Rugby: Wallabies strive to scale new heights

After shocking the Springboks in Bloemfontein, the Wallabies are out for an upset of New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

Rarefied air to an all-time low - that's the downward trajectory the Wallabies risk following as they moved focus from a historic rugby victory in South Africa to a potentially record losing streak against the All Blacks.

The Wallabies contingent, led by Australian Rugby Union boss John O'Neill, returned from Johannesburg as conquering heroes of the high veld yesterday, all smiles until the inevitable black cloud materialised.

A 41-39 Tri-Nations victory in Bloemfontein ensured a smooth return journey to Sydney but the team were swiftly reminded of their next mountain to scale - preventing the All Blacks achieving an unprecedented 10th successive Bledisloe Cup triumph.

New Zealand already has the Bledisloe and Tri-Nations trophies locked down but there is no lacking motivation ahead of Saturday's clash here at ANZ Stadium.

Win at the scene of Robbie Deans only Bledisloe Cup success as Wallabies coach in 2008 and the All Blacks become the first team to complete the Tri-Nations unbeaten since the countries started playing each other three times per tournament in 2006.

Still on a high after being part of the first Wallabies victory at altitude against the Springboks since 1963 - and first in Bloemfontein since 1933 - the Wallabies must end a more recent hoodoo to finish winter in style.

Statistically, the signs appear ominous. The Wallabies capacity to win back-to-back tests has been a blight on the Deans' tenure since he opened his stewardship with five consecutive victories.

In the 32 tests since the All Blacks were beaten 34-19 in Sydney, the Wallabies longest winning streak is a mere three international games - Italy, England and France on the 2008 northern hemisphere tour.

Deans has been perplexed by his side's inconsistency - particularly this season.

England was well beaten in Perth, seven days later the Wallabies were insipid against the same opposition in Sydney.

An encouraging start to this Tri-Nations campaign against South Africa in Brisbane was put in context the following weekend in Melbourne where the All Blacks inflicted a crushing 49-28 defeat in July.

So could another discrepancy be about to be erased ala Bloemfontein, a year out from the World Cup?

Quade Cooper and Rocky Elsom reverted to type when the potential for a belated All Black scalp was raised.

The first five-eighth had little doubt the last-gasp win last weekend was a positive sign, a turning point.

"Very much so," he said.

"The attitude that the boys showed throughout the whole game and to come away with the win right on the bell is something pretty special.

"It gives us a lot of hope and a lot of confidence. Those sort of games that are won by such a small margin is something that teams, going into a World Cup, really need to knock down."

Cooper's exuberance was counterbalanced by his more constrained captain.

Asked if a corner had been turned, Elsom replied: "It's a bit hard to say that at the moment.

"They're obviously a very complete side and they have very little weaknesses. It's the most experienced All Blacks side they've ever rolled out."

They have also honed a ruthless streak and although linchpin Daniel Carter will be missing, they would have noted the Wallabies defensive frailties and tendency to panic as they blew a 31-6 lead at Bloemfontein - and almost the test.

"Obviously there's a lot we can improve on," Cooper said.

"We're aware we've had defensive lapses but defence is about attitude and it's definitely there.

"We showed in the amount we created in attack and the effort we put in to be there in the 80th minute when Kurtley knocked over that kick.

"We've just got to show that same attitude in defence."

That assignment stars today when the Wallabies shake off jet lag with their first training session.

The All Blacks, settled in since Sunday, continue their preparations before both sides are photographed at Tourism New Zealand's giant World Cup-promoting rugby ball at Sydney Harbour.

- NZPA