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BRISBANE - Another kick-fest looms in the biggest Tri-Nations rugby test of the year as the All Blacks' brains trust admit the new laws have had the opposite effect.
It will be safety first for both sides in the Tri-Nations decider at Suncorp Stadium as the new Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) leave teams terrified of being caught in their own half.
All Blacks backs coach Wayne Smith learned that the hard way in Sydney in July, after which he admitted they were outcoached by the Wallabies' Robbie Deans when they tried an expansive gameplan and failed in a 19-34 defeat.
They won't make the same mistake again before a packed house on Saturday.
Smith said it was ironic that the ELVs, designed to promote an attacking game, had evolved it into a form of aerial ping-pong.
"The ELVs have created the game where territory's important where you don't want to be caught too often behind your gain line or in your own territory. Someone's going to get a free kick which could create momentum for the other team," he said.
"I'm sure it wasn't the reason for putting those laws in. The vision was that teams would have to run it out from their 22m. That'll probably come as we all get a bit more comfortable with it.
"It's basically decision making. I'm sure there are a lot of opportunities where teams could run it out but the first tendency is to kick it."
The Wallabies' record 53-8 hiding from the Springboks in Johannesburg a fortnight ago highlighted the value of a good kicking and chasing game where the hosts clearly outshone the visitors.
Still, Deans yesterday predicted one of the epic transtasman tests as he and his opposite Graham Henry confirmed strong sides.
The All Blacks will play the same starting 15 for a third consecutive Tri-Nations test while Deans made five changes from Johannesburg which meant 13 returnees from the Wallabies' starting lineup who won in Sydney.
Second five-eighth Berrick Barnes (shoulder) and halfback Luke Burgess (knee) were ruled out, while captain Stirling Mortlock moved to second five-eighth to partner Ryan Cross.
To cope with a high-octane test, Deans picked a split of five forwards and just two backs (Brett Sheehan and Drew Mitchell) on his reserve bench.
"It's not a risk when you've got players who are versatile. That's where we believe our personnel will be valuable, and be a point of difference when it counts."
Asked who his backup first five-eighth was, Deans said: "There's no great need to disclose that..."
Henry chose a more conventional bench, with the versatility of flanker Adam Thomson and utility back Isaia Toeava edging out Sione Lauaki and Rudi Wulf respectively.
He observed Deans had taken a punt with his selections.
"I guess it's always a risk to go in with a 5-2 split. I assume they've got a forward who could play in the backs, one or two come to mind if it really became an issue."
The All Blacks were $1.55 favourites in Australia to the Wallabies' $2.35. While recent form justified the favouritism, the wildly fluctuating results in this year's Tri-Nations and the All Blacks' recent struggles in Australia made it an intriguing contest.
"It's a unique week, and you've seen that in previous games where no two have resembled each other and I've got no doubt that this will be the case this Saturday," Deans said.
"We'll be a different team and so will the All Blacks. That's part of the intrigue and that's why we'll have a full house."
All Blacks
Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa/Neemia Tialata, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava.
Australia
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Stirling Mortlock (captain), Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Sam Cordingley; Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, James Horwill, Nathan Sharpe, Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Wycliff Palu.
Reserves: Adam Freier, Matt Dunning, Hugh McMeniman, Phil Waugh, Richard Brown, Brett Sheehan, Drew Mitchell.
- NZPA
