Rugby: Whole season could hang in balance

There is much more at stake tonight then the Bledisloe Cup or a step towards winning the tri-series writes CHRIS LAIDLAW.

Every once in a while a single match can be the defining event of a whole season.

This particular test match between the All Blacks and the Wallabies could turn out to be such an event. It isn't so much the winning of the tri-series or the Bledisloe Cup that is at stake at Eden Park. There is a more significant dimension than that.

Whoever wins this match will almost certainly be given a tremendous adrenalin shot that could sustain them right through to High Noon at Cardiff in November. And who needs that adrenalin shot most? The All Blacks.

Any team who have had their confidence put through the blender of multiple test match defeat when they, and all their dedicated supporters are accustomed only to victory, are bound to take some time picking themselves up again.

The 99ers are doing that admirably but they still have some way to go yet before they once again reach the stage where they are able to pull away from opponents by acts of sheer bravado that are the product of unfettered confidence.

This All Black team simply have to beat Australia, not once but twice, to regain their sense of bravado. If they can do that they will almost certainly go on to win the World Cup.

When you think about it, the difference between the All Blacks and others throughout the 90s has been the ability of half-a-dozen individuals to pull off something truly exceptional that simply destroys the will of opponents.

In most respects the All Blacks have have achieved parity with opponents like England, France, Australia and South Africa. We have not been better scrummagers, lineout exponents, tactical kickers or passers of the ball than any of these teams.

Nor have we been bigger or stronger than they are - except in one very obvious position when a certain young Tongan titan takes the field.

The All Blacks' real point of difference has been the feats of exceptional athleticism or inspiration that a select little group of players - Wilson, Kronfeld, Cullen, Zinzan Brooke, Bunce, Lomu and Justin Marshall - have been able to produce at vital moments.

These feats are, of course, built on a foundation of good basics: attention to the technical arts that ensure that the All Blacks gain parity at least in terms of possession and territory. The immense psychological advantage that this extra dimension brings to a side cannot be overestimated.

It is what Kevin Roberts, in his inimitable ad-speak, is on about when he talks of "peak-performing organisations." They have an on-board ability to deliver something exceptional that keeps them on top.

The other countries are only too aware of this and do their level best to shut it down. The Wallabies must do it tonight if they are to have any chance of winning.

In the absence of Stephen Larkham they only have one player, Matt Burke, who has this extra magic, whereas New Zealand have at least four or five and therefore more options.

Let's hope they are exercised and the tide of confidence keeps rising.