By WYNNE GRAY in Sydney
In preparation for a Sydney test with an inevitable result, the All Blacks trained yesterday in Melbourne while Wales went about their business at their base in Canberra.
The World Cup has become that sort of fragmented tournament as it heads to this weekend's conclusion of pool
play.
The only unresolved questions are the finishing order and the two winner-takes-all tests.
The Fiji-Scotland game and the Boks' battle with Samoa will settle the two sides to advance to the sudden-death stages of the World Cup, and the other matches will decide the qualifying order.
One of those games is between the unbeaten All Blacks and Wales, and while it can be dangerous to assume victory in rugby tests, the All Blacks operate several levels above their opponents.
The word is that Wales will send their back-up boys into Sunday's game, a concession that they have no chance of upsetting the All Blacks and should keep their best on ice for a quarter-final crack at England.
That report will not be confirmed until late on Friday night as coach Steve Hansen will use tournament rules which allow him to name a side 48 hours before a game.
The All Blacks will reveal their side today, a selection which is likely to confirm the experiments have stopped.
One concession to the later games will be the absence of lock Chris Jack.
His damaged right ankle needs more time to mend, and Ali Williams and Brad Thorn will be asked to front up again with back-up from captain Reuben Thorne.
Left wing Joe Rokocoko's hamstring strain has fully repaired, and he will return after a two-game break, as will No 8 Jerry Collins.
Midfield back Aaron Mauger is being tipped to play his first cup game.
He trained strongly again yesterday, and his knee cartilage and bone bruising problems have disappeared.
Mauger is seen as an integral part of the backline, a player whose influence draws the best from Carlos Spencer, but he will need to be in immediate touch if he wants to displace the impressive Daniel Carter from the top line-up.
Leon MacDonald will be used again at centre.
His angles on attack, defensive strength and tactical commonsense are seen as the best replacement for the injured Tana Umaga.
Sunday's goalkicker will be announced today, and it will be surprising if MacDonald is not asked to have another crack after his infallible work against Tonga.
By WYNNE GRAY in Sydney
In preparation for a Sydney test with an inevitable result, the All Blacks trained yesterday in Melbourne while Wales went about their business at their base in Canberra.
The World Cup has become that sort of fragmented tournament as it heads to this weekend's conclusion of pool
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