Armed & dangerous
ABs primed for Bledisloe battle
Steve Hansen has the heavy artillery back for Bledisloe I and it would appear he will need them to cope with a serious assault from the Wallabies who might be playing for more than just a giant silver trophy they haven’t seen close up for 16 years.
Make no mistake, this opening clash of the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup between the All Blacks and Wallabies tonight is more important for the hosts than the visitors.
Hansen’s team treasures the symbol of trans-Tasman supremacy and is always hugely motivated, and adequately prepared, to continue its dominance.
They say they reset for it each year and their remarkable record suggests their steely mindsets give this fixture all the respect it deserves.
As a result, they’ve won 35 of the 45 contests against the Wallabies since 2003 (including World Cups) and lost just eight times over that span (including, most recently, in Brisbane last year).
Of course, New Zealand have held the Bledisloe Cup since they won it in 2003, their stranglehold over the Aussies since bordering on the inhumane.
It’s why this contest means so much to the Wallabies. More than just silverware or trans-Tasman bragging rights. Rugby in Australia is going through tough times. Interest is flagging. They can no longer sell out this fixture, or anywhere close. People are turning away from the game in droves.
Australians, simply, lose interest in their teams that do not win consistently. And the Wallabies, who have lost four of their last five tests, and seven of their last eight Bledisloes, fall into that category.
So they will be coming with the proverbial kitchen sink.
The All Blacks know that. They got a hint of it last year when, the first half of Bledisloe I apart, they found an improved Australian outfit all they could handle, and were by their own reckoning lucky to tuck the series away in Dunedin.
The Wallabies don’t need to win tonight to save their professional game. But it sure would be a big step in the right direction. It sure would help turn the tide of pessimism that surrounds the XV-a-side code in this country.
That is why it is so important the All Blacks have those proverbial big guns back. Kieran Read (109 tests) and Brodie Retallick (68) return after long absences and their hard edge, supreme skill and killer instinct should ensure the world champions are back near their best after an indifferent June. So too will the 100th test for Sam Whitelock – one of the most respected figures in this remarkable group.
‘‘For the first test there’s always an edge because there’s an unknown,’’ said Hansen. ‘‘But both Kieran and Brodie are looking forward to Saturday. Brodes has missed nine tests through some unfortunate circumstances and injury, and Reado is a very proud man, and has battled his way back from an injury that could have been career-ending.
‘‘He had that moment where ‘this could be all over’, and to be back leading the team and playing well means he comes in with confidence and genuine excitement.’’
It is a very, very strong All Blacks side, with only Sonny Bill Williams missing from their best XV. Even that has allowed for the introduction of a young man who looks the future of this side, in the powerful and skilful Jack Goodhue. It is good, too, to see Waisake Naholo given the chance to prove himself on the big stage and Beauden Barrett has a lot to play for.
Hansen provided an insight into the mental fortitude of his team when he was asked how he motivates his men through such a long winning streak.
‘‘It’s not my job to motivate them. I don’t motivate anybody apart from myself. The job of the athlete is to motivate himself. If he can’t, he won’t get picked. My job is to create an environment where motivated athletes can really perform and keep improving.’’
The coach also shrugged off any gamesmanship on his behalf in tagging the Wallabies favourites. ‘‘The 2018 team hasn’t had any wins against Australia. You can get caught up in the past or focus on what’s happening right now. They’re a good side, they’ve improved a lot, they’ve done hard work on running lines and core setpiece roles, and their kicking game is good. Our players are well aware of the challenge they face.’’
Forewarned and forearmed. Let the Bledisloe battle begin.