Wallabies add 'spice' to Aviva recipe as Harry Wilson outlines standards

Harry Wilson promises his struggling Wallabies will “empty the tank”, imbuing their game with both “more spice” and better discipline as they seek the win over Ireland that could yet transform their ailing end-of-year fortunes.

Still in danger of his side suffering their first winless European tour for 67 years after defeats to England and Italy, the skipper says the “hurt” they felt after the loss to the Azzurri last Saturday will fuel their response at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin seven days later.

The 26-19 defeat in Udine has been put firmly behind them, says the No.8, and they all feel re-energised by the return of key experienced trio – James O’Connor, centre Len Ikitau and prop Allan Alaalatoa.

“There was a lot of hurt after that Italy game, it hit the whole squad hard,” Wilson admitted on the eve of the match in the Irish capital on Friday.

“Italy are a really good side and they taught us some harsh, harsh lessons in that game. But from getting on the training field on Tuesday, we’ve been all about moving forward towards Ireland and have had a really good week’s prep.

“We’re all really excited. After a few disappointing performances, there’s definitely a bit more spice around the group, wanting to go out there and get a big result.”

Part of that has been the impetus their returning trio provided, headed by 35-year-old flyhalf O’Connor.

“James has been awesome since coming in,” said Wilson. “He’s got that confidence straight away, and he’s brought a lot of energy and belief after a couple of tough weeks for us.

“And when you add Lenny and Allan into it, you add a little bit more polish there too, guys who are fresh, just wanting to be out there and training well.

“I feel as if they’ve really lifted all the boys, and we all went with them. We’ve had a good week at training, but it’s now about going out there and performing Saturday night.

“The energy has been really good. We’re near the end of our tour, so the boys know there’s just a couple more weeks to empty the tank for.”

Discipline has been a concern in their two defeats, with the Wallabies having been pinged 25 times.

“We know we have to be incredibly disciplined,” said Wilson, who’s been penalised himself several times.

“That starts with getting ourselves into the right areas of the field and being accurate when we enter the A-zone.

“Ireland are so sharp, they hold the ball for long phases and punish any inaccuracy, so defensively we have to be outstanding. If we can get ourselves into the right areas, it will help a lot with our discipline.”

Australia could also find themselves facing an even more passionate Lansdowne Road crowd than usual just two nights after the Aviva Stadium roared the national football team to a famous 2-0 win over Portugal, who had Cristiano Ronaldo sent off.

Some of the Irish squad attended the match while the rest of the squad watched on TV at the team hotel.

“There was good excitement watching it, it was class, the atmosphere here was unbelievable – and we’ll be looking for something similar tomorrow,” said Ireland captain Caelan Doris.