All Blacks should be feeling heat: Faingaa
Related coverage
- Rugby Union news
- Wallabies news
- New Zealand All Blacks news
- Wallabies v All Blacks news
- 2013 Wallabies squad news
The World Cup-winning All Blacks face plenty of pressure to retain this year’s Bledisloe Cup, according to Wallabies hooker Saia Faingaa.
New Zealand haven’t relinquished the silverware since winning the title back in 2003 following Australia’s five-year stranglehold on the trans-Tasman trophy.
But Faingaa believes that despite being in the midst of a 10-year series drought, the Wallabies have nothing to lose.
“They’ve got more pressure than us – they have to retain it. We haven’t won it in a decade,” he told AAP.
The 30-man squad for the inaugural Rugby Championship was announced on Tuesday, with coach Robbie Deans mulling combinations for the first game against New Zealand in Sydney on August 18.
One of the contentious positions is at inside centre after incumbent Pat McCabe suffered a leg stress fracture that will sideline him for at least the rest of August.
Saia’s hard-tackling twin brother Anthony – along with Waratahs utility back Berrick Barnes and Reds centre Mike Harris – is in the frame to get the nod for the assignment on All Blacks midfield colossus Sonny Bill Williams.
“Obviously it’s disappointing for Patty, but at the same time it’s a great opportunity for the (other) backs to step up and take ownership of that centre partnership,” Anthony said.
“No one’s really got a lockdown on their position at the moment, so for us it’s a great opportunity … that’s going to create a great culture and attitude.”
Faingaa said Deans had been keeping the backs alert, rotating them through different positions over the past week at training.
“It creates a healthy challenge and always keeps you on your toes, and that’s something that drives high standards and is something … (the Wallabies) haven’t really had in the past,” said Anthony.
Faingaa said this year’s campaign is gathering pace with the squad well rested after Queensland – the only Australian team to qualify for the Super Rugby finals – were eliminated three weeks ago.
“We’ve got a good campaign in terms of training and work ethic, change of positions – we’re really building towards some great rugby,” Anthony said.
“We’ve had a lot of young guys come through and starting to become experienced, so off the back of that hopefully comes success.”
© AAP 2013
Have you seen the new Wallabies jersey? Want one of your own? We're giving away a brand new 2013 Wallabies jersey to one lucky Roarer, click here to go in the running to win.
- Explore:
- All Blacks, Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Union, Saia Faingaa, wallabies
August 11th 2012 @ 6:38am
flying hori said | August 11th 2012 @ 6:38am | Report comment
Theres always pressure when it comes to battles between the ABs and Wallabies, Saia will know theres proberly more pressure on them because if they lose this one its proberly bye bye to the Bled as the next game is Eden park – its funny how the holders of the trophy have to play 2 games in the challengers back yard, usually it should be the holders back yard, smells of a JON set up to give the Wallas a better chance for success.
August 11th 2012 @ 7:09am
Jerry said | August 11th 2012 @ 7:09am | Report comment
Nah, traditionally there’s been no home advantage for the Bledisloe holder. There’s been times (eg 1992) when the holder had to defend it on a 3 match tour away.
August 11th 2012 @ 1:19pm
Jokerman said | August 11th 2012 @ 1:19pm | Report comment
Not really, Jerry. Flying Hori has a valid point. Of late, the last 15 years or so, it has been a 2 game series, and there was 4 game series in 2010. One home game, one away. As a defending champion you only had to draw the series. So one win at home, as the holder was enough to win the title. There is a change this season, a best of 3 and Australia get home advantage.
August 11th 2012 @ 5:58pm
Jerry said | August 11th 2012 @ 5:58pm | Report comment
Except for 97 and 98 when there was a 3rd test in NZ and Aus respectively. Oh, and 06 and 08 when the TN was expanded to 3 rounds meaning Aus and NZ respectively got an extra Bled match. And in 09 and 10 when, despite the extra 4th test, there were still 3 rounds to the TN meaning one team got an advantage.
So, basically for the first 65 odd years of the trophy it wasn’t a factor – home advantage was shared irrespective of who held the trophy. And for a good proportion of the TN era it hasn’t been either.
And even if it is an advantage for Australia this year, next year the situation will be reversed and NZ will get the advantage.
August 11th 2012 @ 11:43am
Damo said | August 11th 2012 @ 11:43am | Report comment
Making excuses early,Hori ?
Relax, your team are the world champions, and there is daylight between them and the rest of the world.
Except sometimes when decisions don’t go their way. Then the daylight disappears, such as when they last played France.
The reality is that the daylight between nz and the rest has been hoovered up by a committed defence.
And there is the question for the Wallabies. Are they committed? And how committed?
Neither of us know.
