Wallabies primed for European trip

AUSTRALIA and New Zealand embark on northern hemisphere tours this week with different objectives following a dramatic conclusion to the final Bledisloe Cup Test on Saturday.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans believes Australia’s dramatic 26-24 victory over the All Blacks in Hong Kong will provide a platform for their upcoming European tour, while New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has demanded a positive reaction from his side when they face England on Saturday after their long unbeaten run was halted.

The triumph provided a welcome lift as they prepare for games against Wales, England, Italy and France next month, as well as against Leicester and Munster, but Deans was loathe to hail the result as a turning point in a mixed year so far.