After three rounds of play in this year's Pacific Nations' Cup, only the Junior All Blacks and Australia A remain unbeaten. The Juniors top the points table having collected the maximum 15 points from their three games, while Australia A sit just one point behind after missing out on a bonus point against Samoa. Fiji are a distant third with just six points, so this weekend's clash will likely decide this year's champions.

The Junior All Blacks' preparation has been affected by a number of injuries to players in the All Blacks' squad, forcing several Juniors to be called up. Ross Filipo, Greg Rawlinson and Rico Gear have all be drafted in to cover injuries and non-availabilities, leaving the Juniors scrambling in some positions.

But even without those players the Juniors will be formidable opponent son Saturday afternoon in Dunedin. Playing Stephen Donald and Stephen Brett as dual fly-halves has worked extremely well, giving the Juniors' back-line the vision and distribution it needs to cut loose. In the forwards Mose Tuiali'i is back to his best off the back of the scrum, while open-side flankers Daniel Braid and Marty Holah have both shown themselves to be world class.

'Both teams boast explosive back-lines, bruising forwards and excellent kicking game'


Australia A have almost the exact reverse of the Juniors' injury issues. They have seven players coming down from the Wallabies' squad as injured stars return. Star fullback Clinton Schifkofske is out with a calf strain and is replaced by Peter Hewat, who will also take over the goalkicking duties.

The addition of Western Force points scoring machine Cameron Shepherd gives an already strong back-line some additional punch, and makes for an especially dangerous back three with flyer Lachlan Turner also returning to the line up.

Midfield back Sam Norton-Knight will be hoping to show his skills as he tries to force his way back into the Wallabies side. Norton-Knight's chances were severely limited against Wales by the lack of quality ball the backs received from Matt Giteau, resulting in Norton-Knight being substituted in both Tests. A good showing here could see a call-up for the home Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks in Melbourne next Saturday.

Both teams boast explosive back-lines, bruising forwards and excellent kicking games, making this game the match of the tournament. Throughout the Pacific Nations Cup teams have often tired late in games, but this is unlikely to happen with two teams full of Super 14 players.

The forecast for Dunedin is for fine but cold weather for the game, something that has traditionally upset Australian teams. The kick-off is also scheduled for 4.30pm which means the game will be played under lights during the twilight hours, which could make for a wet ball in the dew.

In spite of the Pacific Nations Cup being a second-tier tournament, the quality of rugby has been high this year and with the two powerhouses going head to head, fans will be in for a treat. Expect this game to be close, but also expect the Junior All Blacks to come away with a win, virtually assuring themselves of defending their title.