Breaking the Blacks
Robbie Deans, overlooked for the All Blacks’ coach’s job four years ago, has set his sights on a third World Cup for the Wallabies at a ground where they have not won since 1986.
If they are to lift the Webb Ellis trophy yet again, Australia need to beat the All Blacks, then beat the winners of this morning’s semi-final between Wales and France.
Australia turned in an awesome defensive display against South Africa in the quarter-finals and now look to expand their game against the All Blacks.
“We have to bring more to the table, ask more of the All Blacks because if we don’t, they’ll bring a lot more to the table,” Deans said yesterday.
“It will take a total performance, attack and defence. We’ll have to trust ourselves, back ourselves, believe in ourselves, back our systems as well as hang tough when the traffic starts coming the other way.
“It’s very much mental at this point. It’s too late to recreate the wheel so to speak in terms of the way we approach the game. There’s not a lot you can do to change your physical state so without a doubt your mindset and how you cope with some of the challenges is key.”
Quade Cooper, the New Zealand-born fly-half who has become a pantomime villain in his native land, has a vital role in a backline awash with talent, even if full-back Kurtley Beale fails to recover from a hamstring injury. Beale was given 24 hours on Friday to prove his fitness, bracketed with Adam Ashley-Cooper in the Wallaby team after aggravating a hamstring injury against South Africa, while prop Sekope Kepu retains his place after receiving treatment on an ankle injury.
“He’s (Beale) not 100%, none of them are,” Deans said. “Everyone has their own little challenges.”
The injury causing most concern in New Zealand is the ankle problem afflicting All Blacks’ captain Richie McCaw. McCaw’s contribution as leader and openside flanker is crucial and he will play through the pain barrier.
Henry was reappointed as All Blacks coach ahead of Deans even though New Zealand made their earliest World Cup exit ever when they were beaten by France four years ago. Sunday is certain to be his last game in charge if the All Blacks lose.
“I think there’s a quiet focus there, a quiet determination,” he said. “The guys have been a bit quieter than normal, probably because it’s such a huge game. It’s probably the biggest game these guys have played in 10 years.
“Australia, they’re like a big brother to us, a country of 20 million competing with 4.5 million and that is a positive relationship I think. It brings the best out of New Zealanders. But as far as this rugby tournament is concerned it’s a semi-final we need to win to win a cup and it so happens that it’s against Australia.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
