankings for the first time in the system's five-year history.
Australia has invariably played second-fiddle to New Zealand in rugby -- the All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003 and the Tri-Nations from 2005 and have won nine of their last 12 encounters.
Henry has an 87% success rate in 53 Tests since taking over the All Blacks in 2004. He's won seven of his nine Tests against Australia.
Ankle injury
But the Wallabies are encouraged that they have sunk the All Blacks five times in eight matches at Sydney's Olympic stadium, including their shock 22-10 semi-final ambush at the 2003 World Cup.
Both adversaries will be without their captains -- Stirling Mortlock has failed to recover from a head knock sustained in last weekend's 16-9 win over the Springboks in Perth and champion All Blacks flanker Richie McCaw has not recovered from an ankle injury.
Mortlock's withdrawal will give former rugby league centre Ryan Cross his first start as a Wallaby, while Daniel Braid will be playing only his fourth Test for the All Blacks and his first since October 2003 as McCaw's replacement.
The New Zealanders are leaving their arrival in Sydney until late on Thursday and will schedule their only press conference for late on Friday.
Teams (15-1)
Australia - Adam Ashley-Cooper; Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri; Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, George Smith (captain), Rocky Elsom; Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill; Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Matt Dunning, Dan Vickerman, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Timana Tahu, Drew Mitchell.
New Zealand - Mils Muliaina; Anthony Tuitavake, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu; Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis; Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Rodney So'oialo (captain); Ali Williams, Brad Thorn; Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Sione Lauaki, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Conrad Smith.>Referee: Craig Joubert (RSA).
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