All Blacks: Front row depth a big help: Crockett

Wyatt Crockett trains ahead of Saturday's test against Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Wyatt Crockett says the depth in the All Blacks rugby squad is a huge help as they prepare to take on the Wallabies in the Tri Nations/Bledisloe Cup test here at Eden Park tomorrow night.

Crockett is part of a front row seeking to continue the All Blacks' forward dominance and starve the potent Wallabies backline of quality attacking ball.

Having front rowers like Andrew Hore and Ben Franks on the reserves bench - and with prop Tony Woodcock close to full fitness also not far away from returning to the playing field - gives the All Blacks plenty of depth, but Crockett said it wasn't just match day when this helped.

"We're really lucky we've got a massive amount of depth,'' the crusaders prop said.

"When you're doing scrum practice at training you're going against some of the best guys in the world.

"If you're preparing week in, week out against good players at training, when it comes to the game you're ready to take that step up.''

Crockett, who will be partnered by Keven Mealamu and Owen Franks in the front row tomorrow, forced his way back into the squad this year after a series of strong Super rugby performances.

He said he was enjoying the competition within the front row for game time.

"For me to play the first three tests in a row, it's been really good for me to build a bit of confidence and get back in the group,'' he said.

"The selectors take care of the other part of it which is actually selecting the team.

"For us as players we know we've just got to get out there and do the business and that comes from having a good week's preparation and the knowledge that we've done the hard work.

"As long as you tick all those boxes you can go to sleep feeling pretty good at night.''

Crockett said it would be important for the All Blacks pack to dominate the Wallabies and deny them front foot ball, especially at set piece time, but he didn't think the potency of the Wallabies backline necessarily meant the All Blacks forwards would hold on to the ball more.

"We've got to make sure that our defence can cater for what they're going to bring, and we need to put some good kicks in play so we can put some good pressure on their counter attack,'' he said.

"I'm not sure we need to hold on to the ball any more, we just need to make sure that when we do kick the ball back to them we're not giving them an easy opportunity to break the line.''

Tomorrow's test is one of the most eagerly anticipated for some time, especially given it is at Eden Park, the venue of many of the upcoming World Cup matches and a ground where the All Blacks have not lost to Australia since 1986.

"Obviously given that it's World Cup year you do want to have that mental edge against your opponent, but I guess for me it feels like just a one-off match. We've got a week off after this where we can regather,'' Crockett said.

"It's a massive occasion and hopefully Eden Park will be looking really good and full and hopefully we can put on a hell of a spectacle.''

- NZPA