The World Cup will be momentarily forgotten when New Zealand and Australia renew hostilities in tomorrow's Tri-Nations decider in Auckland. New Zealand v Australia Auckland, tomorrow, 8am On TV: Sky Sports 2
With the sides level on points at the top of the standings, there is already plenty at stake with the winner claiming the Tri-Nations trophy and Bledisloe Cup.
It also promises to provide the victor with a psychological edge ahead of a possible World Cup semi-final clash.
"This is a huge game, the Bledisloe Cup is really, really important to us so you'll expect to see us hit our straps a bit more," said New Zealand's assistant coach Wayne Smith.
"We haven't peaked and we don't want to be peaking. However, we've got a huge game that we want to have a mini-peak for on Saturday."
Australia coach John Connolly also believes the World Cup will have to take a back seat until after tomorrow's match.
"A line is drawn in the sand after this game. Then we've got two months of preparation," he said. "The World Cup is another tournament on foreign soil, there's a fair bit of water to go under the bridge."
The All Blacks have not lost a match at Eden Park since 1994 and go into this game as favourites after thrashing South Africa 33-6 in Christchurch last weekend.
But New Zealand were heavily favoured to win their last match against Australia in Melbourne in June, only to lose 20-15.
Coach Graham Henry has experimented with different line-ups all season but is not taking any chances this time, picking his strongest available side by recalling flanker Jerry Collins, hooker Anton Oliver and scrumhalf Byron Kelleher.
Australia have also made several changes because of injuries. Fullback Julian Huxley had to withdraw after a training mishap and was replaced by Adam Ashley-Cooper, while Stephen Hoiles was promoted to start at number eight when David Lyons was ruled out after suffering deep-vein thrombosis.
"I don't think there's a taller order in world rugby than playing New Zealand at Eden Park," said Connolly. "New Zealand have a huge advantage playing at home. It has been shown that the home team in international rugby has a phenomenal record.
"We're pretty positive but we're well aware of what's ahead of us," he added.
Wales back-row forward Ryan Jones will miss the World Cup because of a shoulder injury, the Welsh Rugby Union said yesterday. The 26-year-old Ospreys captain took the decision after consulting specialists over his damaged left shoulder on Wednesday.
NEW ZEALAND: Muliaina; Howlett, Toeava, McAlister, Rokocoko; Carter, Kelleher; Woodcock Oliver, Hayman; Robinson, Jack; Collins, McCaw (capt), So'oialo. Replacements: Mealamu, Tialata, Thorne, Masoe, Leonard, Mauger, Evans.
AUSTRALIA: Ashley-Cooper; Mitchell, Mortlock (capt), Giteau, Gerrard; Larkham, Gregan; Dunning, Moore, Shepherdson; Sharpe, Vickerman; Elsom, Smith, Hoiles. Replacements: Freier, Baxter, McMeniman, Chisholm, Waugh, Staniforth, Latham.
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales).
