All Blacks Look to Rebound After Loss to Wallabies in Tri-Nations Play

The Tri-Nations tournament returns to New Zealand this Saturday as Australia travels to Auckland's Eden Park. The Wallabies are riding momentum after an impressive 34-19 win last weekend in Sydney.

With the win, Australia extended Robbie Deans' unbeaten start as coach with victory over his native country. Having led at half-time, the Wallabies were forced to come from behind following an early try from the All Blacks five minutes after the interval.

Video Highlights of New Zealand vs. Australia



Victory maintained the Wallabies' unbeaten start to the tournament as they racked up their fifth win in a row overall under Deans, who many New Zealanders felt should have replaced his All Blacks counterpart Graham Henry after the World Cup.

New Zealand has called up scrum-half Piri Weepu ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations return date with Australia. Weepu will provide cover for injured Andy Ellis who sustained bruised ribs in Sydney last weekend.

Video: Smith Lights Up Ellis



The injury actually occurred in the first half when in form Wallaby flanker George Smith put in a crunching hit on Ellis as he made a little break after some nice play. To make matters worse, big Rocky Elsom sandwiched him from the other side.

The All Blacks are desperate to avoid a third straight Tri-Nations defeat, having lost their five-year unbeaten record against the Springboks and succumbed to the Wallabies in Sydney.

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