ANDREW MEHRTENS, writing for stuff.co.nz, explains just what it takes to get the better of the Australians.
The former All Blacks flyhalf said the Blues and Crusaders' performances over the weekend were a fine example of just how New Zealand sides can get one over their Australian counterparts.
'The best way to beat Aussie teams is to give them the bash. It's a tried and true formula in rugby and it worked beautifully for the Blues and Crusaders at the weekend,' he explained. 'Australian teams don't like it, it doesn't allow them to dictate and it's the best way to knock them off their game.
'Traditionally New Zealand teams have used that physical aggression as a key advantage over Australian sides. When you focus on that, the rest falls into place.
'We are not going to out-think them. Yes, it pains me to say that, but victories come on the back of physical dominance, allied with some pure talent which all of our teams have.
'Ma'a Nonu was a great example of the danger posed by winning that physical battle. He set up the first three tries and was such a threat that the defence had to consider him, which opened it up for other guys around him.'
Photo: Stefan Postles/Getty Images
