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Never on to shy away from the controversial comment old Kearnsey!!!
Macqueen adds considerable credibility to the argument though.
All Blacks can't win Cup: Kearns
22/08/2007 5:22:33 PM
Adam Lucius
Sportal
Former Wallaby captain Phil Kearns believes tournament favourite New Zealand has peaked too early and will fail to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in France.
The ex-Australian hooker declared the mighty All Blacks will continue their history of collapsing at rugby's showpiece event by making at an early exit at the hands of either Ireland, Argentina or France.
Speaking at a public farewell for the Wallabies at Sydney's Town Hall on Wednesday, the 1991 World Cup winner outlined the reasons behind his prediction.
"I think New Zealand peaked 18 months ago when they played the British Lions," he explained.
"They have not played as well since that time and I think they are starting to worry."
"They have done everything they possibly can to win this World Cup."
"They expected to got out there and smash everyone in the Tri-Nations and I think they are asking themselves questions (like) 'my God, what's going on?
"They've got a really tough (World Cup) draw and New Zealand won't win through to the semi-finals."
Ex-Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen, who guided Australia to the 1999 World Cup, agrees that New Zealand look vulnerable three weeks out from this year's tournament.
He believes the lack of variety in their game may prove their undoing.
"One of their Achilles heels is do they have a plan B or a plan C?" he asked
"I haven't seen a lot of that. I've only seen them play one way."
"They seem to be playing the same way."
Macqueen also sees cracks in the New Zealanders' confidence after a tougher-than-expected Tri-Nations campaign.
And he argues that should give Australia great hope if the sides meets in the semi-finals.
"The great competitive advantage Australia has got is they've got a very strong mind over the New Zealanders," he said.
"I think if anyone can beat New Zealand in the semis, it's this Australian team."
"They're not sacred. They've already beaten them once this year."
"I think they should have enormous confidence."
Australian begins its World Cup campaign against Japan in Lyon on September 8.