Berrick Barnes: too cool for school.
James O'Connor: not old enough to drink in the USA.
The 2009 Tri Nations competition is almost among us! This weekend's opener sees Australia take on the All Blacks in what will be a very tight affair. Crouch, Touch, Pause and Engage!
"We have made good progress, and the relative consistency of our selection reflects that, but no one is getting ahead of themselves. Playing New Zealand at Eden Park is going to be a major step up on what we have faced so far," Wallaby coach Robbie Deans said. "You only have to look at the history – in terms of the All Blacks' outstanding record at Eden Park – and their current circumstance, to appreciate the size of the task that is in front of us."
The Wallabies cross the Tasman Sea having dispatched the Barbarians (55-7), Italy (31-8 and 34-12), as well as France (22-6) this year. History underlines what a demanding start to the competition it is as Australia last won at Eden Park in 1986. New Zealand has won the last 10 trans-Tasman Tests in Auckland, and has not been defeated at Eden Park by any country since France prevailed 23-20 in 1994, 20-matches ago. The Auckland visit also heralds the start of the annual Bledisloe Cup rivalry, which for a second year will stretch beyond the Tri-Nations tournament, concluding with an historic trans-Tasman Test match in Tokyo on 31 October. The Wallabies must win three of the four Tests against the All Blacks to relieve the New Zealanders of the trophy, which Australia haven't held since it was surrendered to an All Black team co-coached by the current Wallabies mentor in 2003. The Bledisloe Cup was first contested by Australia and New Zealand in 1931. (Report from Rugby365)
Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Richard Brown, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Phil Waugh, 20 David Pocock, 21 Will Genia, 22 James O'Connor.
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock. Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Josevata Rokocoko.
Date: Saturday, July 18
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Marius Jonker (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
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