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Tri-Nations on the horizon

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 17/07/2009

The All Blacks tackle the Wallabies for the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday, kicking off the 2009 Tri-Nations.

Both New Zealand and Australia will be hoping for a sprint-start to the tournament with sportsbook favourites South Africa being made to wait another week to start their campaign.

All Blacks head coach Graham Henry is delaying naming his team for the opening match, as he sweats over the fitness of fly-half Luke McAlister.

McAlister, often the understudy to Dan Carter, is thought to be the favourite to wear the number 10 jersey for Henry's side but is struggling with a back problem.

McAlister sat out the domestic fixtures of the weekend due to back spasms, but returned to training on Monday with the national side.

If he does not suffer a reaction to the problem, he should be in line to lead the All Blacks attack on Saturday.

McAlister's rival for the fly-half berth is also touch-and-go ahead of the clash. Stephen Donald also returned to training on Monday despite a troublesome hamstring and will start.

Captain Richie McCaw is set to return to the All Blacks back row, as is Rodney So'oialo.

The reigning champions will be hoping for a strong performance from veteran McCaw, as they looked out-of-sorts in the recent internationals with France and Italy.

In contrast, Australia comfortably saw off the Italians and French during the European's trips down under.

They enter the Tri-Nations in good shape, but have not won in Auckland's Eden Park since 1986.

Hooker Rocky Elsom looks set to be the only injury absentee for the Australians.

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Meanwhile, Wallaby James O'Connor will have a foot in all three Tri Nations camps this year.

Despite being raised in New Zealand with a Kiwi father and being born to a South African mother, the full-back is set to figure for Australia on Saturday.

Wallabies hooker Stephen Moore has claimed that his team-mates will not be distracted by the situation of sacked winger Lote Tuqiri.

The furore surrounding the player has been the only issue to surround an otherwise smooth preparation for the tournament from the Wallabies.

However, a 39-10 hammering at Eden Park in 2008 could well be on the minds of the Australia players as they look to overcome the intimidating atmosphere of the All Blacks' spiritual home.

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