All Blacks cheering for Qantas Wallabies this weekend
July 16, 2008 - 5:40pm
Story by: ARU
It's not support for Head Coach Robbie Deans, a fellow Kiwi, or any resentment against the Springboks but the All Blacks are keen for the Wallabies to beat South Africa in this weekend's Tri Nations clash in Perth.
The reasons however are purely selfish.
The Wallabies open their campaign against the world champion Springoks, who are still on a high from their gutsy 30-28 winners over the All Blacks at Dunedin on Saturday, reversing the result from Wellington a week earlier.
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen said away victories were like gold in the Tri Nations so he was anxious that the Springboks don't snare another one before playing their last three games at home.
"If South Africa win in Perth, that gives them a big advantage," Hansen told NZPA. "Australia are going to be tough to beat, it's going to be too close to call.
"Hopefully the Wallabies will win it, that makes life easier for us."
Just two Tests into the nine-Test tournament, Hansen said it was very difficult to pick a winner. He acknowledged the stakes had risen following their bonus point loss at Carisbrook.
"We're now going to have to win at least one game away from home," he said.
"A lot of people have talked about the Tri Nations saying: `oh, here we go again, boring stuff' but you've got the three best sides in the world playing in this one tournament.
"It's tough footy and there's not much between us."
All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina agreed the tournament would be tighter than the past two seasons, when the All Blacks have emerged comfortable winners.
Coach Graham Henry, who is trying to get his new-look team up to speed for the Test against the Wallabies in Sydney on July 26 at the ANZ Stadium, and in Auckland a week later, said the Wallabies will throw up different challenges to the physical Springboks.
"Every game is going to be very crucial. They're pretty even, the three sides," Henry said, highlighting the potential value of their bonus point for a close loss.
"That may be significant at the end, who knows?
"If our guys can build on what they did in the second half (in Dunedin), we're going to be a pretty competitive side in this competition."
Tickets for the Qantas Wallabies Bledisloe Cup clash with the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday night July 26 are still available. Don’t miss your chance to see the biggest game of Rugby in Australia this year LIVE.
Tickets are available from Ticketek on 132 849 or visit www.ticketek.com.au
