The All Blacks have named a powerful line-up for this weekend's clash with the Wallabies - probably the most anticipated Test match in Bledisloe Cup history.

Bothcoaching parties may be brushing off the personal vendetta hype, but Graham Henry and Robbie Deans may as well become two wild buffalos colliding in the bullring the moment the first whistle blows.

Australia’s Deans is rated the most complete coach in world rugby today whereas New Zealand’s Henry can still stake his claims given his own phenomenal record. Henry clearly has the stats at international level although Deans is capable of reaching his goals via a dominant and impeccable provincial portfolio. He is undefeated with the Wallabies, who are definitely playing with more confidence these days.

It’s also been said that many Kiwis are siding with the former Cantabrian mentor, or summing up a sudden change of heart to barrack for the opposition. It's sad indictment of what is going on back in my beloved homeland - but on the other hand, it just adds more spice, colour and excitement for the Tri-Nations battlefield better known as ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

Oddly though, despite the expected sell-out, tickets for the showdown have been going as slowly as the City Rail system. Perhaps the weather, which has unusually almost reached Arctic capacity lately, is the reason for the plucky public having second thoughts. Then again, rumour has it that the majority of travel-package supporters are gearing up instead for the ‘extra’ Bledisloe Cup Test to be played in the magnificent arena of Hong Kong in November. With petrol and food prices ridiculously on the rise by the minute, who could blame them?

Nevertheless, it is not often that the All Blacks come to town these days so that is enough incentive to entice many more bums on seats and there is no other sporting team that could attract such attention globally. Just ask the Millennium Stadium gatekeepers who are preparing to put up the full-house sign after 80,000 fanatical Welsh fans managed to purchase their ‘golden tickets’ in less than two hours. The All Blacks will attempt another Grand Slam achievement later this year when they face off with Wales, the Six Nations champions.

From all reports, the Wallabies were impressive in their gutsy win over the world champion Springboks last weekend and that sets up yet another titanic struggle between the trans-Tasman adversaries. These fascinating Bledisloe Test matches continue to produce unpredictable and unbelievable rugby, with thunderous collisions between players prepared to die for their country and win at all costs.

Legendary gridiron old-timers San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers would not even come close to matching such ferocity, neither does the rugby league State of Origin between hated enemies NSW and Queensland. You cannot question their toughness and endurance, though – but the bottom line is that you will never be disappointed when the All Blacks are on fire.

As for this weekend’s big game, the Australians can rightly feel confident of achieving another victory if they play their typical smart game and their impregnable wall of steel delivers another masterful performance. Time and again they somehow treat their try line like they’re a riot squad protecting and guarding with all their might and risking life-threatening injuries along the way. The scars of battle are well worth it when they come up trumps.

And it is in defence that I believe this keenly-awaited contest will be pretty much decided.

The All Blacks will need all their skills to break the Wallaby line consistently and thankfully they have such game-breakers to deliver these deeds. Ma’a Nonu will need to be on his game and with built-like-a-brick-house Anthony Tuitavake, elusive Mils Muliaina, rugged Andrew Hore, and bulldozing Sione Lauaki adding huge impact from the bench, anything is possible.

The Wallabies should be cock-a-hoop knowing the likes of experienced All Black campaigners Luke McAlister, Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Doug Howlett and Byron Kelleher aren’t around any more. But I still like the look of the New Zealand team, who have brought in solid centre Richard Kahui and reshuffled the back row with Jerome Kaino edging out both Rodney So’oialo and Lauaki at No.8.

Miracle man himself, captain Richie McCaw, makes a surprise return (boy, I sure hope he plays!) – albeit being bracketed with another open-side specialist, 2003 World Cup All Black Daniel Braid.

Enforcers Brad Thorn and Ali Williams are locked into what is shaping up as a battle of the giants with their Aussie opposites. Dan Carter celebrates his 50th All Black ‘birthday’ - and I like to think that I can happily sign off with my good wishes that he puts the boot into the Wallabies.

When the smoke clears, the All Blacks should prevail by 16 points.