Jack questions Wallaby pack pedigree

Chris Jack. Picture / Greg Bowker

CHRISTCHURCH - All Blacks lock Chris Jack says the Wallabies pack has yet to prove itself while talking up his own team's lineout remedial work ahead of Saturday's opening Tri-Nations rugby test here.

Wintry weather is likely to turn the Jade Stadium showdown into a forward-based battle, meaning the true mettle of the Australian pack will be tested after sound showings in two wins over England and a defeat of Ireland last month.

While their scrum and tight play appear to have more starch than during their disappointing 2005 season, Jack was yet to be convinced.

"They haven't played us yet and they haven't played South Africa," said Jack, who will play his 50th test.

"South Africa's probably got the best forward pack at the moment in the world. We're probably two or three. It's going to be a big step up for them. That English side wasn't necessarily the best forward pack.

"In saying that, Ireland probably tested us and put us under a lot of pressure."

Indeed, New Zealand's forwards struggled in their three tests, particularly in the lineout where Ireland and Argentina forced a hatful of mistakes.

Jack said his side paid for an experimental approach he had helped "design" for the three June tests which has since been tweaked.

"We probably didn't come in well enough prepared ... we sort of rolled into it and that showed in the way that we performed," Jack said.

"We'll be using parts of the last three tests but also we're trying to get a new understanding and get a bit better at what we're doing."

The All Blacks' lineout generally performed well throughout 2005 but Jack defended the decision to revamp it this year.

"You can't afford to stand still, you've to keep working. You've got to bring new variations on old things the whole time, and hopefully you're a step ahead of the defence."

Jack's locking partner Jason Eaton, named ahead of the experienced Ali Williams, was less analytical about New Zealand's lineout play this season.

"They've been quite terrible," he said.

"We're confident we've got a system in place that's going to be successful come Saturday."

He wondered if Australia's stacking of lineout jumping options -- with loose forwards Mark Chisholm and Rocky Elsom both capable -- could create confusion when simplicity was often the best formula.

Jack also questioned if regular lock Chisolm's shift to flanker would reduce Australia's mobility.

"It will really help their set phase ball but I'm just not so sure about them in the open so it will be interesting," Jack said.

"He (Chisholm) is a pretty good athlete but we know he'll have a tendency to be in tight.

"There will be a lot of pressure on (openside flanker) George Smith to do his job, he'll probably be by himself a bit."

Both teams trained in freezing conditions yesterday, Australia after arriving in the early afternoon.

- NZPA