Donald at number 10 'no surprise': Deans

SYDNEY - Some Wallabies rugby players expected Luke McAlister, but their coach Robbie Deans insists he isn't surprised by the All Blacks taking the safe option of Stephen Donald at first five-eighth.

Despite fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper yesterday predicting McAlister would be peppering him with bombs at Eden Park on Saturday, Deans said he was braced for Donald's selection at No 10.

"We fully anticipated they'd opt for Stephen Donald if he was fit, simply because of his background in that role," the coach said before today's flight to Auckland.

"It's more a reflection of the fact he's more accustomed to playing 10, whereas McAlister lacks that background."

Deans said Donald had earned the right to start the Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup opener, due to several solid seasons of Super 14, and particularly his performances for the Chiefs this year.

He will oppose Matt Giteau, the form five-eighth of world rugby who scored all the Wallabies' points in their 22-6 win over France on June 27.

Their entire backline and tight five are unchanged from that victory.

A noticeable difference in the team selections was the loose forwards, with Kieran Read the only bench backup for the All Blacks while Deans had blindside flanker Dean Mumm and two specialist opensides - Phil Waugh and David Pocock - in reserve behind George Smith for the torrid battle for breakdown possession.

"They've got a number of players who can cover that (openside) role; Rodney So'oialo has been used there previously, Kieran Read has done it occasionally as well," Deans said.

"They don't have specialist cover in that area but they've obviously got players who they believe can do that job."

The Wallabies flew to Auckland a day earlier than last year, when they received a 39-10 hiding after victory in Sydney.

Deans said there were some subtle variations in this year's buildup, but he hadn't worried himself with the past as his side try to break a 10-match losing streak at Eden Park stretching back to 1986.

"I've answered this question quite a lot (about Eden Park) this week. It probably pertains to the All Blacks more than it does the visiting team. I'm hoping that's the case.

"In theory it's a rectangle and it shouldn't matter where it is. But history suggests there's more to it than that.

"It's obviously got a fair amount to do with the emotion. It's a bastion for the All Blacks; they're very conscious of their successful history and the opportunity to maintain that and also own a piece of it... it's a great place to test yourself."

He predicted it would be "a great test match".

Ashley-Cooper agreed, saying the All Blacks provided the sternest exam of any team in world rugby.

"They're just a smarter football team than any other. From a fullback's perspective you're always tested in attack and defence so any win, especially over the All Blacks, you definitely going to cherish," he said.

"It doesn't get any tougher, against the All Blacks on their home turf in front of their home crowd. Everyone's excited by it."

Eden Park is sold out for the match, with 32,000 seats available in the under-development stadium.

- NZPA