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'We're not here to be even with England, we're here to dominate them'

(Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Fresh-faced Wallabies prop Angus Bell has raised the bar for the second test against England, declaring only a domination of the visitors’ set piece will do.

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The 21-year-old started in the 30-28 win in Perth, where Australia played for more than a half with 14 men after Darcy Swain’s red card for head-butting.

Quade Cooper (calf), Tom Banks (arm) and Allan Alaalatoa (concussion) were also injured before and during the game, while fellow prop Taniela Tupou is a good chance of returning on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.

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Winning without them thanks to a three-try second half went against the script after eight consecutive losses to Eddie Jones’ side.

Bell couldn’t care less about that outside noise though, adamant they can improve again in Brisbane.

“Really don’t really think about it,” he said of those who had written off his side, and particularly the forward pack, pre-match.

“For me it’s about execution and I was pretty unhappy with our set piece. It could be better.

“We’re not here to be even with England, we’re here to dominate them.

“We didn’t quite get that in the right area, the red card didn’t help but we’ll bring another step up in our set piece (in Brisbane).”

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Tupou’s first child arrived ahead of schedule last week and coach Dave Rennie is confident the Queensland Red will recover from a calf injury to restock a depleted tighthead cupboard.

Bell can’t wait to see him in action.

“We all know Taniela’s a beast; one of the world’s best and in every single facet of the game Taniela has a massive impact,” he said.

“If he does get picked he’ll do a job.”

Meanwhile inside centre Samu Kerevi was on Tuesday named in Australia’s rugby sevens squad for this month’s Commonwealth Games.

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Man of the match in Perth, he said he still had improvement in his kicking and passing game to match the powerful running game he unleashed in the second half in Perth.

“Was kind of seamless to be back in with the boys,” the Japan-based centre said.

He said preparation for the game helped them put out the fires calmly when injuries and red cards struck.

“We tried a lot of different combinations and the staff kept us on our toes (in the lead-up),” he said.

“It was nothing special (for Noah Lolesio to shift from the bench to No.10); he knew exactly what he needed to do and it was another seamless transition.”

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Tom 1 hour ago
Eben Etzebeth staring at huge ban after another red card

Well… I'd say the modern Boks are not a particularly violent team but it's impossible to getaway with much violence on an international rugby field now. The Boks of yesteryear were at times brutal. Whether or not the reputation is justified, they do have that reputation amongst a lot of rugby fans.

As for point 2.. it's a tricky one, I don't want to slander a nation here. I'm no “Bok hater”, but I've gotta say some Bok fans are the most obnoxious fans I've personally encountered. Notably this didn't seem to be a problem until the Boks became the best in the world. I agree that fans from other nations can be awful too, every nation has it's fair share of d-heads but going on any rugby forum or YouTube comments is quite tedious these days owing to the legions of partisan Bok fans who jump onto every thread regardless of if it's about the Boks to tell everyone how much better the Boks are than everyone else. A Saffa once told me that SA is a troubled country and because of that the Boks are a symbol of SA victory against all odds so that's why the fans are so passionate. At least you recognise that there is an issue with some Bok fans, that's more than many are willing to concede. Whatever the reason, it's just boring is all I can tell you and I can say coming from a place of absolute honesty I encounter far, far more arrogance and obnoxious behaviour from Bok fans than any other fanbase - the kiwis were nothing like this when they were on top. So look much love to SA, I bear no hatred of ill will, I just want to have conversations about rugby without being told constantly that the Boks are the best team in the world and all coaches except Rassie are useless etc



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