All Blacks close in on title

New Zealand coach Graham Henry knows that victory over Australia at Eden Park tomorrow means his side can head to South Africa for their final two matches with the Tri-Nations title already sewn up.

The All Blacks, who are unbeaten in their three matches so far, have 13 points and need only the four more on offer for the win to give them an unassailable lead.

Australia, who have one match left in South Africa after tomorrow's clash, have 10 points while the Springboks languish at the foot of the table with a solitary bonus point from a 20-18 loss to Australia two weeks ago in Sydney.

The All Blacks have experimented with their line-up for the best part of two seasons but have chosen a seemingly settled starting side for tomorrow.

Henry and his fellow selectors have decided to see if utility back Isaia Toeava, who has played mostly at fullback, can also play centre against two of the world's best at the position in Matt Giteau and Stirling Mortlock.

"We believe he will be a big player," assistant coach Wayne Smith said.

"He needs a big game to show that in the heat of a really big occasion he has got the goods."

The All Blacks pack outmuscled the Wallabies in the 32-12 victory in Christchurch and again in the 13-9 win in Brisbane, which has allowed them to place pressure on the Australian loose forwards and force their inside backs into mistakes.

Wallabies coach John Connolly, however, said his side had learnt from the two encounters.

"I don't think our players have got any scars, I've seen no evidence of that at all," he told reporters.

"If we concentrate through the game (tomorrow) we will hold New Zealand."

Connolly has dropped openside flanker George Smith to the bench and replaced him with Phil Waugh to try to counter the influence of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw at the breakdown.

One area of concern for the All Blacks has been their line-out, with former international lock Robin Brooke being brought in to give them some specialised advice.

Inside centre Aaron Mauger, who the All Blacks hope will have a calming influence on the inexperienced Toeava, is to face a late fitness test on a groin injury.

Tomorrow's match kicks off at 7.30 a.m. (Malta time).