Rugby Union Tri-Nations/Australia v New Zealand:New Zealand are bracing themselves for the toughest challenge of the season so far when they face Australia in the third round of the Tri-Nations today.
The All Blacks needed two late tries to beat South Africa 26-21 in Durban last weekend but are expecting an even harder match against their oldest rivals at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
New Zealand have won their last five games against Australia.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry experimented with various new combinations in last month's tests against France and Canada but has picked his strongest available side for Australia after the Wallabies pushed his team all the way last year.
"I have fond memories of that game. It epitomised what test rugby is all about," Henry said.
"It was low-scoring, hugely contested and with good defence on both sides. I am expecting the same sort of encounter this year."
New Zealand have made four changes to the starting team that beat South Africa, lock Chris Jack returning to the pack and the back line being reshuffled.
Fullback Leon MacDonald, wing Rico Gear and centre Luke McAlister come in; wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and centres Isaia Toeava and Aaron Mauger are left out.
Sivivatu and Toeava are ruled out with minor injuries. Mauger is relegated to the bench after an indifferent display last week.
Mils Muliaina, who started at fullback last weekend, is moved back to outside centre, where he played most of last season, while Joe Rokocoko switches from the right wing to the left to accommodate the return of Gear.
Australia make just one change to the side that lost to South Africa, utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper replacing Drew Mitchell on the wing.
But coach John Connolly has signalled his intentions to attack the All Blacks up front by naming five forwards on the bench.
"I think the fans will see a typically tough test," he said. "Bledisloe Cups are battles first and foremost."
Meanwhile South Africa coach Jake White has said the bad press received by the Springboks over their selections for the Tri-Nations matches in Australia and New Zealand next month would spur them to greater heights.
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and local media led the criticism when White named a squad with as many as 24 first-choice players absent.
Australia and New Zealand had named full-strength parties for their games in South Africa.
White defended the selections earlier in the week, blaming injuries and fatigue after his side played five tests in five weeks, but the barbs were still flying when the coach faced more media questioning yesterday.
"I'm amazed that the Australian media has made such a big huff about South Africa . . . leaving all their best players at home," White told reporters in Sydney.
"I can say the more you guys do it, the better it's going to be for me because you are motivating these players every single time you ask those questions."
Australia lost the tournament opener in Cape Town a fortnight ago, going down 22-19.
South Africa play Australia in Sydney on July 7th and New Zealand in Christchurch on July 14th.
AUSTRALIA: Huxley; Ashley-Cooper, Mortlock (capt), Giteau, Tuqiri; Larkham, Gregan; Dunning, Moore, Shepherdson; Sharpe, Vickerman; Elsom, Smith, Palu. Replacements: Freier, Baxter, Chisholm, Hoiles, Waugh, Staniforth, Gerrard.
NEW ZEALAND: MacDonald; Gear, Muliaina, McAlister, Rokocoko; Carter, Kelleher; Woodcock, Oliver, Hayman; Jack, Flavell; Collins, McCaw (capt), So'oialo. Replacements: Mealamu, Tialata, Filipo, Masoe, Weepu, Mauger, Evans.
Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa).
