New Zealand face the prospect of virtually abdicating their Tri-Nations throne if they suffer a third consecutive loss.
Defeat will also enhance the Wallabies' opportunity to regain the Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2003.
A reconfigured All Blacks side will also be hoping a hasty tactical reassessment will enable them to at least protect Eden Park's reputation as a fortress for the home side.
Having already had their world record unbeaten streak on home soil ended by the Springboks on July 12, Graham Henry now contemplates the scenario of losing three tests in a row for the first time in his polarising tenure as head coach.
That Robbie Deans shapes as the mastermind of his discomfort ratchets up the pressure on Henry and a starting line-up that was only confirmed today -- three days after it was originally released.
Asked what effect another loss to the man overlooked for the All Blacks job would have on him, Henry sighed: "I've answered this question, I'll answer it again: `A bit more pressure I guess, disappointment ...'
"When you lose a couple it puts extra emphasis on a particular test, I think that's pretty obvious."
Stung by last weekend's 19-34 defeat at Sydney, the coaching staff and players broke new ground by freely acknowledging their tactical naivety under the new experimental law variations (ELVS) A critical public -- and the canny Deans -- will now be interested to see if an extensive debrief can yield effective solutions.
Henry's re-education -- this is only his fourth test experiencewith the ELVS -- has not been helped by an alarming injury toll.
Halfback Jimmy Cowan and hooker Andrew Hore were only cleared of their knee and rib issues today though Henry admitted they might not last the distance.
But the loss of Leon MacDonald looms as the biggest potential setback.
MacDonald, a 56-test veteran, was earmarked as an alternative kicking option to Dan Carter in what would have been the All Blacks' most experienced back three.
But his continuing problems with concussion has seen Mils Muliaina switch from the right wing to fullback and centre Richard Kahui play out of position in just his third test.
Kahui's move was justified on the strength of his defensive capabilities and a rarely sighted kicking game -- a gamble that could also be interpreted as a lack of faith in squad wingers Anthony Tuitavake and Rudi Wulf.
Henry, meanwhile, understandably expressed confidence in his squad's ability to get back on track.
"We've analysed the game, we've spent a bit of time doing that as coaches and a team, we've trained to rectify some things.
"The guys have handled it particularly well," he said.
"We knew we got out tactic-ed and we've put in a place some policies we think will work." Naturally, the return of Richie McCaw is paramount despite the inspirational leader not having played since he injured an ankle against England on June 21.
And the selection of Adam Thomson ahead of Daniel Braid as loose forward cover indicates All Blacks management are confident McCaw can see out the 80 minutes.
McCaw has developed into something of a talisman for the All Blacks. During his 26-test reign New Zealand have lost only three times -- though he was not absolved from last year's World Cup quarterfinal loss to France in Cardiff.
The legacy of that loss plus the Bledisloe reversal in Melbourne last year and especially last weekend, cast doubt on the players' mental agility.
It is generally accepted the players had been slow to react in Sydney when it was clear they should have been kicking for territory to circumvent Australia's defensive wall and dominance at the breakdown.
Carter, the backline general, summed up their inadequacies and offered a basic remedy.
"There was a lot of pointless running from our players, we'll play a lot smarter this weekend." The last test at the ground before the South Stand is demolished as part of a $240 million redevelopment for the 2011 World Cup has attracted a sell out crowd of 46,500. NZPA AKL cb pm nb
