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A clash of two of the class sides in world rugby await us as arch-rivals Australia and New Zealand do battle at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Game 3 of the Tri Nations on Saturday.

The competition has been thrown into disarray this past week with revelations that South Africa will send a 'B' side for their away fixtures in the south pacific, bringing the competition into disrepute and rendering it a one-horse race should the All Blacks win in Melbourne.

The Wallabies will be desperate to stop this from happening and have added incentive as the clash doubles as a Bledisloe Cup fixture.

Having been accorded no respect before their match against the Springboks and now feeling outraged at the South African Union's aforementioned decision Australia will need no motivation as they seek to prove that they are still a major force in world rugby.

One way to do this would be with victory over the world's top side but they will be up against it and appear over-matched in most areas.

Their forwards will once again try to hang on by their fingernails as they face a vastly superior pack. They would have got a boost from their showing against the Springboks a fortnight ago and will look to use this as a springboard but, despite prop Matt Dunning's claim to the contrary, the Kiwis will dominate up front.

Where the Wallabies can gain parity or even ascendancy is in the lineout. New Zealand was exposed here to some degree last week and with the likes of Dan Vickerman and Nathan Sharpe patrolling this area for the Wallabies they will fancy their chances.

They should also be able to contest at the breakdown better than the Boks with George Smith a constant menace in the loose.

Once again the keys to victory will be the experienced inside pairing of George Gregan and Stephen Larkham who can and will control the game if given the opportunity to get on the front foot. If this is the case prepare to see their grossly under-rated backline fire.

The Australians have had a week to prepare for the encounter; the All Blacks on the other hand have flown straight to Melbourne from the Republic after last Saturday's hard-fought 26-21 win.

The forwards, in particular the loose trio of Jerry Collins, Rodney So'oialo and Richie McCaw, laid the platform for last week's victory and they will aim to do the same again.

After getting the better of the Boks in the scrums they will undoubtedly have their way with the Wallaby eight in this area of the game and unless the Australians can find a way to gain equality expect penalties and possibly yellow cards to be the outcome.

The Kiwis should also have the advantage at the breakdown with McCaw leading the way. His battle with George Smith will be one to watch and could prove decisive to the outcome.

Chris Jack's return at lock will immeasurably bolster a lineout that was a source of consternation last Saturday but it is still weak spot.

Coach Graham Henry has been forced into naming a re-shuffled backline with Isaia Toeava and Sitiveni Sivivatu both out.

Henry has moved Mils Muliaina from fullback to centre with Leon McDonald slotting into the 15 jumper while Rico Gear takes Sivivatu's wing birth and Luke McAlister is preferred to Aaron Mauger at second-five eighth.

They loose nothing with the changes and Muliaina's distribution skills are a big upgrade over Toeava's so expect the wingers to get more chances than last week.

Once again the keys for the All Black will be getting their share of possession, recycling it quickly and giving Dan Carter plenty of time to make his decisions.

But they know they will be up against it. With a huge crowd at the 100,000 plus capacity stadium and the giant chip the Australians have on their shoulders as motivation, the Wallabies have more chance than any team to pull off the upset.

Prediction: New Zealand by 6 - The All Black's should be too strong but Bledisloe Cup matches in Australia are notoriously close affairs. If Carter has his kicking boots on expect him to be the difference.

Setanta Sports GB - Rugby