Resurgent Wallabies expecting chill factor

Fullback Chris Latham. Chris McGrath / Getty Images

Woollen hats, thermal vests and recent history weighed heavily in the Wallabies' baggage as they jetted into chilly Christchurch for Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby opener.

The first of three Bledisloe Cup tests in 2006 is eagerly awaited in Australia as the brave new world of coach John Connolly gets its biggest test after some promising opening stanzas against England and Ireland.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan's recent comments that the Wallabies were "the best team we've played in 11 tests", including two against the All Blacks, have been treated with caution by experts on this side of the Tasman.

Not only is last year's horror run of eight losses from nine tests under Eddie Jones still fresh in the mind, but also their recent form away from home.

The Wallabies haven't won in New Zealand since their 23-15 victory over the All Blacks in Dunedin in 2001. In South Africa, they haven't toppled the Springboks since 2000.

Since the 2003 World Cup, the Wallabies have won 13 of 15 tests at home, 83 per cent, but only four of 13 away, or 31 per cent.

With these stats in mind, Connolly felt he didn't have to try too hard to manoeuvre for the coveted underdog status.

"Before the England game, I thought we were favourites and this game I think New Zealand are massive favourites," said Connolly, labelling the All Blacks as "clearly" the best side in the world.

"No team's gone to New Zealand since England prior to the (2003) World Cup and had any type of success. And, before that, it was a long time so they're a great side."

But that's certainly no white flag-waving. The man they call "Knuckles' has added some punch to the Wallabies class of 2006 with the help of two willing and shrewd deputies - former test prop Michael Foley and the man who helped Wales storm to the Six Nations title in early 2005, backs coach Scott Johnson.

There's also the crucial return of that laid-back genius Stephen Larkham, who missed much of the last year injured, to spark a classy backline.

Fullback Chris Latham, back to his confident best, admits the change this year has been huge.

"We've got different coaching styles, a whole different team mentality and it really can't be compared with last year," Latham said.

The backline might be all class but the big lumps in the pack are most under the microscope, tasked with providing the speedsters a fair share of front foot ball from set pieces.

Connolly's major task was to transform a pack who crumpled meekly against England, among others, late last year.

He started by selecting the heaviest Australian front row of all time, 354kg, against England. Test greenhorns Rodney Blake, Tai McIsaac and Greg Holmes didn't set the world alight but were given a cautious pass mark by the coach.

The Wallabies pack still has some ground to make up on the powerful All Blacks eight but they will back themselves to gain some dominance in the lineouts.

Lock/flanker Mark Chisholm said the forward play had improved in "leaps and bounds" with Foley's technical guidance.

There is some cause for optimism. How much sting a wounded Wallaby has in its tail will be seen on Saturday.

- NZPA