August 11th 2012 @ 3:23pm
flying hori said | August 11th 2012 @ 3:23pm | Report comment
Nah Damo, no excuses, just querying the ruling, us kiwis always know we’re in for a tough one in Sydney but we have Eden the fortress and Brisbane is always a happy hunting ground for us
August 11th 2012 @ 7:47pm
WoobliesFan said | August 11th 2012 @ 7:47pm | Report comment
Well said Damo…..its daylight but its daylight thats quite well understood….Wallabies arent scared one iota of the AB’s…….the Wallabies are at a place atm that is so intriguing and frustrating and ready to gel and explode…..ABs would be more worried that Wallabies…..I give favouristim to AB’s, just! But should my Wallabies click, then say-or-nara…..we’re on the cusp of something holy and great with the talent we have.
outta ere…..
August 11th 2012 @ 8:47pm
Jerry said | August 11th 2012 @ 8:47pm | Report comment
This is the longest cusp in history.
August 11th 2012 @ 6:44am
Vincent said | August 11th 2012 @ 6:44am | Report comment
That pressure can work two ways, it can cause a team to tighten up or it can raise expectations within a team and motivate them to succeed. So it’s a double edged sword this pressure, which side of the blade will the Wallabies feel next weekend?
August 11th 2012 @ 7:29am
Worlds biggest said | August 11th 2012 @ 7:29am | Report comment
Another Aussie player opening his trap before a Bledisloe, all too familiar.
August 11th 2012 @ 8:51am
rae1 said | August 11th 2012 @ 8:51am | Report comment
While in NZ, James Haskell, when asked about the differences between the ABs and England he noted “We can maybe not be so robotic. I’ve learned from Adam Thomson and Andrew Hore at the Highlanders that, bar knowing what foot they kick off and their basic pattern, they don’t know anything about the opposition. “They just worry about their game plan. You can become caught up in talking about your opposition too much.”
We play the WB more so I guess players will of course know a bit more than what foot they kick with, but the essence of his message still rings true. Worry about your own game instead of the media game.
August 11th 2012 @ 10:40am
Kuruki said | August 11th 2012 @ 10:40am | Report comment
Shows how much Brodie Rettalick knows about his opposite in the second Irish test.
August 11th 2012 @ 7:36am
biltongbek said | August 11th 2012 @ 7:36am | Report comment
Its just your usual pre match gametalk.
August 11th 2012 @ 7:40am
ohtani's jacket said | August 11th 2012 @ 7:40am | Report comment
I guess having nothing to lose is how players like Saia Faingaa keep getting selected.
August 11th 2012 @ 10:24am
CraigB said | August 11th 2012 @ 10:24am | Report comment
shouldnt you be sacrificing maidens to a statue of $BW somewhere?
August 11th 2012 @ 11:11am
ohtani's jacket said | August 11th 2012 @ 11:11am | Report comment
Aren’t you that piece of crap that thinks New Zealanders should be killed in earthquakes?
August 11th 2012 @ 11:30am
CraigB said | August 11th 2012 @ 11:30am | Report comment
Just because I find NZ supporters a petulant mob with a massive chip on their collective shoulders I have NEVER suggested they should die in earthquakes. In your case though I reckon I could make an exception? How is Japan treating you BTW
August 11th 2012 @ 11:38am
CraigB said | August 11th 2012 @ 11:38am | Report comment
Correction. That NZ supporters who troll this site and the mobs who attended the rwc to spit on open supporters.
August 11th 2012 @ 12:42pm
ohtani's jacket said | August 11th 2012 @ 12:42pm | Report comment
Watch out, you’ll be late for your Australian supremacist meeting.
August 11th 2012 @ 5:05pm
Riccardo said | August 11th 2012 @ 5:05pm | Report comment
You are as bad as the expert and that is saying something.
Rarely have i seen you engage the subject matter and never an educated opinion with any validation. Worse, when you are confronted by fact or statistics you vanish or reply with generic spite.
Hating Kiwis and wishing them fatal ill-will via natural disasters is about as brave as you get and that is appalling.
Your barely veiled insinuations regarding the suffering and rebuilding in Japan is disgusting.
It must be about time that the moderators considered your permanent expulsion.
August 11th 2012 @ 7:45pm
CraigB said | August 11th 2012 @ 7:45pm | Report comment
Again Ricardo where have I stated a desire for harm against NZ? In fact take a look and you’ll find I authored a piece wishing for nothing but support for those in ch-ch. I take issue with the way NZ fans treated oz fans during the rwc and if you don’t well that is your own issue. As for OJ, he began playing the man witn a juvenile taunt and I am happy to play that game too. I know the kiwis on here like to defend their own come what may, but look at the facts before slinging mud. For interest sake how did OJ’s post relate to the article? Just a sledge/troll with nothing insightfu etc.
For the record I don’t hate kiwis but the arrogance showed by their supporters in this site should not go unchallenged. Likewise their behaviour towards Aussie fans at rwc was petulant and has gone largely unmentioned. I would love nothing more than aussie fans to engage in the same manner in Sydney but I doubt it will occur. If you experience it then maybe you will see it for the ugliness that it is.
