Gathering in anticipation

By WYNNE GRAY

The ghosts of transtasman rugby wars are not needed, living legends of those Bledisloe battles are shadowing the All Blacks and Wallabies.

As a century of international rugby rivalry climaxes with tonight's Eden Park test, the players receive regular reminders about the heroic deeds of men who wore the black and gold into combat.

All Black halfback Justin Marshall set the scene.

It was an opportunity for the current All Blacks to beat the Wallabies and regain the Bledisloe Cup. Meeting great All Blacks like Sir Brian Lochore at breakfast and round the hotel gave an extra boost to the team.

Both sides carry enormous burdens into the international, this centenary examination in front of their nations' best rugby pedigree.

The loser of this final test before the World Cup will leave with doubts about the future and if the Wallabies are the vanquished, they may find the most uncertainty.

As Marshall said, "another kick in the pants" would not help their confidence although they could regroup at home with fresh players for the World Cup.

The All Blacks have set the standards in the Tri-Nations series, they are favoured to reclaim the trophy since its 1998 exit but have had vulnerable patches in night tests.

The World Cup champion Wallabies have carried a reputation as a side with the smarts, the ability to wriggle out of tight contests but with three defeats in their last four matches they appear on the slide.

The doomsayers are in overdrive across the Ditch with offerings like: "The Australian Post Office has had to recall their latest stamps. They had pictures of the Australian Rugby test players on them. People couldn't figure out which side to spit on.'

There has also been a lament about Auckland's weather, with predictions of showers tonight, conditions which will inhibit both sides.

A hundred years ago the Sydney Morning Herald yearned for that weather in its preview.

"The present New Zealand team have shown form so far in advance of every XV opposed to them that it seems almost impossible for Australia to put a side into the field with any hope of victory unless wet weather makes it a forward game."

The comparison is a little spooky but the same All Black 22-3 victory would suffice.

The Wallabies have yet to show the combined forward power and backs with the necessary tactical kicking to turn their form around.

That kicking aspect of the Wallabies game has been a weakness this season with first five eighths Stephen Larkham not the best tactician with his boot. He does, however, have a delicate grubber kick which has troubled All Black sides.

The alternative kickers are Chris Latham and Elton Flatley while the All Blacks have the luxury of using Carlos Spencer, Aaron Mauger or Marshall to clear possession.

Australia did receive some positive news yesterday when No 8 Toutai Kefu declared himself fit. Kefu has been troubled by his spinal concussion then a leg strain. His presence, according to Wallaby great Mark Ella, was crucial if the defenders were to retain the cup.

Suggestions have been made about the format and shelf-life of the Bledisloe Cup. That is all puff and nonsense when such an enthralling contest awaits tonight.

It is one the All Blacks should win on the back of their progress, familiarity with Eden Park, defence and the sting in their attack.

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* Visit nzherald.co.nz throughout the weekend for Beldisloe Cup updates.