New Zealand's tight five will dominate Australia in the decisive forward battle in the tri-nations rugby union opener, former All Black skipper Sean Fitzpatrick said yesterday.

While the Australian pack for Saturday's Test in Melbourne appeared more settled than in recent years it remained the Wallabies' weakest link, he said.

New Zealand have traditionally dominated Australia in the forwards during an unbeaten run which stretches back almost four years.

"If I were still in the All Blacks, it would be an area I would target," said Fitzpatrick, forced to retire through injury early this year after being a feisty opponent of the Australians during his 12 years of international rugby.

"We know we've got the gamebreakers out wide but we need to do the hard work up front, it's been an area in which Australia has struggled."

Fitzpatrick said there had been a lot of talk in New Zealand about the All Blacks' tight five "not being up to it."

"They are getting a pretty hard time, so they won't lack motivation.

"I hope they go over there and really put on a top performance. I get a bit annoyed when the old New Zealand knocking machine gets into them."

Fitzpatrick does not agree with All Black coach John Hart's claim that Australia deserve to start favourites, taking into account recent form and player losses.

The All Blacks no longer list Fitzpatrick, number eight Zinzan Brooke and centre Frank Bunce - veteran players with more than 200 internationals between them.

"It would be a brave man to bet against the All Blacks," said Fitzpatrick who led New Zealand to the first two tri-nations titles and seven straight victories over Australia.

"Although we've lost key players, it's still a pretty formidable team with a lot of experience and talent.

"It's all very well to say they haven't performed, yet they've still beaten an English team, albeit a third-rate team, by 30 and 40 points.

"They were difficult games to prepare for, but in having said that the Australians have looked the most settled they have in the last five years.

"It's made for a good match. . . probably a closer match than we've had in the past."

Fitzpatrick said New Zealand held a deep respect for the Australians.

"They respect them, they respect coach Rod Macqueen and with (Phil) Kearns coming back in it adds stability to the leadership," he said.

"Maybe John (Eales) has been lacking in terms of support around him and it means a lot for guys like Kearns and (Tim) Horan to be behind him."

Fitzpatrick said the outcome of the game could decide the tri-nations.

"If you win one away from home that may be enough to secure the championship," he said.

"If they can win in Melbourne the All Blacks have then got a pretty good run."