Rugby: Wallabies shrug off losing run

NZRU chief Jock Hobbs was still an active player the last time Australia won at Eden Park. Photo / Herald file

The All Blacks' hex over the Wallabies at Eden Park makes George Gregan's "four more years" World Cup chant look tame.

It was so long ago that New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs wore the No 7 jersey that afternoon and the first World Cup was still in the future.

Since that 1986 defeat, the All Blacks have strung 10 straight wins against the Wallabies although the visitors feel they can halt that run when the sides duel on Saturday at the famous arena. That confidence comes after the All Blacks' mixed start to the season and long injury list.

"It is a remarkable record and theory would suggest there should be no advantage," Wallaby coach Robbie Deans said. "All we can do is prepare to our best and try and master our mentality to play as well as possible so the location becomes irrelevant."

The Wallabies have picked 13 who started last year with the beleaguered Lote Tuqiri and flanker Phil Waugh absent from the 2008 starting side, which was well beaten 39-10.

The All Blacks are likely to name 11 of the team from that match when their side is announced today, but Sitiveni Sivivatu, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw and Andrew Hore will return after varying injury layoffs.

Abrasive Wallaby No 8 Wycliff Palu returns for his first test this year in the only change to the Wallabies who have won all four tests this year.

Palu broke his hand in the Super 14 but has since played two club games to convince the selectors he is ready for a return to the test pack with Richard Brown shifting to the blindside and opensider George Smith playing his 100th international.

Deans has chosen a split of five forwards and two backs on the bench with halfback Will Genia set for his test debut. Opensiders Waugh and David Pocock are on the bench as the visitors prepare to combat McCaw.

The Wallabies have tried to be indifferent to the All Black selection although fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper let slip their thinking when asked about defusing a kicking onslaught. "I am sure McAlister will throw a few up," he said.

The Wallabies arrive today confident they can start the Tri-Nations with a win but cautious too after they were thumped last season.

"Playing New Zealand at Eden Park is going to be a major step up on what we have faced so far," Deans said.