All Black fullback Jeff Wilson and Australian wing Joe Roff are two of the central characters in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup/Tri-Nations Test here, and the similarities between them are significant.

Both have been game-breakers when at their peak, and both are potential matchwinners. They have often been rivals, particularly when Wilson played in his more regular right wing position during most of his 58 Test matches.

Roff will be one of the key players Australia will be looking to in order to break what has been an improving All Black defensive line while Wilson, back on his home ground, still has to convince the world that the sabbatical he took from international rugby has not diminished his skills.

At fullback, Wilson can be expected to receive a barrage of high balls, while also being required to play his part in the All Black defensive screen.

Both Roff and Wilson have scored three tries in Bledisloe Cup matches, Roff in 14 appearances and Wilson in 13. Yet over his 65-Test career, Roff has scored only 24 tries, significantly less than the 43 the All Black Test try record holder Wilson has dotted down in his 58 Tests.

Interestingly, the similarities between the pair continue with the fact that Roff is taking next year off rugby in order to have a break and come back rejuvenated for Australia's World Cup defence in 2003.

Injuries and selection permitting it won't be the last time the pair meet this year, as there is the return match to play in Sydney. But players share the view of their teams that Saturday's clash is vital.

Victory for the All Blacks would give them their best chance of regaining the Tri-Nations title while the Australians must win to give themselves a hope.

For Wilson, the match is also the best platform yet to prove to the rugby world that he still deserves the world-class label he enjoyed before his break from the game.

"I am looking forward to the challenge against these guys," Wilson said of the Australians. "They're on top of their game, I believe. They're the current world champions and the team to beat, worldwide.

"For us it's a step up and a chance to gauge where the All Blacks of 2001 are at. This is a rivalry that we love, and, for us as players, it's what it's all about.

"The Bledisloe Cup is very important to New Zealand, and being at Dunedin, for me, makes it very special."

As he considers the job ahead of him Wilson will no doubt have seen video evidence of Roff's ability to turn pressure into points, most notably in his two-try burst in the second Test to get the Australians back into the Test series with the British Lions.

Their rivalry is just another of the several clashes shaping in this keenly-awaited match. - Sapa-AFP