Tri-Nations: Australia

With the Tri-Nations set to kick-off in Wellington this weekend we are bringing you our unique team-by-team guide. This time it's Australia…

With the Tri-Nations set to kick-off in Wellington this weekend we are bringing you our unique team-by-team guide. This time it's Australia…

Last Year: A mixed tournament last time out for Australia, although they did manage to beat New Zealand thanks to a late Scott Staniforth try. That win aside they were largely disappointing, going down to South Africa in their opening game – albeit to two late Francois Steyn drop goals – as well as New Zealand in the last game as the All Blacks wrapped up yet another Tri-Nations title. It could have been a lot worse for the Wallabies had South Africa capitalised on a fine start on their away leg of the tour. Given no hope, South Africa raced into an early 17-0 lead, only to see Stirling Mortlock inspire a fine Australian comeback to ensure his side ended up second in the final standings.

This Year: A new coach, a fresh batch of new players and a new hope. Australia are heading into a new era, gone are the likes of Latham and Gregan and in come the likes of Luke Burgess, James Horwill and Lachie Turner, not forgetting Robbie Deans. With Deans at the helm and plenty of talent coming through the system many see this as the start of Australia's rise to the top. It may be a little early for them to challenge for the title this year, but then again you should never write the Wallabies off. They still have a core of senior players who will lead both on and off the field and could prove invaluable as Deans looks to inject some life into the side. Expect another solid second place from Australia.

Captain: As he gets older he gets better, and when he goes Australia will struggle to replace Stirling Mortlock. He is one of those players who has the ability to create something out of nothing – time and again you will see him make half breaks that pave the way for more telling attacks. Having been there and seen it all he is the ideal man to bring the fresh new faces through and help mould them into Test players. To see Mortlock's true worth you will need to watch Australia play without him, although Deans will be keeping his fingers crossed that he has his captain fit for the whole tournament.

Key Man: Whilst Stirling Mortlock is vital to Australia's cause, it is his Brumbies team-mate George Smith who holds the key. With the ELVs speeding the game up the need for a recognised openside flanker is even greater now, and Smith is one of the finest around. At 27 and with to 85 Test caps to his name there are few with more experience, if not skill. If Australia are to mount a serious challenge then they will need Smith to be at his best, ably supported by his understudy Phil Waugh.

Rising Star: With only a handful of the squad over 25 there are plenty to pick from, however we have gone for scrum-half Luke Burgess. When one position is filled for so long, as was the case with George Gregan, it is never easy to step into the void left, which is exactly what Burgess is attempting to do. Two caps into his career and there is much promise for the young scrum-half, even if there are a few edges that need smoothing. His passing has come in for a bit of criticism since his debut but that will fix itself, what's more important is his running game. With ball in hand he is causing defences endless problems and if he continues to develop through the Tri-Nations, Australia will have found a long-term replacement for the hitherto irreplaceable Gregan.

Coach: In Robbie Deans Australia have struck gold, pure New Zealand gold. Here is a coach who, to date, has proved himself time and again with countless Super Rugby titles, and now he is embracing a bigger challenge. Test rugby is the ultimate test as a coach and Deans is determined to show he has what it takes, even if just to show New Zealand what they missed out on. Already we have seen Australia benefit from his knowledge, but it will take a little more time before the creases are ironed out and the Wallabies are competing regularly with the All Blacks.

Squad: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Adam Freier, Al Baxter, Benn Robinson, Berrick Barnes, Brett Sheehan, Cameron Shepherd, Dean Mumm, Digby Ioane, George Smith, James Horwill, Lachlan Turner, Lote Tuqiri, Luke Burgess, Mark Chisholm, Matt Dunning, Matt Giteau, Nathan Sharpe, Rocky Elsom, Peter Hynes, Phil Waugh, Richard Brown, Ryan Cross, Sam Cordingley, Stephen Hoiles, Stephen Moore, Stirling Mortlock (c), Tatafu Polota-Nau, Wycliff Palu.