Monday 16th July 2007
When New Zealand and Australia go head-to-head in a Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup decider in Auckland on Saturday it would be as much a dress rehearsal for a possible Rugby World Cup re-match later this year as it is a battle for the silverware on offer.New Zealand forwards coach Steve Hansen and Wallaby flanker Phil Waugh said there is more at stake at Eden Park on Saturday than just two trophies - the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cups.
Speaking to Sportal after the All Blacks beat a second-string Springbok outfit 33-6 in Christchurch at the weekend, Hansen said he was "excited" about the showdown between the All Blacks and Wallabies this week.
"It is perfect. You couldn't ask for a better [RWC] dress rehearsal," he told Sportal.
"Everything is on the line. We have great opposition, we lost to them last time we played," he added.
Waugh, one of the Wallabies' co-captains - Stirling Mortlock is the other - said the Eden Park encounter will be the toughest Test Australia will face so far this year and agreed the clash would provide the perfect preparation for the World Cup.
"The challenges of going to Eden Park and facing the All Blacks in a Bledisloe Cup decider - games don't come much bigger - so it is going to be big challenge and a good experience for the guys," he said.
"It is a big clash and there is a lot at stake. Everyone is looking forward to it. We got a lot of confidence out of the game last year so we are fairly confident going over there.
"It is the business end of the competition and this is a big game it would be nice to fill the trophy cabinet up before going over to France later in the year."
planetrugby.com
*Disclaimer - Views expressed within this story are not necessarily the views of this Blog
No comments:
Post a Comment