‘slightly’

They seem to have had their injury disruptions over with already. Im not sure whether Beale is unavailable, that sounds like a classic Drongo Deans ploy to me and Im assuming he’ll be lacing up his boots as a ‘unexpected boost’ to the team. Given that ABs have just called in their 4th-choice no10 – the key position on the field – then the Aussies look more settled now that Pocock is 100% fit again. Meanwhile ABs have McCaw clearly playing through an injury.

I actually think Cruden will do OK in partic if Weepus kicking maintains a good level. But lets not look past the fact he has only just come in to the squad.

Shouldn’t we say now loudly – POACHERS?

If Beale doesnt make it, they move Cooper to 15, and put Barnes in at 10. Hes OK, about as OK as cruden is for us

The big things we have to consider are:

At Brisbane – we had no kaino, read went early, and McCaw was way below best. carter also had his worst 40 mins in an AB jersey.
For the first 21 minutes in the 2nd half, we did the pickngo and drew level from 3-20 down.
Genia then used the ref to dodge 2 tackles as he set up the winning try, final score 25-20
Without our proper 6,7,8 – we were exposed. This week, we will be far more organised. Additionally, we are playing at home, in a fortress, with more screaming fans than theirs, it will be a black out of epic proportions through the crowd, as Aus would have expected to be in Saturdays semi final not Sunday.

I guess a fair bit depends on those Saffas offering to sell their tickets to the Aussies

The ABs should win this comfortably – especially if Beale is out.

If the Aussies had Palu, Robinson and Mitchell and Beale playing and Barnes was at FH instead of that idiot Cooper, I’d give them a chance. But the injuries and the situation lead me to the conclusion that they will be headed home on a early Monday flight.

ABs by about 16 I’d guess.

20 million Ozzies Vs 4 million Kiwi’s and who are the current NBL, Rugby League WC and NRL finalists? (I’m not going to mention the Netball which is pretty 50/50) and you can keep cricket.

On history Oz have played at Eden park 23 timers since 1931 (included V Ireland ) and have won a total of four times in 49’,55’,78’ and 86’ for a 17.4% win rate, so you’re definitely due.

It’s crazy to think though that after four years of the Deans/ Henry coaching rivalry that it all comes down to this weekend and probably a single play or decision to decide who history will remember as the better coach/team.
Granted more pressure on Ted there, as Dean’s in 03′ doesn’t count against Deans in Oz, and them just getting to the SF is a gain for the Wallas.
We let you take your SF in 03’, so now you can return the favour thanks.

But watch out for the NZRU’s deep cell “sheep in Dingo’s clothing” plan to be activated. When the mercenary , ‘rent-a-kiwi’s’ of Digby, O’Conner, Sepu, Cooper and Deans after staring at AB flags and logo’s for five weeks, then find themselves standing in front of the kapa o pango haka, they’ll remember where they come from and (hopefully) get a ‘patriotic’ case of the dropsy’s.

Even the cynical play of Dan Vickerman taking out Brüssow at the bottom of a ruck won’t save you this week, as remember not even a Tuqiri spear tackle or Phil Waugh breaking his nose could take out Richie in a past Eden park encounter, let alone sending in Cooper to do one of his limp wristed slaps to his face.

If we can’t lift for the Pike river miners, the Chch earthquake victims, the last 100 yrs of proud AB’s for Jonah and for Dan and for the fact this one is at home and to get this 24 year old gorilla off our backs, then what will it take? (That’s a rhetorical question okay!)

If we lose then “it’s just a game” and “who cares about rugby anyway” with our eyes tearing up, while that pronounced nervous tick and that throbbing purple temple vein that we only get on the left side of our body when someone mentions the RWC gets worse.

LOL! Bet you had your money on the Bokke to beat the Wobblies as well. How’d that gamble work out for you?

Awesome Win by your Lot,
over a magnificent SA.

Maybe the Match of the Tournament.

I know who I’ll have my money on.

The Aussies have yet to lose a knockout game to Tri Nations rivals in a World Cup.

The Aussies, along with the Boks, are the most successful Rugby playing Nation at a World Cup with 2 World Cups under the belt.

I suspect after this weekend there will be snot, trane, blame the ref and sightings of Soozie, or maybe Sheila this time…

I look forward to this:

Green and Gold BMT vs the Flakes.

Reliance on the “Eden Park Hoodoo” as a factor in winning the RWC semi… LMFAO

the Eden Park hoodoo will have absolutely no part to play in the result, this is a 1-off match and must be considered as neutral territory and no subconscious ‘advantage’ can be assumed. The ABs must rip snort and bust, take them APART in the tight-5 with the desperation of a rabid dog pack and spread them like Vegemite deep in to the surface like toast. Genia must be taken out of their gameplan and with that, Quade will struggle.

Fingers crossed, but I suspect Wallabies come to the table slightly better prepared than NZ.

My SA workmate hasn’t been able too look up for days…

One day you might be able to say something positive about AB’s…

the bok pack showed the kiwis that the ozzie pack are powder puffs. The irish also showed that.

kiwis will put the squeeze on them upfront, milk penalties and kick them out of site. it’s not bryce so that tactic should work a treat.