The stage is set for yet another Bledisloe epic between two of the most unsavoury rivals in the world of sport. During the corresponding match almost two years ago the Wallabies decided to do their warm-ups immediately after the All Blacks had relented to the pressure of a public outcry over the ‘throat-slicing’ action when Kapa O Pango was first introduced in the wacky land of Oz. It was a classic example of pure Aussie arrogance.

In the end, Kiwi humility and respect led to a truce as the All Blacks reverted to the traditional Ka Mate haka. But the surprise thumping of the pads post-anthems didn’t sit too well with the New Zealanders, not to mention a lot of Australians.

The All Blacks went on to seal a hard-fought 13-9 win which made their performance sweeter than the victory itself.

The turning point of that Test match came when a runaway Mark Gerrard was bound for the corner, only to be hunted down and brought to his knees by the master himself. Inspirational skipper Richie McCaw also pilfered the ball at the tackle and committed a turnover, to the Wallabies' amazement. Gerrard himself had no idea where captain colossal had bolted in from.

McCaw obviously took offence to the Aussies' blatant arrogance just prior to kick-off - you could just sense it that he was bound for a big game. And who was unleashed like a cheetah on the prowl right from the opening whistle? Need I say more?

In saying that, the only way the All Blacks can lose this weekend’s game is if McCaw is taken out or constantly scrutinised by the referee.

McCaw is already hailed as a true great and has outclassed, even surpassed, what the other legendary openside flanker himself, the majestic Samoan wonderboy Michael Jones, did during his own fabulous career. We obviously need to be careful in comparing different eras, but it says a lot for the current All Blacks' main man.

Jones achieved a World Cup medal at his first attempt, and was thereabouts in ’91 before politics took over in ’95, whereas McCaw will possibly have one last bite at the cherry when 2011 comes around. For him, 2003 was simply a failure and we all witnessed the gut-wrenching events that unfolded in last year’s tournament. Will it be third time lucky?

As for this weekend's hugely anticipated clash, Graham Henry has selected an unprecedented First XV for the third time in a row - never mind the team that easily disposed of the sorry Samoans a week ago. It seems that he has learnt a harsh lesson in persisting with the old rotation policy of the past - but that is what making honest mistakes is all about.

You learn from it and move on. It is no coincidence that Andrew Hore is now the incumbent hooker. He is consistently a proven performer which has seen a straight swap with Keven Mealamu. Isaia Toeava has also been overtaken by the likes of Ma’a Nonu, Rudi Wulf and Richard Kahui, filling in the backline on a regular basis before being reinstated through injury to others but perhaps also through his own rapid improvement.

Mils Muliaina has come of age and has confirmed his status as the All Blacks' regular custodian compared to the early days, where he lacked a genuine kicking game. But credit to the guy for he is now the most polished fullback in the world at the moment.

Other obvious world-class players in the All Blacks team are McCaw, Dan Carter, Ali Williams and Tony Woodcock. Joe Rokocoko would’ve been there had not been for injury. There is potential, though, for players like Nonu, Hore, Toeava, Jerome Kaino, Mealamu or even both halfbacks, Jimmy Cowan and Piri Weepu. There is no reason why they cannot go on to reinforce their supremacy as the best team in the world and hold onto the No.1 ranking for the umpteenth time.

The signs are good for this current squad - and they realise the importance of delivering their deeds when it matters the most.

As for the Wallabies, league converts Timana Tahu and Ryan Cross have exchanged their placing in the team, although Tahu has been dropped completely following his mediocre appearance on debut against the Springboks a fortnight ago. He was a part of the worst loss in Wallaby history, a massive 53-8 romp by the South Africans.

A bit of a shame there because it almost would have pitted him against the world’s most devastating line-breaker in Nonu. Ideally, coach Robbie Deans has brought his captain Stirling Mortlock one spot closer to the action and will confront the powerful Samoan instead while Cross takes his outside centre spot.

Such has been the unusual pattern of this year’s competition that a big win has followed a big loss. If it continues at this rate, then the Wallabies will be hoping for dear life that they continue this weird cycle. But, ever the patriotic and passionate supporter that I am, the All Blacks will be ready to rumble and duly put this scenario to sleep.

Based on their convincing 19-0 hammering of the Springboks almost a month ago, if they can repeat the effort of keeping their try-line sacred, the game is as good as over. There is a wealth of experience in this team to blend with the fresh princes and that alone should augur well for a comfortable victory and title number nine. All Blacks by 24.