Larkham ready for attention

SYDNEY - Wallaby playmaker Stephen Larkham is fully expecting to be the target of the All Black defence tonight.

The first five-eighth said he and halfback George Gregan had got used to being the focus of attention.

"Most games, I think they target me and George, and try to disrupt the backline by doing that," he said.

"I've got no doubts it will be same this weekend, so we go into games expecting it now. We've played beside each other long enough to realise what's happening and what we can do about it."

Earlier this season, Larkham missed the deciding third Lions test and Australia's Tri-Nations opener in Pretoria because of a shoulder problem.

The injury was suffered in the second Lions test, when he was hit late several times, prompting a denial from the tourists that they had a preconceived plan to take him out.

Meanwhile, Larkham said the Wallabies had devised their own plans to counter the threat posed by opposite number Andrew Mehrtens, who returned to the All Black starting line-up in the 26-15 win over South Africa last weekend.

"He certainly controlled the game really well and everything about him was pretty much on song," he said.

Larkham's return came in the Carisbrook test last month when the Wallabies broke their Dunedin hoodoo with a 23-15 victory over a disappointing All Black side.

After four changes, including the recall of Mehrtens, the New Zealanders stormed back against the Springboks last Saturday.

Larkham said he was impressed with the All Black performance at a wet Eden Park and he expected Anton Oliver's men to go up another notch at Stadium Australia.

"There was a lot of rain and there was a lot of kicking. If they get the ball to their outside backs, such as Jonah Lomu and Tana Umaga, they will be really dangerous."

However, Larkham did not believe the sellout 91,000 crowd would see a 10-try feast like they did in the corresponding match last year, won at the death by the All Blacks 39-35.

"This year there have been fewer tries and a lot more kicking. I can't see that trend changing overnight, although the game will open up late in the halves."

- NZPA