Australia vs New Zealand
@ Stadium Australia, Sydney on Sat 1st September 2001

Sydney crowds have been spoiled this year. In July, we witnessed the historic series decider between the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions. And now, not three months later, we have the opportunity to witness what will be the deciding match in this year's TriNations. And if that wasn't enough to whet the appetite of Aussie rugby fans, like the third Lions test, we will be sending off an Australian rugby legend, this time in the form of John Eales.

So the stage is set. But what does the show have in store for us?

Both the Wallabies and the All Blacks have demonstrated a desire in this competition to play expansive rugby, and unlike the Springboks, have been happy, for the most part, to resist the temptation to illegally slow the game down.

But for all that attacking intent, the fact remains that the stakes in this match are incredibly high, and when the stakes are high, the games inevitably tightens up. So a try-fest is unlikely, but never say never.

Expect a lot of tactical kicking and, consequently, expect the line-outs to have a big bearing on the outcome of the match. The Wallaby line-out simply has to start firing for the Wallabies to get the go-forward to create space and opportunities for a backline which has struggled for rhythm so far this season.

The Eales Factor simply can't be underestimated, such is the esteem in which he is held by his teammates. They will want to send him out a winner, and this should provide the motivation and spark to get the Wallabies over the line.

My tip: Wallabies by five, in a very tight and even match.

- Dan Fowell