Barnes plots revenge

Wallabies ace determined to beat the All Blacks

By Danny Wright   Last updated: 27th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Barnes plots revenge

Barnes: Wants revenge

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Australia vice-captain Berrick Barnes says his side are looking to avenge their September defeat to New Zealand when the two sides meet in the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday.

The Wallabies were beaten 33-6 by Graham Henry's side in the Tri-Nations and Berrick says his side must respond with a good result to send a message to their rivals.

The Aussies have come under fire recently for a string of poor results, which has seen them win jut one of their Tri-Nations matches.

And with Tests against England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales coming up in November, the 23-year-old called on his team to bounce back on Saturday in wake of mounting criticism.

"It's crucial for us to have a good result here," Barnes told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Respect

"It will also send a message to the teams we are playing in the grand slam leg of the four that we are fair dinkum.

"Probably right now they are looking at us thinking they can knock us off, and that we are the easiest of the three southern hemisphere teams to beat.

"What we have talked about the last three weeks is winning back some respect, not just in our part of the world, but also up north. This is a big stepping stone for us."

Meanwhile, Luke McAlister is the only injury concern for Henry's New Zealand.

The midfield back has been ruled out with an ankle injury and will not be risked for the match in Tokyo, allowing Henry to name a side similar to the one that saw off the Australians.

"Everyone's available apart from Luke McAlister," Henry said. "He's still got that ankle injury. If we really pushed him he could be available but there's no point."