Australia And Recent Events
I admire the confidence and positivity amongst you Aussies. Here in Saffaland most would be pessimistic and that is a great tribute to you guys.
Of course, each nation's psyche is different and that's why I have such interest in this game.
We all know the ability of the All Blacks, particularly after a loss. A draw against the Wallabies depriving them of a 1st tier record of international games won in a row. The All Blacks come off a loss, already 2 games worse than 2013. Having never lost 2 games in a row under Hanson's tenure they'll bounce back.
What's of more interest is the unknown. The Wallabies don't lack talent. You come off a loss against Argentina and will be remembered as the first team to lose to Argentina in the RC for all time. The opposite is true for Argentina.
You endured heavy criticism in all areas off the field, including a shocking TMO decision recently.
Conflicting reports and a lot of ambiguity has come from the media and sources within the squad.
Therefore, you could win. This is a typical opportunity to truly harness the "Backs-to-the-Wall" principle.
Recessions usually have a sudden - bullish, end.
On New Zealand (and England)
They'll be fired up, be sure of that. I still think their main goal from here-on for the year is beating England. They know they have Australia's number 9 times out of 10. England, on the other hand, have been giving them some trouble in recent times.
England had one of their most respectable tours of NZ in years.
Englad will also give their all to beat SA before the RWC since they last won a game against SA in 2006. Their first game against NZ will give them the best possible preparation to defeat the Springboks in the following game.
Preceding Events And The Future
It is a sin looking at a game for being just that in Test Rugby. Previous events and the future should be taken into consideration. Teams evolve and if you have an idea where they are trying to head, you'll have a better chance of understanding their current goals.
All things should be looked at from the viewpoint of where management sees the team in a year.
I believe this to be true regardless of whether it's the lead-up to a RWC or not.
Australia gaining a win here will make it a 4-way race and not a 3-way race for the William Webb Ellis.
Thow in France for good measure beacuse everyone knows they'll be a thorn next year regardless of the lead-up.
Yes, I don't think Ireland are a threat for the traditional 5 of NZ, SA, AUS, ENG, & FRA next year in a KO match.
Argentina can provide some upsets but the truth is Wales an Ireland are also strong nations currently. I'd put them in the same league.
Scotland, Italy and the Pacific Nations could provide some very good games and one or two of them may spring a surprise and go further, but it is still nothing for the big 5.
What It Could Be
Australia could win this game. What would that mean?
It means the Wallabies would host the Springboks in Brisbane next year. Both teams will have come off a victory over the All Blacks.
The Wallabies will want to make ammends for the very dissappointing loss of 2013. A victory here for the Wallabies will give them a huge mental edge if they are to face the Springboks in the QF of the RWC. In fact, the Wallabies could very well top their group next year and have England face SA in the QF instead.
Yeah, I don't think Wales will make it.
Good luck to both proponents this weekend.