Mortlock turns up heat 'underdone' NZ - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Mortlock turns up heat 'underdone' NZ

By Mark Geenty of NZPA 17/07/2007 09:23:10 PM Comments (0)

Wallabies rugby captain Stirling Mortlock continued to needle the All Blacks, saying an embarrassment of backline riches and constant changes were stifling their much-vaunted attack.

The Wallabies confirmed three changes to their side for Saturday's Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup decider, including the likely recall of Chris Latham who was bracketed with Adam Ashley-Cooper at fullback.

Hooker Stephen Moore (sternum) and No 8 David Lyons return for Adam Freier and Stephen Hoiles respectively, who started the 25-17 win over the Springboks in Sydney on July 7.

Mortlock said the team head to Auckland on Wednesday in a confident mood, and felt their relative stability gave their backline an edge against an "underdone" opposition.

"No doubt a fair impact on our team is the fact we've had a pretty solid combinations throughout the Tri-Nations," Mortlock said.

"On the flipside for New Zealand, it's a bit of a disadvantage they've got so many quality players putting up their hands.

"Their combinations have chopped and changed in most tests, and we're seeing a little less fluidity in their attack, in particular."

The All Blacks went two hours of playing time in Melbourne (a 15-20 loss to the Wallabies) and Christchurch without scoring a try before their late flurry in the 33-6 win over the Springboks on Saturday.

It was a game Mortlock, who terrorised the All Blacks in Melbourne, watched with interest.

"There is added pressure on New Zealand. You saw in their performance against the Boks, on the scoreboard they won by a considerable margin but there was a lot of heat put on by their local media.

"New Zealanders are used to seeing their team dominate. There is a fair bit of pressure on them to play well and to perform this weekend."

There is also pressure on the Wallabies to break a six-year drought on New Zealand soil, stretching back to Dunedin in 2001, and a 21-year drought at Eden Park.

"We're aware of the importance of this match and I'm sure New Zealand are too.

"There's a lot at stake, momentum going into the World Cup and the Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup titles. Our preparation's been great and we go over with high expectations.

"This is a great opportunity for us to get the Bledisloe back."

Latham's involvement will be confirmed on Wednesday morning as he eyes his first test in eight months after knee reconstruction surgery in January.

The 72-test veteran was set to miss out before Julian Huxley was sidelined with a bruised thigh after being tackled by Brumbies teammate Gene Fairbanks at an awards night after-party in Canberra.

Coach John Connolly wanted a "rusty" Latham to get through training at their beachside Coogee base before confirming him in the starting lineup.

"Last November he was considered the best fullback in the world. Mentally he's such a strong guy and he's always delivered for Australia," Connolly said.

"We don't think it's a risk. The doctor's given him the thumbs-up and it's not a problem. He's played two weeks in a row (for his Gold Coast club), it's just getting the footy skills up to speed. "

If Latham were ruled out, Ashley-Cooper would shift from wing to fullback and Drew Mitchell promoted.

Connolly said Lyons' inclusion ahead of Sydney man-of-the-match Hoiles was due to his added physicality against the powerful All Blacks loose forwards.

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