After days trading barbs over a ceremonial war dance, paranoia and arrogance, Australia and New Zealand rugby camps have the Bledisloe Cup and the Tri-Nations back in focus.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry yesterday said he could not believe that a match featuring "two of the best three teams in the world ... that was sold out in 10 minutes" was overshadowed by any off-field distractions.
"The game is going to be marvelous. It deserves some coverage. We just want to play," he said.
He made those comments after accusing the Australians of arrogance for criticizing the throat-slitting action that ends the haka -- a traditional pre-match Maori war dance that has taken on a new dimension over the last 12 months.
Earlier, Scott Johnston -- Connolly's assistant -- said the New Zealanders were being paranoid for employing private security guards to ensure their private training sessions weren't being spied on.
Henry said Connolly and Co should mind their own business.
"We don't have the arrogance to tell them what they're doing wrong," Henry said. "I think it's a smokescreen for the test on Saturday, and not about role models at all."
George Gregan, who is set to equal John Eales' record of 55 tests as Australian captain when he runs on against the All Blacks, said the Wallabies were more concerned with regaining the Bledisloe Cup after three years than arguing over the haka.
After losing in Christ-church, the Wallabies must win in Brisbane to keep the three-match Cup series alive.
"It's a really good chance to make sure when we get to Auckland we are playing for a chance to get it," said Gregan, who has a record 123 test caps. "It's a chance to put one hand back on the Cup tomorrow night. We really look forward to that challenge."
Both teams will be at full strength with All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock cleared of ankle and calf problems to take his place in the starting lineup.
Henry made seven changes to the squad that beat South Africa 35-17 in Wellington last weekend, and appears settled on his first-choice starting lineup after five test wins this season -- including two to open the Tri-Nations competition.
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