Australia v New Zealand preview

I am expecting another good game!

Over the last few years Australia have proven to be the most intelligent rugby team in international rugby. They always maximise there own strengths and emphasise the oppositions weakness.
New Zealand are the stronger team, and they will be looking to recover from last weeks defeat. In the long term I expect New Zealand to win their two home games at the end of the tournament, so the next two matches in Australia will probably decide the tournament.
What Australia need to do is control possession and pressurise the New Zealand attack. To win possession I am looking forward to a great battle between Smith and McCaw, remembering that during the Super 12s these two neutralised each other fairly well, even though I felt McCaw edged the battle. The rest of the backrow should be in New Zealand favour as Australia don't put the same pressure on the opposition as South Africa do. The second row should be even, and I don't expect New Zealands lineout to be bad as against South Africa.

Out wide Turinui will be tested, and found wanting, by Carter and Mauger, but it won't be easy for New Zealand. I look forward to seeing Rokocoko and Tuquiri, I hope that Rokocoko has recovered some speed. I know little about Mitchell so I will have to wait and see. Weepu will have a better game here, his biggest strength is his strength! His powerful runs from the base of the scrum were not as effective against South Africa, but here I think he will be more dangerous.