All Blacks pray for Wallaby win
Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:21
The All Blacks are desperate for Australia to beat South Africa in this weekend's Tri-Nations clash in Perth, for purely selfish reasons.
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen admitted away victories were like gold in the Tri-Nations, and realises the implications for his side if the Springboks snare another before their home leg.
"If South Africa win in Perth, that gives them a big advantage," Hansen told NZPA.
"Australia are going to be tough to beat, it's going to be too close to call.
"Hopefully Australia win it, that makes life easier for us."
Only two Tests have been played in the nine-Test tournament - as it stands Hansen said it was very difficult to pick a winner, though acknowledged the stakes had risen following the All Blacks bonus point loss at Carisbrook.
"We're now going to have to win at least one game away from home," he said.
"A lot of people have talked about the Tri-Nations saying: 'oh, here we go again, boring stuff' but you've got the three best sides in the world playing in this one tournament.
"It's tough footy and there's not much between us."
Kiwi fullback Mils Muliaina agreed the tournament would be tighter than the past two seasons, when the All Blacks have emerged comfortable winners.
All Black coach Graham Henry is duly trying to get his new-look team up to speed as the Tests against the Wallabies in Sydney on July 26 and in Auckland a week later should throw up different challenges to the physical Springboks.
"Every game is going to be very crucial. They're pretty even, the three sides," Henry said, highlighting the potential value of their bonus point.
"That may be significant at the end, who knows?
"If our guys can build on what they did in the second half, we're going to be a pretty competitive side in this competition," added Henry.