August 11th 2012 @ 8:22pm
Riccardo said | August 11th 2012 @ 8:22pm | Report comment
Good post Craig but…
I believe your latest authored piece on the welfare of Christchurch was “moderated” under the title “disgraceful”.
I have really only heard you and King of the Gorgonites remonstrate about being physically attacked and spat upon. I’m aware there are morons everywhere but my understanding is that most Wallaby fans were treated well, albeit with competitive humour.
OJ didn’t play the man Craig, “the man” (Saia) did. He like others before him has come out swinging before the teams even arrive in the same city. Like Gregan, Beale and others before him. .
Tell me Craig, how many have come out like this only to be embarrassed by actual results. I accept it’s just posturing before the big event & frankly, I love that part of the build up, but mate, get real. It invites discourse.
OJ’s comment on his selection is relevant actually. Many of your countrymen are aghast at his involvement, as am I. The absence of injuries means he may not even be in a position to make such commentary, which makes it all the more contrived.
Your fellas are in with a real chance @ SFS Craig; you should focus on that…
August 11th 2012 @ 9:14pm
CraigB said | August 11th 2012 @ 9:14pm | Report comment
Here is a link to my last post re ch-ch.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/02/24/use-the-rwc-to-help-rebuild-a-nations-crumpled-spirit/
Funnily enough pre-world cup. Siai didn’t say anything really. This is a headline built up in a no news week. Again I eect you to defend yours so I will not bother arguing.
As for the upcomin game, the wallabies have 0 chance. They will be done by 12+ at home and 20+ in NZ.
August 12th 2012 @ 9:30am
soapit said | August 12th 2012 @ 9:30am | Report comment
riccardo, maybe not spat on but every fan i know that went over there was abused by nz’ers when they were anywhere near a rugby crowd (even for non aus games playing in pubs). they only got peace when they left the rugby scene and went travelling around. less than physical abuse but still not acceptable and by no means isolated.
this might be one of those time where one side has a genuine grievance and you need to show have a look at yourselves about what is an acceptable way for you to treat your tourists. we’ll move on in the meantime.
August 12th 2012 @ 2:03pm
Jerry said | August 12th 2012 @ 2:03pm | Report comment
Craig, don’t lie.
August 11th 2012 @ 8:49am
Red Block said | August 11th 2012 @ 8:49am | Report comment
Now that McCabe is out, hopefully they will pick a player who can actually pass the ball to Digby and our other runners.
The ABs average around three tries a game so the key to beating them is picking a team that can score more points not just defend and hope.
Lastly, if the rumours are true about Deans picking Horne at 12, then this will really will be his last season as coach.
Deans does appear to play favorites, which could sound his demise. At least this time he didn’t pick an unfit Elsom, unlike the RWC.
–
Comment left via The Roar’s iPhone app. Download The Roar’s iPhone App in the App Store here.
August 11th 2012 @ 9:45am
A Beadian said | August 11th 2012 @ 9:45am | Report comment
Given the opportunity (which isn’t very often in Aust) Deans will always pick the player that went to the “right school”. It’s bred into Old Collegians from Christchurch. Old Collegians are also known as “half sucked blackballs” because of their black and white striped school cap and the fact most of them are tossers.
August 11th 2012 @ 9:28am
johnno42 said | August 11th 2012 @ 9:28am | Report comment
“All Blacks face plenty of pressure to retain this year’s Bledisloe”
mate, the ABs are under pressure to win every match they play.
you could say the wallabies have won 2 of the last 4 matches… or you could say they have won 2 of the last 14.
both would be correct…
August 11th 2012 @ 9:36am
West said | August 11th 2012 @ 9:36am | Report comment
Rubbish!!!!! Complete rubbish more pressure on wallabys,if faingaa beleves this crap than wallabies are in deeper trouble than ever. Australia expect a result and the fans are demanding it. Faingaa get real.
August 11th 2012 @ 10:25am
CraigB said | August 11th 2012 @ 10:25am | Report comment
Your obviously not an Aussie fan then. As one I expect nothing short of a flogging by NZ.
August 11th 2012 @ 9:44am
West said | August 11th 2012 @ 9:44am | Report comment
Oh, why are they well rested, friggan holiday camp in Queensland. All blacks have played against auckland and county’s manukau…… on the same day. Good luck Ozzies your going to need it. God!!!!
August 12th 2012 @ 1:24pm
Dan said | August 12th 2012 @ 1:24pm | Report comment
for 20 minutes a piece wow what a workout they better rest up.
what a joke you are !!!!!
August 11th 2012 @ 10:17am
katzilla said | August 11th 2012 @ 10:17am | Report comment
AAC one day, Faiinga the next. It’s building for sure, it’s all heading one way……
I wouldn’t mind hearing what fresh ideas Bob Dwyer has about the All Blacks…….
Oh what’s that Bob?!?! The All Blacks get away with murder?
It’s like a cool summer breeze Bob, so refreshing!
Oh and you have a website too Bob? Good to know.
See you next year for some more fresh commentary!