In this past Saturday’s Tri-Nations Test, where the All Blacks yet again defeated the Wallabies at Lang Park
, Australia, a first in a decade since their win of 32-25 in Brisbane, saw the Kiwi’s retain the Bledisloe Cup for another year.The All blacks are now fielding a squad that is undeniably the ‘best in world rugby’ after ‘phasing out’ both the Wallabies and the Springboks and attaining victory in all their matches with no loss so far.
Although the Wallabies are not sporting their full pack, pressure seems to be downing on Rodney ‘Rodzilla’ Blake, who since their encounter with the Springboks, which Australia won, has missed out on the Wallabies last three matches.
The 23-year-old Tongan-born, New Zealand-raised heavyweight sustained an ankle injury and admits to feeling the burden of expectation. Blake says, “It’s going to put pressure on me, saying I’m the only guy who can make a difference. I will be prepared for World War 3. They’ll come out hard”. Blake is the heaviest player to ever represent Australia weighing in at a whopping 130kg.
Wallabie coach, John Connolly, who is leading the third-ranked Wallabies to next year’s World Cup after replacing Eddie Jones, said Australia faced a massive challenge against the top-ranked All Blacks.
Connolly says, “They have incredible depth and a convincing win over us in Christchurch, followed by another impressive performance against South Africa. They are the benchmark in world rugby".
Kiwi coach, Graham Henry, says he opted for experience in this past test match against what he saw as a dangerous Wallaby team.
The third and final Bledisloe Cup match will be played at Eden Park, Auckland, on August nineteenth. Australia will face South Africa this Saturday in Sydney in another blistering encounter.
Picture: www.lgm.com.au
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