Wallabies name Waugh to gang up on Richie

Tuesday, 29 July 2008 - NZPA

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans trumped the return of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw with his own dynamic loose forward duo as a brutal battle for possession looms the Bledisloe Cup rematch in Auckland on Saturday.

Deans confirmed Phil Waugh to replace injured flanker Rocky Elsom (foot) for the second Bledisloe Cup test, thereby reviving former coach John Connolly's ploy of partnering Waugh with fellow specialist openside George Smith.

There were just two changes to the starting 15 who beat the All Blacks 34-19 in Sydney, with captain and centre Stirling Mortlock returning from concussion and Ryan Cross shifting to the bench.

Hugh McMeniman, who was seen as a frontrunner to replace Elsom, takes Waugh's spot on the bench.

Deans said McCaw's return would clearly impact on their preparations.

"Obviously he is a player who's capable of impacting on a game, significantly if you allow him to. We'll attempt to deny him that sort of influence," Deans said.

"We need to be wise in the way we structure our attack, be accurate in the way we execute that attack because he'll prey on poor technique, whether it be in the carry or in the supporting roles.

"If you're inaccurate or flawed in your technique then he becomes like a rock in the river, an obstruction."

But Deans warned of putting too much emphasis on an opposition player.

He cited the example of the All Blacks' other key man, Dan Carter, who was excellent in a beaten side last week but restricted by the pressure on those around him.

"It's a bit like Dan Carter, sure they're great players and great athletes but you can't base your whole approach around individuals."

With Smith and Elsom leading the way, the Wallabies dominated a McCaw-less All Blacks at the breakdown in a high-octane Sydney test.

Waugh welcomed another chance to team up with Smith after he watched from the bench on Saturday.

"With Richie coming back New Zealand get a lot of strength from him as their leader and him performing well. I think it's certainly a far bigger challenge," Waugh said.

"With the ELVs (experimental law variations) there's maybe a few more opportunities and with good turnover ball you can turn it into attack."

Deans observed the All Blacks team announcement with interest, particularly the recall of his former Crusaders fullback Leon MacDonald and the shifting of Mils Muliaina to the wing.

It gave the All Blacks, in effect, three fullbacks, Deans said.

"That's an indicator of the way they'll approach the game, they'll probably bring a slightly more percentage approach.

"They'll look to return kicks with kicks and possibly contest a little bit more in the air.

"Leon's a very experienced player, he provides a lot of voice and he's a good organiser. He's very willing, so in a tight contest he's not too inhibited by the positional role."

Deans said the fact Eden Park was the All Blacks' fortress, where the Wallabies hadn't won in 22 years, would add to the hosts' more conservative approach.

AUSTRALIA: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Stirling Mortlock (c), 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Phil Waugh, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Reserves: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Dan Vickerman, 19 Hugh McMeniman, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Ryan Cross, 22 Drew Mitchell.