North v South tale is full of intriguing subplots

 
22 November 2013

New Zealand are aiming to make history, Australia are trying to find a reason to celebrate without using alcohol, South Africa are on course to inflict their usual series of injuries — this time on France — while Scotland are in desperate need of a confidence boost as the latest round of north versus south Tests dominates the rugby landscape tomorrow.

For New Zealand, 30-22 winners over England, only an injury-hit Ireland team in Dublin stand between the world champions and a 14th successive win that would complete the first 100 per cent calendar year at Test level since the sport went professional in 1995.

Ireland face a thankless task on Sunday after a disappointing 32-15 defeat by Australia last weekend and have major doubts over fly-half Jonathan Sexton, who has a hamstring strain.

Brian O’Driscoll is hoping it is a lucky 13th attempt to beat the All Blacks in Irish colours.

“I don’t know whether it would gnaw at me [not to have beaten New Zealand during my career]...it’s very hard to answer that but I’m not going in with a defeatist attitude,” he said.

“I am going into it believing a win is a distinct possibility, to do everything you can to prepare yourself for giving yourself a good chance.”

Scotland had 11 players receiving treatment in the wake of their 28-0 mauling by South Africa but they have an outstanding chance to defeat the Wallabies, who banned six players for drinking too late into the night in Dublin and have also lost Matt Toomua to injury and Tevita Kuridrani to suspension.

Saracens flanker Kelly Brown was rested for the Springboks game but he is back to lead the Scots and knows the Wallabies will be vulnerable because of their self-inflicted wounds.

Brown is taking heart from last year’s 9-6 win Down Under and said: “We know we can beat them and if you watch the game from last year it was based on incredible defence and guts. It will be tough again but we just need to make sure we get our part right.”

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie expects the players who have come into the match-day squad to make the most of their chance.

“We’ve made some difficult selection decisions this week and now I will be looking to see how those individuals with an opportunity respond to the challenge,” said McKenzie.

The Springboks have not beaten the French in their backyard since the record 52-10 victory in 1997, losing the last four encounters on the trot but given the damage they inflicted on first Wales and then Scotland, Les Bleus should be worried.

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