The Tri-Nations began in 1996 when South Africa, New Zealand and Australia formed SANZAR and pitted the Wallabies, All Blacks and Springboks against each other in what is widely renouned as the world's toughest rugby competition.

The All Blacks have been the dominant force in the competition, winning nine times, while the Wallabies and the Springboks have two wins apiece.

When the Wallabies have triumphed, it's been in thrilling fashion. In 2000 a Stirling Mortlock penalty goal at the final buzzer against South Africa in Durban secured the championship, and Australia successfully defended the title in 2001, thanks to Toutai Kefu's match-winning try at the death against New Zealand at Stadium Australia. The match sent the legendary John Eales into retirement in memorable style, and closed the chapter on a golden era in Australian rugby, which also included the Wallabies winning the Rugby World Cup in 1999 and five consecutive Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand.

This year the Wallabies continue their rebuilding phase under coach Robbie Deans after making a courageous challenge for the title in 2008. They are the outsiders of the competition, but off the back of a very successful European Tour at the end of 2008 they could well spring a few surprises against their more fancied opponents from New Zealand and South Africa.