The Bledisloe Cup goes on the line and so do Australia's Tri Nations title chances but the wrong result for the Wallabies against New Zealand will run deeper than absent silverware.

Questions loom about whether coach Eddie Jones is the right man to take the Australians through to the 2007 World Cup, the knives have been sharpened for captain George Gregan and South Africa are confidently waiting in Perth for a chance to land the killer blow.

From the high of four consecutive Test victories to start the season, the Australians have hit a brick wall.

Consecutive Test losses to South Africa, a series of distracting off-field incidents and a debilitating injury run would seemingly give the All Blacks a sniff of repeating the embarrassing 50-21 defeat they inflicted on the Wallabies at Telstra Stadium prior to the 2003 World Cup.

The last time the Wallabies lost three matches in a row was 1995 and that ultimately led to the sacking of then coach Bob Dwyer.

Even the punters have deserted Australia, with Centrebet reporting to mid-Friday afternoon it had not taken a bet greater than $100 for a Wallaby victory with the home side at $2.35 compared to New Zealand's $1.60.

But for all that there is an air of confidence in the Australian camp.

The Wallabies typically save their best for New Zealand at home - six wins from the last eight encounters suggest as much - and while the 2003 Bledisloe Cup result still rankles, Australia turned it round when it mattered most with the heroic 22-10 win just three months later.

Upon hearing the news that inspirational captain Tana Umaga would be available for the visitors, Australian second rower Nathan Sharpe shared his team's mindset.

"When we beat these guys we want their best team on the paddock," he said.

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