NEW ZEALAND

Hansen wishing for Wallaby win

Tuesday 15th July 2008

Too tough to call: Hansen believes the Tri-Nations could go down to the wire this season

It may come as no surprise to Springbok fans that the All Blacks will be cheering on Australia in Perth on Saturday - but apparently it is nothing personal.

The fresh Wallabies, who are set to make their Tri-Nations 2008 bow and are coached by Kiwi Robbie Deans, are preparing to face a buoyant Boks side still high from their Dunedin heroics.

Yet the reason for the All Blacks' home support, according to Assistant Coach Steve Hansen, is that away wins in the competition could prove vital in the final competition shake-up.

"If South Africa win in Perth, that gives them a big advantage," Hansen said, speaking to NZPA.

"Australia are going to be tough to beat, it's going to be too close to call. Hopefully Australia win it, that makes life easier for us."

However, having only played two out of the nine Test matches that are scheduled this year, Graham Henry's right-hand man believes it could go down to the wire with bonus points also likely to become a factor.

"We're now going to have to win at least one game away from home," he said.

"A lot of people have talked about the Tri-Nations saying: 'oh, here we go again, boring stuff' but you've got the three best sides in the world playing in this one tournament.

"It's tough footy and there's not much between us."