Wallabies vice-captain Berrick Barnes' injury withdrawal handed the All Blacks a handy pre-test boost today but hasn't stopped them bracing for all-out attack from their desperate rugby opponents.
Barnes, newly promoted to vice-captain ahead of fellow five-eighth Matt Giteau, rolled his left ankle at training and was ruled out of Saturday's test at the National Stadium.
He was taken to hospital where x-rays cleared him of a fracture. However, it won't be until swelling subsides over the weekend that the Wallabies will know if Barnes is fit for their grand slam tour of the UK and Ireland.
It prompted a reshuffle from coach Robbie Deans who recalled teenager James O'Connor to fullback, pushing Adam Ashley-Cooper to Barnes' spot.
Deans was still deciding who would replace O'Connor on the bench, with Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner the most likely candidates.
Winger Digby Ioane was confident Australia could overcome the disruption but also disappointed for the luckless Barnes.
"It is a big loss because he is the go-to man, along with Matt Giteau. They can mix it up and change between five-eighth and 12," he said.
"But Coops is dangerous on the ball. He's more of a go-forward man; he can break the line and stuff, whereas Barnesy's more of a ball player, a smart player."
It means the Wallabies are without their two frontline centres, with Stirling Mortlock ruled out last week with a calf injury.
The All Blacks will firm as favourites for Saturday's fourth Bledisloe test of the year, having won six on the trot including a 33-6 demolition in Wellington last month.
But the All Blacks remain wary of the Wallabies' intent, signalled by Deans' selections this week of a robust, physical side across the park.
"If we do our jobs and have that mental edge and that aggressiveness and dominate them, we'll see what happens," one-test lock Tom Donnelly said.
"But they're going to throw everything at us, including the kitchen sink. You can see that by the selections they've made. They're going to try and run it and use their big runners to get over the advantage line."
Combative wingers Digby Ioane and Peter Hynes were recalled, suggesting a counter-attacking mindset from the Wallabies.
Also, veteran flanker George Smith was benched by Deans for the new loose trio of Wycliff Palu, David Pocock and captain Rocky Elsom.
All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson, retained ahead of Jerome Kaino after an impressive test in Wellington, said it was crucial he, captain Richie McCaw and Rodney So'oialo maintain the advantage at the breakdown the hosts enjoyed in Wellington.
"We really got it over Australia and won the breakdown area which was crucial. That just gave us the edge and puts our noses in front starting this game again," Thomson said.
"Their tight five will have to step up and do more work, and that'll free up guys like Rocky and Wycliff to do what they're there for to run with the ball and get the go forward.
"They're signalling their intentions with the backs too, with Digby Ioane and Cross coming back; they both use the ball."
Donnelly meanwhile felt fortunate to retain his locking spot ahead of the challenge of Anthony Boric.
The 28-year-old Otago lock -- who felt his All Blacks chances were history last year -- said Saturday was pivotal for his tour prospects after being handed the hard word from up high.
"The coaches have made no secret that this is a make or break tour for a lot of players. By the end of it you'll either have a line under your name or a line through it. Every chance you get to pull on the black jersey you've got to impress."
Donnelly and his Highlanders mate Thomson will be the key ballwinners at lineout time, an area the All Blacks are also needing to show some consistency in the new specialist area for head coach Graham Henry.
"We've all been tough on ourselves and we know it's an area of our game that hasn't been as it should," Donnelly said.
"If we relax things will probably slip back, so it's a matter of being on edge and having that focus."
