Wallabies unchanged for All Blacks clash

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SYDNEY (AP) - The Wallabies will take an unchanged lineup into the last Tri-Nations test against New Zealand, with hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and winger Lachie Turner passed fit after picking up rib injuries in the 21-6 win over World Cup champion South Africa last week.

Australia snapped a four-match losing streak - and a six-match losing streak in the Tri-Nations dating back to the 2008 tournament - with the win over the Springboks in Brisbane on Sept. 6.

The South Africans rebounded from that by beating the All Blacks at Hamilton last weekend to secure the Tri-Nations title with five wins and the solitary loss.

The Wallabies go into their 500th test match needing a win to continue momentum.

"We stepped up to a new level, in terms of our performance, last time and that was pleasing," Australia coach Robbie Deans said as the lineup was announced Tuesday. "But life goes on. We can't live in that moment and rest our laurels on it.

"History, both in terms of Australia's overall record in New Zealand, and our recent experience there, shows how difficult this weekend's assignment will be. That's not a negative: it's a great opportunity for us. It is important that we kick on and build on what was achieved during our match against South Africa."

The All Blacks, after surrendering any chance of retaining the Tri-Nations title for a fifth straight season with a home loss to South Africa, will be desperate in Wellington to avoid another defeat.

"They won't have enjoyed that experience," Deans said, "and will be determined to make up for it. We have seen how setbacks galvanize the All Blacks, especially when they are playing at home. We know what their response will be ... we have to be ready to meet it."

Australia held a big lead before losing the Tri-Nations series opener 19-18 in Auckland this season.

As cover for Turner, Deans selected New South Wales utility back Kurtley Beale to travel to Wellington in an expanded 23-man squad.

"At this stage, we feel Lachie will be right, but we're taking Kurtley along with us just in case," Deans said.

Squad:

Australia: James O'Connor, Lachie Turner, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Will Genia; George Smith (captain), David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Mark Chisholm, James Horwill, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Stephen Moore, Pek Cowan, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Peter Hynes.

-AP