Aussies pack wet-weather game plan

By WYNNE GRAY

The Wallabies claim they are not spooked by the predicted tough weather for tonight's start to the Bledisloe Cup series, and say they have made a special point of preparing for such inhospitable conditions.

They were unhinged by dreadful conditions two years ago at Christchurch. But coach Eddie Jones said his side had learned a great deal since about coping with the cold, rain and wind likely to hit Wellington.

The ground at the Wallabies training base in Coffs Harbour had been heavily watered to simulate the Cake Tin surface and the side had worked on tactics for a wet evening.

"Getting the go-forward is more important than the kicking," Jones said, "you have got to go forward consistently and that is what allows you to kick with some time and space."

Similar noises came from the All Black camp about an extra emphasis on ball security from lineouts and scrums, phases of their play they had concentrated on this season.

A key man in those strategies, lock Keith Robinson, remained an uncertain starter because of his back problems, and a decision on his fitness will be left until today.

"It's not good," coach Graham Henry said. "He didn't have a great night's sleep. I think he'll get better as the day goes on but who knows? At this point in time he is very doubtful."

The All Blacks had to ignore the late drama, and Simon Maling had been training with the side for six weeks.

"It is obviously a loss. Keith gives us a sharp edge to the forward pack and that's a challenge for Simon," the coach added.

Jones had been impressed with Maling and knew he was rated as one of the best lineout exponents in New Zealand. He was also a fine technician at driving play and the detailed aspects of ruck and maul work.

Everyone in the All Blacks, said Henry, had been apprehensive before playing the World Cup-holders England.

"When you have been together for six weeks I think that anxiety decreases because you know you have put some more foundation in, but I think we are playing against the best team in the world at the moment," Henry said.

"I think France might question that, but just watching the games over the last few weeks, and I watch a few, I thought Australia's performance against England was pretty special.

"It's going to be a good side that will beat 'em. These special occasions increase the anxiety levels, which is great, and I think that's what it's all about.

"It's a huge yardstick for the All Blacks, and where we are at and we need that yardstick right now."

Jones had noted the change in All Black style, and said the coaching staff had brought a renewed authority.

"What he [Henry] has done is bring back the good parts of New Zealand rugby and still kept the parts that John Mitchell created with this side.

"You can see they have gone back to a very All Black-based forward game, a driving forward game complemented with tactical kicking and, when the opportunity arises, they use the ball."

Steve Hansen had added to the dimensions of the lineout play, especially in defensive situations, and Wayne Smith had brought his experience from the Northern Hemisphere.

The All Blacks could play a number of different styles and that made them more dangerous.

The Wallabies had stagnated a little at lineouts and it had been an area they had worked hard on recently because it would be a huge tactical battle for supremacy tonight. Turnovers would happen in the wet but winning them in valuable parts of the field would be crucial.

Matt Giteau had been identified as a goalkicker some years ago and would be used for the first time because Stirling Mortlock had not done much practice since hurting his knee in the Super 12 semifinal.

The quality of tactical kicking from both Carlos Spencer and Stephen Larkham will be a huge factor in this 101st Bledisloe Cup test, to be judged against the safety of the back three in each side.

Momentum from the forwards and defensive certainty will be central. Both teams will be put under greater strain than they have been this season.

* All Blacks vs Wallabies, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 7.35pm, Live on Sky Sport 1, delayed on TV3 8.30pm.