There is a big novelty factor attached to this game, which means there is unlikely to be any staleness in the build-up — despite the fact that these teams have already played each other three times.

There is no silverware on offer — with the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations trophies already safely in the All Black hands.

But the honour of being the first 'Hong Kong winners' is sure to add spark to the first ever offshore Test — outside of the World Cup of course — between the Wallabies and their enemies from across the Tasman Sea, the All Blacks.

The other novelty is that this is the start of a year-end tour for both teams, which certainly gives the game added significance.

Defeat will be a devastating blow ahead of their ventures into Europe and the United Kingdom.

On the flipside, victory will set the right tone.

Australia will face Italy, England, France and Wales — on consecutive Saturdays — before completing their trip against a tar-studded Barbarians XV in a midweek match at Wembley.

New Zealand also have another five matches after this Saturday — Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England — along with their midweek clash with Heineken Cup champions Munster just after the Irish Test.

It is a long trip by modern standards.

But it also affords both teams plenty of opportunities to test new talent — of which there will be enough on show in the Hong Kong National Stadium on Saturday.

There is also an experimental side to the game — such as Dan Carter at inside centre for the All Blacks.

The biggest difference between the two sides is the lack of game time for the Wallabies — who haven't played, either together or separately, for some time. Their last game as Test team was in the Tri-Nations decider in Brisbane back in September.

At least with Robbie Deans at the helm fitness won't be an issue, although cohesion — or the lack thereof — will be a factor for the Australians.

The All Blacks, most of them at least, have just finished playing in the Air New Zealand Cup.

Another factor to consider is the weather. Rain is predicted, but even if it does not bucket down during the game, the hot steamy conditions will test the players' skills.

While the ground will not be too familiar for their team, at least four members of the Wallabies starting XV — fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper, wing Drew Mitchell, flyhalf Matt Giteau and number eight Richard Brown — have previously represented Australia at the Hong Kong Sevens.

Players to watch:

For Australia: We can start in the midfield, when Ryan Cross and Stirling Mortlock will hope for a more assertive performance than what they produced than that which they put on display in Brisbane. Richard Brown at number eight will attract some attention, as will the entire front row of Al Baxter, Stephen Moore and Benn Robinson.

For New Zealand: No doubt the spotlight will shine brightly on Dan Carter in the number 12 jersey, with many critics still questioning the wisdom of this positional shift for such a talented player. Either side of him there is Conrad Smith and Stephen Donald, with the latter now the backline kingpin.

Head to head: There can be no juicier prospect that watching Stirling Mortlock (Australia) go up against Dan Carter (New Zealand) in a sideshow of brute force against guile and skill. But Mark Chisholm (Australia) against Brad Thorn (New Zealand) is worth the entry fee as well. Then there is Luke Burgess (Australia) versus Jimmy Cowan (New Zealand) in another of those delectable showdowns.

Recent results:

2008: New Zealand won 28-24, Brisbane
2008: New Zealand won 39-10, Auckland
2008: Australia won 34-19, Sydney
2007: New Zealand won 26-12, Auckland
2007: Australia won 20-15, Melbourne
2006: New Zealand won 34-27, Auckland
2006: New Zealand won 13-9, Brisbane
2006: New Zealand won 32-12, Christchurch
2005: New Zealand won 34-24, Auckland
2004: New Zealand won 30-13, Sydney

Prediction: You have to weigh up the Robbie Deans factor against the more settled look of the All Blacks. Man-for-man there's not too much that separates the two teams, but as a unit the Kiwis just seem to have that edge. We are going to punt an All Black victory, but by less than 10 points again.

Teams:

Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 George Smith, 6 Dean Mumm, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Phil Waugh, 19 David Pocock, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Lachie Turner.

New Zealand: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Dan Carter, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Greg Somerville, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Ma'a Nonu, 22 Cory Jane.

Date: Saturday, November 1
Venue: Hong Kong Stadium
Kick-off: 4.30pm (7.30pm AEST; 9.30pm NZ time; 8.30am GMT)
Weather: Sunny intervals with one or two rain patches. Low of 25°C, high of 29°C
Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)
Touch judges: George Clancy (Ireland), Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
TMO: Giulio De Santis (Italy)


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