Skip to Content. Skip to Navigation.

News

 
 
Consistency key for Wallabies

Consistency key for Wallabies

08/31/2010 07:09:08 PM

Australia assistant coaches Richard Graham and Jim Williams have called for more consistency from the team in a bid to close out more results.

The Wallabies are preparing for their penultimate Tri Nations match of the season, against South Africa in Bloemfontein, after a disappointing result over the weekend.

Robbie Deans' side twice threw away a 14-point lead in Pretoria before succumbing 44-31 after a pulsating encounter between the two teams.

It left the tourists bottom of the table, and with a game against champions New Zealand in Sydney to come, the result on Saturday is likely to decide who will win the wooden spoon in 2010.

"The thing with any performance is to be consistent over a period of time," skills coach Graham said

"It's a young group and the more times we are put in situations like we were at the weekend then I think you'll see us consistently becoming better in those aspects."

The Australians have injury concerns over locks Nathan Sharpe (ankle) and Scott Higginbotham (back) - the former faces a race against time to be fit, with the latter, a late withdrawal for the Loftus Versfeld Test after being injured in the warm-up, almost certain to miss out.

Forwards coach Williams echoed the sentiments of Graham, saying: "I suppose it's not down to one thing, it's the ability to play well on the day."

"It's about getting consistency. We've worked hard on preparation this week to ensure we address problems from last weekend and are nice and positive for this Saturday."

Deans had spoken about the way the team capitulated at set-pieces in the Pretoria Test and Williams said it was an area they would work on during the build-up.

He added: "If you break it down, there were four lineouts lost and it came down to technique with throwing a couple of times and the options that we took inside their 22."

"It's just a matter of taking the right options and make sure we stick to our plan."

Meanwhile, utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper insists there were plenty of positives to take from their latest defeat.

It was a third loss in four games during this year's competition, but the Brumbies player said: "There is a good belief amongst the squad because we know we're heading in the right direction."

"We feel that we are improving in areas each game."

"We played the two best teams in the world over the last couple of weeks and obviously have come up just that part short, but it's not like we're losing to poor opposition."

"These guys are the best in the world and we're competing with these guys and just falling short so there's certainly a lot to take out of it and a lot to look forward to."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

Related Items

 
 

You Might Also Like

 
 
Sharpe calls it quits
Sharpe calls it quits
Rugby Union
Western Force and Wallabies stalwart Nathan Sharpe will retire from professional rugby at ...
 
 
Sharpe set to retire
Rugby Union
 
Reds out to defend title
Rugby Union
 
O'Neill: City spoke to me
Rugby Union
 
Last-minute win to Wales
Rugby Union
 
Sanzar judiciary revamp
Rugby Union
 
Elsom to skipper NSW
Rugby Union
 
 
 
Money ties up Tevez
Money ties up Tevez
Football
Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti says Carlos Tevez's wage demands may be an ...
 
 
 
 

Your Say

 
 

Galleries

 
 
Rugby World Cup Finals
25/10/2011 11:22:46 AM
Did you miss the action from the recent finals of the Rugby World Cup? Don’t worry, we will take you back and show you best action from the Quarter Finals through to the Final.
The Weekend Sporting Action
18/10/2011 2:21:08 PM
The sport never slows down around the world. Check out the latest action from the weekend.
 
2011 Rugby Word Cup
22/09/2011 4:59:10 PM
Make sure you take the time to check out some of the fantastic, amazing and cheeky shots of players and fans of the 2011 Rugby World Cup thus far.