Scrum of the Earth /

The food has tasted like dirt, a constant black cloud has lingered over the whole country, and pubs have been empty for folk haven’t even been able to enjoy a beer.

It is times like this you have to forge an allegiance with the cracking empire and lay siege for one last battle.

After all, the All-Blacks are back in the Garden of Eden, the place of new beginnings, and where the Australians have endured 22 years of rugby hell.
 
As if Stirling Mortlock and his band of Wallabies needed any more motivation to dig the knife any deeper.

According to Robbie Deans, they are in better shape than last time out. So god help the All-Blacks.

As form and confidence grows on the gold side of the Tasman, the black half are one win away from meltdown - back to back losses against the enemy and they’ll be paying their own way to South Africa.

The mother of all Rob Andrew reviews leading up to the game has seen new players, new methods and a new attitude.

It couldn’t have been hidden or timed any better. They really are backed up against the wall.

Behind all the drama, Richie McCaw’s return as eternal saviour eases some pressure on the coaching team albeit the weight of a sumo-wrestler rests on his shoulders.

The All-Blacks will be aiming to exploit Rocky Elsom’s absence by cracking it up a gear or two at the breakdown, especially with the dual threat of Phil Waugh and George Smith getting their greedy paws in the ruck.

Graham Henry better have something up his sleeve for rain is guaranteed and Matt Giteau will be punching those high balls over to Richard Kahui with Lote Tuqiri frothing at the mouth in anticipation of breaking a rib or two.

The All-Blacks need to get to grips and face their fear of the scrum and the lineout. Taking the aggressive line with countless tap penalties was not clever and played right into Australia’s hands.

Australia’s strength is the error count. They can mix and match between the tight and loose, belting the ball deep into New Zealand territory and still manage to pile on the pressure. They are just as dangerous without the ball.

Whoever keeps their errors to a minimum and plays smart rugby will win - simple as that.