Veteran lock Nathan Sharpe says only the Wallabies' best performance of the campaign will be enough to achieve victory over a desperate All Blacks side itching to return to the winners' circle after consecutive Tri Nations defeats.

Another loss this weekend would be deemed a disaster by the rugby-obsessed New Zealand public, a fact Sharpe says will ensure the Eden Park showdown is an even tougher contest than the epic Sydney Test a week ago.

"Particularly when a team gets a lot of criticism for a couple of weekends in a row now they tend to come out and throw the kitchen sink at you," Sharpe said.




"And that's what we're going to do them - so there's going to be a few kitchen sinks flying around on Saturday night I'd say."

The Wallabies boast a woeful away record in recent years having not tasted victory across the Tasman since 2001, but Sharpe believes the weight of expectation on Graham Henry's side could very well work in Australia's favour.

"If they don't get off to a great start then it certainly might open a few holes and opportunities for us."

But the 68-Test veteran is under no illusions as to the enormity of the task awaiting them on a ground an Australian side has not tasted success at since 1986.

"Any national team when you play them at home is a different animal and we're expecting exactly that against the All Blacks on Saturday night," he said.

Asked to evaluate his side's progress under Kiwi super coach Robbie Deans, the 68-Test veteran said the former Crusaders mentor's methods were clearly starting to sink in, but agreed they must reach new heights again this week if they hope to keep their winning run in tact.

"The first three Tests against France and Ireland were certainly great stepping stones for us, the first two Tri Nations games have certainly been a big step up mainly in intensity I think," Sharpe said.

"And this one's going to be the next big challenge for us, winning away from home against a team that are very, very keen to get a win up."

http://sportal.com.au/rugby-union-ne...s-battle-53552