Henry wary of Wallabies' tales of woe

As the Wallabies unveiled their forced backline changes yesterday amid pessimism about their Bledisloe Cup chances, All Black coach Graham Henry seized on his foes' historical reaction.

He had been in Sydney for the World Cup semifinal in 2003 when the Wallabies had battled through the tournament to be outsiders against the All Blacks.

"There was quite a bit of negativism around the Australian team prior to that semifinal and you guys [pointing at the media yesterday in Sydney] might have been involved in that," he said.

Little had changed. The Wallabies had been copping it for their off-field antics this season and lack of success against the top nations.

"I think we will probably find the same sort of team that the All Blacks did on that particular [2003] occasion - an Australian team ready to play, on the edge, up against it and they will respond as they normally do with a huge performance."

In casting his eye over the Wallabies, Henry's interest was raised by the choice of young Drew Mitchell at fullback in place of the injured Chris Latham, and by John Roe at blindside flanker. 

Some of the thinking had been that the Wallabies would use their twin-system of George Smith and Phil Waugh to help combat the pace of the All Blacks.

Instead, coach Eddie Jones reverted to the loose forward mix of Smith, Roe and David Lyons that he had planned to use against the Springboks before Lyons withdrew.

Roe is an earnest, busy flanker who offers another lineout choice for the Wallabies.

Meanwhile, Latham's inability to complete a fitness session yesterday on his damaged hamstring brought his state understudy, Mitchell, into the side in his preferred position rather than as a utility.

Wing Wendell Sailor and five-eighths Steve Larkham are also injured, with Mark Gerrard and Matt Giteau taking their places.

The bruising Stirling Mortlock fits back into centre, where the All Blacks are desperate to have captain Tana Umaga cleared to counter the threat.

Jones expressed confidence in 21-year-old Mitchell's ability to handle the job at fullback.

"Drew Mitchell is a player who has really developed well since the start of the test season and brings with him plenty of enthusiasm.

"He was outstanding against the Junior All Blacks for Australia A in Canberra and Sydney, and then over the last three tests has gained some good experiences as a replacement."

Hooker Jeremy Paul has been included after concerns about a neck injury and Al Baxter returns as the starting tighthead prop.

In response to several loaded questions about referees and their calibre, Henry said match officials needed to be as accountable as the players. All teams wanted consistent, accurate decisions.

The breakdown was a problem for the sport and referees could only rule on what they saw.