All Blacks go Batty for Brisbane
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:28
New Zealand legend Grant Batty believes the Wallabies will bounce back from their record defeat in Johannesburg, but expects the Kiwis to take the Tri-Nations crown in Brisbane.
Batty said coach Robbie Deans would have geared up the Australians to be "very, very focused", in light of their record 8-53 Tri-Nations hammering by the Boks in Johannesburg last weekend.
"I think the Wallabies are capable of winning [in Brisbane]," Batty told the Sunday Mail.
"I don't think they will, but who is to say what could happen out there.
"Australia has already beaten the All Blacks this year and they will be playing at a ground where they have enjoyed considerable success.
"They will be a very focused side after what happened in South Africa last week.
"Those kinds of losses can leave scars, and turning things around so quickly is obviously going to be difficult, but you can't write them off."
However, Batty questioned the All Blacks preparations for the Tri-Nations finalé at the Suncorp Stadium - which also doubles as the third Bledisloe Cup clash of 2008.
The All Blacks pummelled a desperately understrength Samoan team 101-14 last Wednesday in New Plymouth.
"That [test against Samoa] would have done the All Blacks absolutely no good whatsoever," he added.
Australia will miss the services of line-out expert Dan Vickerman and scrumhalf Luke Burgess in Brisbane due to injury, while talented Reds centre Berrick Barnes (shoulder) is racing the clock to be match-fit for the title decider.
