For New Zealand: While the All Blacks undoubtedly miss Dan Carter’s game management, the fact the rest of the team has taken on more responsibility will at least soothe some nerves. But the butterflies will be fluttering profusely in Aaron Cruden‘s stomach as he finds himself in the hot seat. After initially being left out the All Blacks’ 30-man RWC squad, the 22-year-old has been promoted from third-choice fly-half to first-choice in the space of a week. Sunday’s match will be only his second Test start, and the rugby world will be watching to see how Cruden can cope in the cauldron of a World Cup semi-final. No pressure then!
For Australia: Scrum-half Will Genia has proven to be a sharp thorn in the All Blacks’ side of late and holds the key to the Wallabies unleashing something special in front of a capacity crowd in the Garden of Eden. With halfback partner Quade Cooper misfiring more often than not at this World Cup - where’s Matt Giteau when you need him eh Robbie? - it will be up to Genia to try turn the screw on New Zealand. Arguably, the best number nine in the business, Genia reads the game well, has got super vision and chooses his time to attack well. He’s the real mastermind of the Australian side and particularly their backlin
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