Australia will take the mental advantage into the World Cup following their sensational performance in the final of the Tri-Nations, taking the title after seeing off New Zealand 25-20. The win means the Aussies have now picked up their first Tri-Nations title since 2001 and only their third ever, in what was the final three-team format of the tournament. Argentina will join the three teams to create a new four team tournament but New Zealand and Australia certainly ensured the final Tri-Nations tournament will be one to remember after this absorbing final. Those looking towards the 2011 Rugby World Cup …

The Australian Wallabies have triumphed in the 2011 Tri-Nations tournament. In the end the difference was an away win against the Springboks, with both New Zealand and Australia winning their home games.

In a winner-take-all test in Brisbane and Saturday, the Wallabies showed more passion, guile and composure than the All Blacks. This led to a stunning 20-3 halftime lead. However, the All Blacks came back with an equally stunning seventeen points to draw the scores equal with 15 minutes to play. In the end it was some Will Genia magic that saw him wrong foot a couple of front …

Piri Weepu has wrestled the starting number nine jersey off Jimmy Cowan while Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina continue their tandem record breaking appearances in tests, lining up for their 98th test for the All Blacks.

The All Blacks side has a much stronger look than the one that lost to the Springboks last week. It’s a full-strength front row with Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock. In the loose, Adam Thomson gets a chance while Jerome Kaino is on baby-duty back in New Zealand. Thomson is joined by premier numbers seven and eight Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. …

James Horwill will captain the Wallabies for the first time following last week’s Wallaby World Cup squad announcement. Rocky Elsom, who lost the captaincy has retained his place at number six.

James O’Connor has been dropped from the team as well as receiving a five figure fine as punishment for missing the Wallaby Squad announcement. Adam Ashley-Cooper takes his place on the wing and comes into the midfield. Quade Cooper is likely to take over O’Connor’s kicking duties.

As the last hit out before the World Cup, Robbie Deans has taken the opportunity to give returning veterans Radike Samo and …

South Africa 18 v All Blacks 5

The Springboks have finally got their first win on the board for 2011 and it has come by giving New Zealand their first loss. There was nothing pretty from the Springboks, but they showed the same game plan they have had for twenty years, winning them two World Cups in the process. Scrambling defence, low risk attacking options, skilled goal kicking, strong set pieces and drop kicks eventually suffocated the All Blacks and gained a 18-5 victory. While the All Blacks showed all the enterprise, their second string team lacked the composure, decision-making …