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Qantas Wallabies Take Shape for Bledisloe Cup
July 17, 2007 - 11:00am
Story by: ARU
The Qantas Wallabies are aiming for a clean sweep of trophies for the 2007 domestic season when they clash with New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations decider at Eden Park in Auckland this Saturday (5.35pm kick off AEST).
Having already collected the James Bevan Trophy and Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate, victory over the All Blacks on Saturday night will end a five-year Bledisloe Cup drought for the Wallabies and see the Tri Nations trophy return to Australia for the first time since 2001.
Coach John Connolly has delayed making a final decision on his starting fullback until tomorrow (Wednesday) after Julian Huxley was ruled out with a corked quadriceps muscle. 72-Test veteran and 2006 John Eales Medalist Chris Latham remains in contention to make his first appearance for the Wallabies in 2007 after undergoing a full knee reconstruction in January. Latham has been bracketed with Adam Ashley-Cooper, who if selected in the number 15 jersey will start in his fourth different backline position in seven Test appearances this season.
Connolly has also made changes to his forward pack, with Stephen Moore returning at hooker after recovering from a sternum injury and David Lyons earning a start at Number 8. After leading the Wallabies to victory over the All Blacks in Melbourne, Stirling Mortlock will again captain the side and will be deputised by starting openside flanker George Smith and Phil Waugh. While the Wallabies match 22 is yet to be finalised, both Mark Chisholm and Sam Cordingley have been nominated as touring reserves.
Connolly compared Saturday night’s blockbuster to a World Cup Final. “Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations deciders are right up there alongside World Cup Finals,” said Connolly. “Opportunities to play in Tests like this don’t come around too often and Saturday night will be a very special occasion. It is certainly the biggest match a number of our players have faced,” he added.
The 24-man Wallabies touring squad will depart Sydney for Auckland Wednesday, 18th July.
QANTAS WALLABIES v NEW ZEALAND
Saturday 21 July 2007
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
Kick off: 7.35pm local, 5.35pm AEST
Qantas Wallabies
1. Matt Dunning
2. Stephen Moore
3. Guy Shepherdson
4. Nathan Sharpe
5. Dan Vickerman
6. Rocky Elsom
7. George Smith (vc)
8. David Lyons
9. George Gregan
10. Stephen Larkham
11. Mark Gerrard
12. Matt Giteau
13. Stirling Mortlock (c)
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper/Drew Mitchell
15. Chris Latham/Adam Ashley-Cooper
16. Adam Freier
17. Al Baxter
18. Hugh McMeniman
19. Stephen Hoiles
20. Phil Waugh (vc)
21. Scott Staniforth
22. Drew Mitchell/Chris Latham
Selected to tour with the squad: Mark Chisholm, Sam Cordingley.
Unavailable for selection due to injury/suspension: Julian Huxley (quad), Wycliff Palu (shoulder), Lote Tuqiri (suspended).
Match Notes
* New Zealand is the current holder of the Bledisloe Cup after winning all three Tests against Australia in 2006
* Last meeting: Australia 20 New Zealand 15, MCG, Melbourne (30/6/07).
* Overall: Played 151, New Zealand 102, Australia 44, Drawn 5.
* Last meeting at Eden Park: New Zealand 34 Australia 27 (2006).
* Australia last held the Bledisloe Cup in 2002.
Tri Nations Notes
* Australia last won the Tri Nations in 2001.
* New Zealand has owned the Tri Nations title for the last two years (2005, 2006).
* The trophy has been won seven times by New Zealand and twice each by Australia and South Africa.
* New Zealand won the inaugural Tri Nations title in 1996.
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