Deans demanding Wallabies to start backing themselves
By Darren Walton, 11 Nov 2009 Darren Walton is a Roar Pro
After at last showing some composure, the Wallabies are now under instructions to start playing more instinctively in a bid to correct their dismal tryscoring record in Sunday’s Landsdowne Cup Test against Ireland in Dublin.
The Wallabies have scored just 11 tries in their past eight Tests, an alarmingly poor return and the chief reason for their winning just two matches during Australian rugby’s leanest run in four years.
The two tries at Twickenham on Saturday was virtually double Australia’s pathetic average since the start of the Tri Nations and coach Robbie Deans says it’s simply not good enough that the Wallabies are merely creating scoring chances.
With Ireland a step up in class from understrength England, Deans knows five-pointers will be at a premium at Croke Park and is urging the Wallabies to back themselves, come what may, rather than die wondering against the Six Nations champions.
Winger Peter Hynes should have bagged a hat-trick at Twickenham but instead finished the game hoarse after his repeated pleas for the final pass to be delivered fell on deaf ears.
“There were a few opportunities where I possibly could have scored but it didn’t happen,” Hynes said.
“That’s no big deal. At the end of the day, we won the game and that’s what’s important.”
Ultimately, yes.
But Deans is demanding more from his grand slam hunters.
He doesn’t agree with the one irate rugby blogger who labelled the Wallabies “un-Australian” for their inability to cross the line, but says his side’s execution levels will only improve with the confidence to “have a go” without fear of failure when something’s on.
Deans even took issue with Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom – one of the three culprits who denied Hynes the chance to get on the scoresheet – for claiming it was better not to throw “Hail Mary” passes in mere hope of finding the mark.
“What’s indicative in that statement is the fact that we’re still living consciously and, essentially in rugby, it’s got to be instinctive,” Deans said.
“That’s something that you tend to build and trust over time. Obviously getting a win makes a big difference to that ability to back your instincts.
“What was better against England was our composure within the game and our balance in the game. It still wasn’t perfect.
“We still put ourselves under pressure. Particularly early, I felt we put ourselves under a little bit of pressure with some of our decisions.
“But the good thing that was consistent was that we were prepared to back decisions.
“When you’re in that frame of mind, in many ways, it doesn’t matter what decisions you make, if it’s collectively committed to.”
Magnifying the need for the Wallabies to convert every half chance against the Irish – who this season completed their own version of the grand slam for the first time in 61 years with victories over the other three home nations – will be the likely dour nature of the Test.
“Conditions can sometimes dictate the way the game’s played,” lock James Horwill said.
“Obviously if we’re playing in South Africa or Australia, it’s a lot drier and the pitches are probably a bit faster.
“Playing over here, sometimes the conditions suit playing a slow, more physical style of game and being a bit more direct.
“That’s probably what we’re expecting from the Irish – to be pretty direct this weekend.
“We’re expecting a pretty fierce battle up front.”
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pothale said | November 11th 2009 @ 3:52am | Report comment
“the Irish – who this season completed their own version of the grand slam for the first time in 61 years with victories over the other three home nations –”
Minor Correction – victory over the other 3 home nations is called the Triple Crown. Beating all 5 teams in the 6 Nations is called the Grand Slam.
Matt0931 said | November 11th 2009 @ 3:57am | Report comment
Saturday’s missed tries were down to players suffering White Line Fever. I would be surprised if Deans didn’t give them a bit of a blast for missing so many golden oppurtunities.
This weekends game will be so much tougher than a make shift England team and Australia need to make sure they take their opportunities when they are presented.
The Wallabies need to complete their passes, Giteau needs to play a bit wider, and importantly the Wallabies need to ensure they commit enough players to the breakdown, especially when in the Irish half, as they will need to take as many 3 pointers as they can get as I don’t think the Irish defence will be as leaky as the English defence.
No matter who wins, it will be a cracker of a game though!
Bruiser said | November 11th 2009 @ 4:48pm | Report comment
This is what i like about Dingo. He speaks of a higher level…something that is more instinctual versus game plans (ala Eddie). The Wallabies seem to be a while off achieving this, but if you look at the time since he has started it seems to be all small stepping blocks in this direction to achieving this. Sometimes we see it, and sometimes we absolutely don’t! Unfortunately (perhaps) losing has been required to instil this different mindset in the team, which of course he is obviously also rebuilding. So time is required, but in this world where results are everything lets hope they are able to actually do it. Go Wallabies!