All Blacks look to blunt Aussie attack

Major changes to their own test side are of less concern to the All Blacks coaches than the improvements and adjustments they believe Australia have made since the teams last met.

First-five Aaron Cruden, blindside Victor Vito and fullback Israel Dagg are expected to be named in the run-on side today, with Piri Weepu and Owen Franks both in line for test recalls.

But All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said the team's game plan was dictated less by selections than an analysis of the opposition.

"We make adjustments for every game. We have a general approach to the game which I think everybody has been able to see, but tactically there are things that you alter depending on who you are playing and what you want to achieve.

"We also have an expectation that, no matter who is there, that won't change. We wouldn't change so much for the people we are bringing into the team. It's more for the opposition we are playing.

"We will be playing the same way with Aaron as we would if Daniel [Carter] was playing. We haven't made any adjustments there."

In other words, the coaches give the side the plan and they are expected to use the skills that got them selected to execute it.

Cruden, Vito and Dagg possess a different skill-set to the players they are likely to replace in Carter, Jerome Kaino and Joe Rokocoko.

Cruden runs more, Vito is quicker and Dagg more creative. They will be encouraged to express themselves, but within the plan set out to beat the Wallabies.

There has been a heavy emphasis on defensive structures at All Blacks training sessions this week and Smith admitted Australia's attack was a major focal point.

The Wallabies put a combined 72 points and nine tries on South Africa during their two tests in the republic and it coincided with the return of first-five Quade Cooper, who is yet to play a test against the All Blacks.

"In terms of their attack they pose a tougher challenge than any other we've had this year even against them previously. I think they are playing a lot better on attack now than the last couple of times we played them. He [Cooper] certainly changes the picture and he and [Will] Genia have a great partnership going there."

Australia's problem is transitioning from attack into defence, realigning after a turnover, and it is where the All Blacks will look to open them up through their counterattack. It is there that the extra pace, instinct and creativity of Cruden, Vito and Dagg may come into their own.

How the All Blacks might line up: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Israel Dagg, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Victor Vito, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade, Rene Ranger.

- © Fairfax NZ News