RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015: Bledisloe Cup preview

BLEDISLOE 1

Wallabies V All Blacks

It is that time of the year again where all eyes within the rugby community focus upon ANZ Stadium in Homebush to bear witness to one of the greatest pieces of test rugby - The Bledisloe Cup.

It is round 3 of the 2015 Rugby Championship and the most important game for the Wallabies and All Blacks in the buildup to the Rugby World Cup beginning in September. The All Blacks are coming off a get-out-of-jail win against South Africa when they pulled off an impressive line out set piece in which the captain, Richie McCaw, scored a superb try, however, they are still in top form. The Wallabies have seen great improvement throughout 2015 with great wins coming against South Africa and Argentina. Being a very well balanced team they have shown that tomorrow will not be an easy one for arch nemesis, New Zealand.

The All Blacks have typically selected a strong side with Richie McCaw leading along with superstar Kieran Reid. Dan Carter brings his great experience at fly half back into the side to start the game, while Sonny Bill Williams will bolster the midfield.

Michael Cheika has picked an interesting line-up with Scott Sio to get his first start at Prop, but the biggest surprise was picking both Michael Hooper and David Pocock to start against the best flanker in the world.

Speaking with new Wallabies squad member and winger Taqele Naiyaravoro, I asked what his thoughts were. His response was that he is expecting "a game at the highest level of skill, physicality and intensity", but was adamant the Wallabies were "here to play" and was very confident that his team mates would pull it off.

Key Match Ups

Scott Sio V Tony Woodcock (Props)

The veteran vs the rookie. Tony woodcock has been a formidable force within the Kiwi pack and always seems to find his way to the try line. However, Scott Sio finally gets his debut start and has been in reasonable form, but will have to be at his best to help his front row defeat the best in the business.

David Pocock & Michael Hooper V Richie McCaw (Flankers)

This will be the biggest battle at the breakdown when the three best flankers in the world go head to head. In recent history the battle has been between McCaw and Hooper as Pocock has been absent due to injury. The recent form of all three maestros has been exceptional so whoever wins the breakdown - wins the match!

Nick Phipps V Aaron Smith (Half Back)

The battle of the halves is a vital one which will set up the rest of the back line to show its strength and skill. Aaron smith is the best half-back in the world and Nick Phipps is on the fringe of the wallabies selection so it will be an interesting one to see who gets the fast delivery. Phipps is the more structured half back with Smith who is just an electric and skillful player that has natural flare and can make something out of nothing. Fast delivery and precise passing will be the key.

Daniel Carter V Bernard Foley (Fly Half)

Bernard Foley gets his biggest and probably most important start in his career, in the year where spots for the Rugby World Cup are up for grabs and in a team that has four other fly halves. It will will be up to him to show Cheika and the world that he is up for the task, especially against the Master in Daniel Carter - the worlds best.

Sonny Bill Williams V Matt Giteau (2nd Five Eight/number 12)

This will be an interesting battle as it will be the cross-code champion, SBW, up against the returned prodigal son, Matt Giteau. Power versus experience, who will prevail? The answer lies within the opportunities both are given when they take on the secondary roles to lead the back lines.

Israel Folau V Ben Smith

Another interesting battle, the two have been unreasonable form, but can produce anything at any point in time and can influence the contest at any time. Both are great link-up players with exceptional skill and both are great catchers of the high ball. Folau will have the greater skills and strength, but Smith is a master of making his presence known. Whoever does win this battle will be a major factor in the victory.

Final outcome

The game will be won at the breakdown, whoever wins the breakdown and concedes the least number of penalties will win the game. Both Michael Cheika and George Hansen will have to make pivotal changes at the right time to ensure both squads get the victory. The Bench is vital and the more impact a bench has, the better a teams on-field performance will be.

Look to be a tight fight in close and the onus will be on the attack and defense of the two back lines.

Wallabies by 3 points.