With the Springboks having already sewn-up the Tri-Nations for 2009, and the Bledisloe Cup retained for another year, one could be forgiven for thinking that there was little left to play for on Saturday. But for the All Blacks and Wallabies this couldn't be further from the truth.
Firstly, for the All Blacks who are in their worst form slump since 1998, there is not only the weight of public expectation but the possibility that if they don't front-up they could become the only All Blacks side in history to lose three home tests in a calendar year.
Meanwhile, the chance to make history will also be a motivating factor for the Wallabies as they desperately seek to end what has been an eight-year losing to streak to the All Blacks in New Zealand. Of the current 23 man squad, only George Smith has ever played in a Wallabies side to have beaten the All Blacks at home.
Betfair Australia has installed the All Blacks as favourites ($1.62), as has the New Zealand TAB ($1.50). While the Wallabies are paying $2.74 and $2.50 respectively.
Firstly, for the All Blacks who are in their worst form slump since 1998, there is not only the weight of public expectation but the possibility that if they don't front-up they could become the only All Blacks side in history to lose three home tests in a calendar year.
Meanwhile, the chance to make history will also be a motivating factor for the Wallabies as they desperately seek to end what has been an eight-year losing to streak to the All Blacks in New Zealand. Of the current 23 man squad, only George Smith has ever played in a Wallabies side to have beaten the All Blacks at home.
Betfair Australia has installed the All Blacks as favourites ($1.62), as has the New Zealand TAB ($1.50). While the Wallabies are paying $2.74 and $2.50 respectively.
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