Peter Bills: Carter calls on Kiwis to see off Oz in 'turf' war
The combined intrigues of the latest Tri-Nations match of the 2010 competition, allied to the first Bledisloe Cup game of the season between Australia and New Zealand, might yet take second place to a lump of turf in Melbourne this morning.
If reports backed by video footage are to be believed, the Wallabies will attempt to end a seven-match losing run to the All Blacks on a playing surface at the Etihad stadium about as secure of foot as your local ice rink.
Australian TV footage of a compilation of several AFL players going on their arses in a match at the ground last week has raised serious questions as to the worthiness, and, indeed, safety of the playing surface. It is said the grass does not take proper root at the ground, perhaps because the roof is usually closed.
Officially, both coaches are downgrading the issue and Australia's Robbie Deans was testy when quizzed on the topic this week.
Obvious
"Mate, are we going to talk about the rugby or what," he said, clearly exasperated by one inquisitor. All Blacks coach Graham Henry stated the obvious. "It's going to be the same for both sides, so we've just got to get on with it" he said.
But there is a dangerous precedent here. When the Wallabies played at Wembley stadium at the end of their 2008 UK tour, the notoriously poor surface was found badly wanting. When a scrum collapsed, the two Australian starting props damaged knee ligaments because, it was alleged, the soft surface gave way.
That may or may not have been the case, but both sides will want a true surface for this morning's match given the kind of game they seek to play.
Both have already beaten South Africa in this year's Tri-Nations, New Zealand twice, by playing a ball in hand game high on pace, inventive reading of the play and innovation.
They have both done it extremely well, so this morning's clash could be a classic. But only if the surface is reliable. New Zealand -- having enjoyed a significant supremacy over their Trans-Tasman rivals in recent years -- are naturally keen to keep it that way.
Out-half Dan Carter admitted that boosting this young Australian side's confidence by allowing them to beat New Zealand as well as South Africa inside seven days might not be the smartest thing to do just 13 months out from the next World Cup.
Could that be dangerous, he was asked? "Potentially, yes. Confidence is a big thing in international rugby and I'm sure if they can get a win over us it would really boost their confidence. If they win this weekend it doesn't mean they are going to be fantastic, but it is definitely going to help the young blokes with their confidence if they can beat any team.
"We've been very successful against the Wallabies over the last few years but they are still a huge threat to us."
Australia have lost suspended outhalf Quade Cooper, banned for a spear tackle in Brisbane last week, but Carter doubts a new midfield axis of experienced duo Matt Giteau at No 10 and Berrick Barnes at 12, weakens them much.
New Zealand have recalled Joe Rokocoko on the wing for a 64th cap, which will take him past the record of Jonah Lomu and John Kirwan. Jimmy Cowan returns at half-back for Piri Weepu, who starts on the bench.
You have to say, both teams have the ability and brio to produce something exceptional. But will the Melbourne pitch allow that?
AUSTRALIA -- A Ashley-Cooper; J O'Connor, R Horne, B Barnes, D Mitchell; M Giteau, W Genia; B Robinson, S Moore, S Ma'afu, D Mumm, N Sharpe, R Elsom (capt), D Pocock, R Brown.
NEW ZEALAND -- M Muliaina; C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, J Rokocoko; D Carter, J Cowan; A Woodcock, K Mealamu, O Franks, B Thorn, T Donnelly, J Kaino, R McCaw (capt), K Read.
REF -- C Joubert (South Africa)
Australia v New Zealand,
Live, Sky Sports 2, 11.0
- Peter Bills in Melbourne
Irish Independent
