Features

Australia back in Tri-Nations action

Author: John Harris
Date: 27/08/2009
Rugby Union betting

Winless Australia fly across their homeland to welcome the world champions to Perth on Saturday.

South Africa could go close to completing a magnificent summer if they beat the Wallabies, though they will have to wait before sealing the Tri-Nations mathematically.

Australia have two bonus points from their three matches, though they'll feel that they should have taken many more.

A 78th minute penalty from the returning Dan Carter snatched victory for New Zealand from under the noses of the men in gold as the All Blacks travelled back across the Tasman with all four points.

It was a case of the same-old story for the Aussies, as they succumbed to narrow defeats to the All Blacks and Springboks in their first two fixtures.

But the Australians are remaining upbeat, as they hope to at least lift the Mandela Cup when sportsbook tournament favourites South Africa jet into town this weekend.

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Australia have fitness concerns over Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, Berrick Barnes and Stephen Moore.

South Africa make the trip down under for the first time in this year's tournament after a magnificent summer.

A 2-1 Test series victory over the British & Irish Lions set the ball rolling for a successful summer, which continued with two home victories over New Zealand and one against the Wallabies.

They are odds-on to lift the Tri-Nations trophy as it would take an unlikely All Blacks revival to force their way back into contention. Australia can virtually be ruled out.

A victory would virtually secure their crown as the best side in the world this year, after seeing off the best the Northern half had to offer when the Lions were despatched of.

And as they have taken a back seat to recuperate in recent weeks, they take to the field in Western Australia in good health.

Expect Bryan Habana to be back in full-swing after uncertainty over his future was ended when he signed with the Western Province this week.

Wallabies boss Robbie Deans and All Blacks counterpart Graham Henry were recently quoted as saying that Test rugby had became poor due to a reliance on kicking.

Deans pointed out South Africa as a prime example, as the boot of Morne Steyn has inspired two Springboks wins thus far in the tournament.

Expect Steyn to get among the points again.

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