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Eade: We're too nice

10/28/2011 11:09:01 PM

Australian International Rules coach Rodney Eade wants his players to ditch the Nice Guy routine and get aggressive with the Irish in next week's Second Test on the Gold Coast.

Eade believes the Aussies were far too tentative and accommodating in Friday night's record 44-point loss at Etihad Stadium.

"I think we probably worried too much about being nice and making sure the spirit of the game was upheld," said Eade.

"We need a bit more aggression."

"We've really got to focus and make a stand and stand up next week."

"What that victory will look like, I don't think we can worry about that, we've just got to make a stand."

"I don't think there'll be fireworks, but we'll certainly be playing our way next week, there's no doubt about that."

Eade conceded his players were beaten in just about every facet of the game on Friday night, including the one area in which they were expected to excel, tackling.

"I think they were more physical than I expected," he said of the Irish.

"They probably beat us in that area as well."

"Every time we marked the ball, we were ridden into the ground."

"We've got to make the Irish earn it every time they get the ball, and that's within the spirit of the game."

The Australians are likely to be without Jake King for the Second Test.

The livewire Richmond forward jarred his right knee early in Friday night's match and is rated 50-50 at best to recover in time.

The only other injury concern, Liam Shiels (corked thigh), is expected to be available.

Eade singled out Shaun Grigg for his tagging job on Irish veteran Stephen McDonnell, but generally lamented the huge gap in skills between the sides.

"The disparity with their use of the ball was extreme," he said.

"Their kicking skills were sensational."

"I was probably more disappointed with the last quarter when we dropped off."

"We just looked as if we were getting the hang of it, but then to come out after half-time and not go on with that improvement was disappointing."

Irish team manager Anthony Tohill credited an excellent preparation for Friday night's performance.

"I probably sensed two or three weeks ago that we were going to be very difficult to beat," Tohill said.

"You know these things when you're around players and you just get that sense amongst the group that the lads really mean business."

"But it's only half-time, the thing's not over."

"We've got ourselves into a good position to win the series, but it's no more than that."

"If we can win by 44 points then Australia can win by 44 or 45 next week."

"If we are anything less than we were tonight then we run the risk (of losing)."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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