The battle of the best...

Saturday poses possibly the biggest test of Robbie Deans’ international coaching career when the Wallabies take on the All Blacks in Sydney. With Stirling Mortlock, their talisman, out for the rest of the Tri Nations, the Wallabies will have to dig deep to keep composed. I’m hoping George Smith puts on a better display as captain, after getting a bit snotty with the ref in their final away game.

Both teams have big stars returning for this match up. The much anticipated return of All Black wonder-boy, Dan Carter will allow for the Kiwi fans to breathe a little easier. Luke McAlister also returns to the starting lineup alongside Carter, boosting the Kiwi’s kicking options, and in so allowing for pressure to be taken off Carter if he needs some time to settle.

The returning player I’m most interested to see however, is Wallaby flanker, Rocky Elsom. After a brilliant stint overseas with Leinster, winning 11 man of the match awards out of Leinster’s last 13 games, Elsom will be rearing to go in the Gold Wallaby jumper.

Mano e Mano:

• Dan Carter VS Matt Giteau: Arguably the two best #10’s in the game, this duel will be one of the highlights of the game. Gits has played more rugby of late, with Carter having such a long lay off. It won’t take too long for Carter to settle back in the #10 jumper though. This one is too close to call.
• Richie McCaw VS George Smith:These two have dominated the breakdown for a good few seasons. Both had a bit of a hard time on tour against the likes of Brussow. Both have been in the spotlight lately for their tactics at the breakdown, and both have been caught out so far this season by the referees. This clash will be decided by whomever can get on the better side of the South African referee, Jonathan Kaplan’s call at the breakdown 1st.
• Mils Muliaina VS James O’Connor: Mils will move one test clear of Tana Umaga, taking the sole spot of the 4th most capped All Black of all time, with 75 caps to his name. James O’Connor recovered from his utterly kak performance in Auckland, to have an absolute stunner in the last outing against the Springboks. Mils has the experience, O’Connor has the youth and desire to prove himself. If O’Connor can keep his wits about him, expect him to have another cracker of a test match.

Our good mates at Green and Gold Rugby posted this clip of Rocky Elsom taking on the Leicester Tigers in the 2009 Heineken Cup final on Youtube a while ago. Enjoy.

Teams:

Australia: 15 James O’Connor, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 George Smith (captain), 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Benn Alexander, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 David Pocock, 20 Will Genia, 21 Ryan Cross, 22 Peter Hynes.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Rodney So’oialo, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Ma’a Nonu.

Keeping with the home wins, Australia to take it by 9 or less.

Kickoff is at 12h05 local time.