The burning questions ahead of Wallabies clash with All Blacks in Brisbane

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This was published 6 years ago

The burning questions ahead of Wallabies clash with All Blacks in Brisbane

By Tom Decent
Updated

What would a win mean for the Wallabies?

In the confidence stakes, it will be justification for what the Wallabies have been working towards. A big loss will undo all the good work they've done and undermine the narrative they have closed the gap on the All Blacks.

Hot streak: Israel Folau

Hot streak: Israel FolauCredit: AAP

This will be the best chance the Wallabies get to beat New Zealand. Without a number of star backs, the visitors are more vulnerable than in Sydney and Dunedin. Not to forget being on the back-end of a gruelling Test year.

A win in Brisbane, followed by three or four wins on the spring tour, would make Michael Cheika and his coaches very happy men.

Is Jack Dempsey in the box seat to be Australia's No.6 at the World Cup?

Before Dempsey packed his bags for South Africa, his Waratahs teammate Ned Hanigan had a mortgage on the No.6 jersey, having been plucked from relative Super Rugby obscurity.

Critics will say Hanigan lacked impact and his work at the cleanout was a little bit off the pace. While he made moderate metres with his carries, compared to back row workhorses Michael Hooper and Sean McMahon, Hanigan wasn't on their level.

Enter Dempsey. 'Physicality' is one of the buzzwords rugby coaches love to use and in this instance, Dempsey has brought exactly that. His performance in Mendoza was superb. He is as tall as Hanigan and serves as a reliable lineout option.

With David Pocock expected to be a straight substitute in for Japan-bound McMahon, Dempsey has a chance to assert himself on the blindside and there is no better chance than against the Kiwis.

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Has Mario Ledesma left the Wallabies scrum in a good position?

After asserting dominance in Sydney but being pummelled in Dunedin, Saturday will be a real litmus test for the Wallabies before they head to Europe.

During 2015, Ledesma was a genius, restoring credibility in Australia's scrum. It fell off the wagon a little in 2016 and while at times has had its struggles this year, gets more than a pass mark.

While Cheika has the final say at the selection table, Ledesma has campaigned for Tatafu Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu, whose inclusions have resulted in a noticeable improvement at scrum-time.

New Zealand's pack is largely unchanged from Dunedin, however, Australia's tight-five will have the added motivation of sending Ledesma off on the right note.

Is Israel Folau's hot streak over?

Don't bet your hard-earned on it. He's crossed the line twice in 2017 against the All Blacks and he said in Argentina he didn't feel like he's playing his best rugby.

The All Blacks will look to nullify Folau but Suncorp has been a fortress for Folau. He's scored six tries in eight Tests there.

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