The Wallabies haven't held the Bledisloe Cup since 2002. They've won only five of the past 27 cup encounters, and at tonight's venue, they've tasted success just twice in seven matches against the All Blacks.
You've got to love history, and thankfully for Australia, that's all those numbers are. They
will have no bearing on what unfolds in a game I honestly believe the Wallabies should and will win. They are a young team on the rise, and it's yet to be confirmed if the All Blacks are on the wane, but you only have to grab a cluster of birth certificates for proof they are an ageing outfit.
In his first game as Wallabies coach, Ewen McKenzie has done what Robbie Deans consistently failed to do. He's selected the best team available.
Selection is a subjective matter, but the ultimate marker is that everyone who makes the final 23 deserves to be there. There would be those who think Quade Cooper should be the starting first five, and some might be inclined to fiddle with other personnel, but there is not a single player chosen who doesn't have sound logic behind his inclusion.
Matt Toomua's elevation tells us a lot about the new direction the Wallabies will travel under the guidance of McKenzie. The man they call "Link", is the ultimate pragmatist. He is intelligent, analytical, has the capacity to think outside the square, values loyalty, but ultimately will defer to what he thinks has the best chance of getting the job done.
