'Mr Nobody' says talent not the problem with Wallabies
Former Wallabies captain John Eales says Australia must build on confidence gained from their scrappy win over Argentina to make an impact at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
The Wallabies clinched the much-needed 16-10 victory on Saturday in Brisbane for just their fourth win in 14 Tests but, with consecutive Rugby Championship showdowns with world champions New Zealand looming, Michael Cheika’s side need to improve quickly.
Eales, a two-time world champion in 1991 and 1999, believes this squad need to trust in their abilities if they are to be successful when the World Cup begins on September 20 in Japan.
“I think there is talent there but I think what they need to work on is a true belief in themselves,” Eales said on Monday in Tokyo.
“I think they think they can win the big games but it is about getting that consistency in performance that they start to win the big games more often than not.
“There is potential there.”
On Saturday, Argenti na’s Facundo Isa scored a try with six minutes remaining, but Australia’s defence held firm and this tenacity impressed Eales the most.
“I think one of the most important things we saw in that game was the ability for the team to produce across 80 minutes,” said the 49-year-old, who captained Australia in 1999.
“Yes, there were some mistakes and they could have scored more tries but, when the game was in the crux moments at the end, they actually took some control of that game.
“The team didn’t panic, they maintained their calm and stayed composed.”
Australia have reached the semi-finals at every World Cup, bar two, including their 2015 final loss to the All Blacks.
Eales believes this is why the Wallabies shouldn’t be ruled out, despite their poor form, and backs coach Cheika’s team to build momentum during the tournament.
“The way you perform and go through a tournament is quite different because really the only thing that matters is t he next game,” said Eales.
“Whatever you did that week, if it got you through, then it doesn’t matter.
“It is just about keeping on progressing and you will have those moments of luck, chance or magic.”
Australia begin their bid for a third World Cup on September 21 against Fiji in Sapporo. Also in Pool D are Wales, Georgia and Uruguay.
Comments on RugbyPass
Hopefully this will mean a new Auckland league team to support in the west. Big Warriors fan but it’s very, very stale on that front and I’d like the option of another team if it was to watch league again. League needs to step up BIG time if its to get anywhere, another AK team and something from the capitol or south is a must for the game.
3 Go to commentsGood, deep interview, nice job Frankie!
1 Go to commentsNRL players don’t have anywhere near the number of Tests. Some people would be happy having Rest Homes full if 40 yo ex-players walking, or hobbling more like it, into walls. It’s just a game!
4 Go to commentsNOW Razor is worried about ABs getting injured or overplayed! Didn’t bother him last year. He happily played his AB Crusaders.
4 Go to commentsWhat is the World Rugby U20 players born year.
2 Go to commentsMuch like the Chiefs finally gave up waiting for Atu Moli to ever not be injured, you have to wonder if the Chiefs and Crusaders will let Josh Lord and Ethan Blackadder go next season. They’re being well paid to sit in the injury ward every year. Better off putting those funds towards someone who might actually play.
7 Go to commentsShowed better basic skills than some nz Super sides, who probably would have botched some of those backline moves. This tournament really is too short though. Needs more teams, or have them play two rounds to properly prepare them for the near full-time NH U20 sides.
4 Go to commentsGood grief it’s only six months. Probably just upset it’s not an established kiwi entering their prime they can “project” into green to join the rest.
1 Go to commentsGood player but far from being best in the world. That's an exaggeration. Perhaps Best in world by Northern Hemisphere standards and biasis but certainly not Southern Hemi standards
3 Go to commentsWell one thing about World Cup knock out rounds and Ireland is very clear: they won’t be getting ahead of themselves in ‘27! Because making it beyond the QF is well and truly ‘IN THEIR HEADS’ now…😉
75 Go to commentsHas this guy been dope tested? Sounds like a case of “roid rage”.
1 Go to commentsI would like to see him say that to Eben face to face in a dark alley.
75 Go to commentsYep, lost in translation. There are arrogant people in Ireland, yes. As there are arrogant people in every country, but as a nation, arrogance is not a general characteristic in Ireland. There has not really had a strong representation for any global sport over the years, and hence arrogance is not endemic to Irish people in this regard. I seriously doubt that was said or meant by 12 or 13 players. If it was said, it would have been said in jest and to pay Etzebeth and the Springboks a compliment for how hard fought the game was.
75 Go to commentsOne of the few Bidwell articles I can agree with. If coaches played their players through niggles and consistently played them 80mins then you could make an argument for resting protocols - they obviously don’t and are incredibly responsible, let’s give up the resting nonsense and let the boys play.
4 Go to commentsDaniel Gallan, please for the love of all that is holy, stop writing about rugby. Or at the very least stop telling people you are South African.
21 Go to commentsThis Dr.Rassie 6-2 filth is spreading. We need to ask World Rugby to ban something
1 Go to commentsPity he couldn’t call him a liar to his face, such a brave man.
75 Go to comments“You ain’t counting to 12 or 13 straight after a game, son!” Just because you don’t doesn’t mean everyone else doesn’t “I reckon if anyone said it they would have said, ‘Hopefully, see you in the final’.” Oh, you “reckon”, do you? You weren’t there, you weren’t part of the conversation but you know what was said… Id10T
75 Go to commentsNZ has such a rich history of quality number nines, and woman beaters.
1 Go to commentsThat’s what happens when you are scared of scrums
3 Go to comments