New Zealand coach John Mitchell said in Melbourne on Tuesday that only an improved performance by his tournament favourites would see them defeat reigning champions Australia in this weekend’s World Cup semifinal.
After announcing an unchanged starting side to the one that beat South Africa 29-9 in the quarterfinals, Mitchell — following criticism of the Wallabies’ stuttering journey to the last four — told reporters: ”It’s going to take a massive performance. This is Australia, they are playing the World Cup in their own country.
”They are the defending champions and we, as New Zealanders, and especially this side will never underestimate an Australian side. It would be absolutely foolish to do so.
”They have more attacking threats in their team than any other opposition we have faced in the World Cup to date,” Mitchell explained ahead of Saturday’s match in Sydney.
”They are very organised and if we are not precise and accurate in what we do we will be punished.”
”Last week was last week,” said Mitchell of the win over the Springboks. ”We were pleased by the performance but it wasn’t flawless.”
Mitchell added that Australia-New Zealand clashes tended to produce free-flowing rugby.
”Both teams do like to move the ball and play with freedom and a lack of inhibition.
”The breakdown area is hugely contested because of the quality of the loose forwards.
”Both teams do have more of an all-round game compared to some sides in the world,” Mitchell said.
He made one change to his bench with with Otago’s Byron Kelleher coming in for Auckland’s Steve Devine as backup scrum-half to Justin Marshall.
Explaining Kelleher’s inclusion, Mitchell said: ”We believe he will bring presence in the carry and the tackle if needed.”
There was still no place for vice-captain Tana Umaga, who injured knee ligaments in the opener against Italy and has not played since.
Mitchell said that the decision to leave Umaga on the sidelines and stand by the midfield combination of Aaron Mauger and Leon MacDonald had been simple.
”We’ve decided he [Umaga] is not sharp enough to be considered for Test rugby at this stage.
”He trained fully today [Tuesday] in the team session but it’s close to five or six weeks since he last played, he’s not sharp enough, he’s just been out for too long.”
But former England assistant coach Mitchell did not close the door completely on Umaga’s chances of playing in next week’s match, be it the final or the third-place play-off.
”I’m not even looking that far ahead at this stage but we do have 30 players that are fit and available.”
And he was adamant that the All Blacks’ 50-21 win over Australia in Sydney back in June would have no bearing on Saturday’s match.
”This is a separate contest, it’s a one-off.”
Mitchell also said he was unconcerned by comments from Australia coach Eddie Jones, who suggested that influential All Black fly-half Carlos Spencer was susceptible to pressure.
”I’m not worried by them at all. He’s entitled to his opinion. I’m not sure where he’s coming from, to be fair. We just worry about our own backyard.” — Sapa-AFP
New Zealand (15-1)
Mils Muliaina (Auckland), Doug Howlett (Auckland), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Carlos Spencer (Auckland), Justin Marshall (Canterbury), Jerry Collins (Wellington), Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Reuben Thorne (Canterbury, capt), Ali Williams (Auckland), Chris Jack (Canterbury), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Dave Hewett (Canterbury)
Replacements: Mark Hammett (Canterbury), Kees Meeuws (Auckland), Brad Thorn (Canterbury), Marty Holah (Waikato), Byron Kelleher (Otago), Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Caleb Ralph (Canterbury).