Hong Kong stop will set Wallaby tone

Australia hooker Stephen Moore on Wednesday declared that Bledisloe Cup or not, his team's display in Hong Kong on November 1 against New Zealand will set the tone for an extended November tour of five matches subsequent to that one.

Australia hooker Stephen Moore on Wednesday declared that Bledisloe Cup or not, his team's display in Hong Kong on November 1 against New Zealand will set the tone for an extended November tour of five matches subsequent to that one.

It's an under-strength squad that will be making the tour – Rocky Elsom, James Horwill, and Hugh McMeniman are all missing while Lote Tuqiri is doubtful – but with some heavy training sessions behand them this week, coach Robbie Deans is clearly out to make a statement, and improve the Wallabies' poor recent away record.

“The fact it's our first game on the tour is important,” Moore told The Australian.

“We've got six matches on tour and the first Test will really set the tone for it.

“We've done a lot of hard work over the last month in Sydney and this is our first chance to get out there and race the car we've been building.”

Whereas the Wallabies are under-strength, the All Blacks will be at pretty much full tilt, with the only injury cloud hanging over John Afoa at prop, and Mils Muliaina is currently on Daddy duty as his wife prepares to give birth to their first child.

Captain Stirling Mortlock said the tour is a 'massive challenge'.

“We've lacked a bit of consistency in our results but underlying that is a lot of growth,” Mortlock said.

“Six top-class matches in five weeks gives us the chance to do that.”