Teams primed for 'most important' Tri-Nations test of the year

1.00pm

SYDNEY - The clash between trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand and Australia in Sydney tonight is shaping up as the most important of this year's Tri-Nations, All Black coach Graham Henry says.

"I just think the timing and the results so far make it the pinnacle game of the Tri-Nations," he said.

"The South Africans may have something to say about that over the next two weeks, but certainly it's the big game of the tournament so far."

The All Blacks have already retained the Bledisloe Cup by virtue of their 16-7 victory over the Wallabies in Wellington last month.

They will undoubtedly want to seal their sixth Tri-Nations title before they board their plane for South Africa tomorrow and their final Tri-Nations test in Johannesburg next Saturday.

To do that, they have to win at Telstra Stadium with a bonus point.

Any other outcome would keep all three teams in the running.

Henry said he was pleased with the build-up this week, which he described as quieter than normal after six tests over the past two months.

"We've had a lot of rugby in the last eight weeks," he said.

"What we're trying to do is taper off, so there's going to be fuel in the tank."

Meanwhile, Henry praised the feat of George Gregan in being on the threshold of equalling winger David Campese's Australian record of 101 caps, set in 1996.

He told a mostly Australian audience at a press conference yesterday that there was a lot of respect for Gregan in New Zealand.

"That milestone is huge and there's a good feeling about that in New Zealand," he said.

"There's recognition of big achievements and this is a big achievement."

On this side of the Tasman, Gregan hasn't won the admiration of Australian fans to the same degree as some of the other greats, such as his predecessor as skipper, lock John Eales.

Asked by one local journalist if he was surprised by the flak that was sometimes directed at Gregan, Henry said he wasn't.

He pointed to the criticism over the past week of inside backs Justin Marshall and Carlos Spencer in relation to New Zealand's backline performances against Australia and South Africa last month.

"I think that's probably something that stars of the game have to put up with from time to time."

A former coach of Wales, Henry also recalled the experience of Welsh first five-eighth Neil Jenkins.

"I thought he was a marvellous player for Wales and won many a test match for Wales, but he was always criticised by the media," he said.

"That was very sad, really, because he was a key player and did a lot for Welsh rugby."

Meanwhile, Gregan said there would be no special celebrations over his test appearance No 101, if the Wallabies were to win tonight.

"Not really, because we haven't finished the job," he said.

"We still have to go over to South Africa and beat them in the Tri-Nations."

The match will also be centre Matt Burke's last at home for the Wallabies before he heads to Britain.

Named on the bench, Burke will play his 80th test if he gets on to the field.

- NZPA