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Supremely confident Wallabies lock Mark Chisholm has boldly proclaimed the Wallabies are on the brink of greatness.
Despite four straight Tri-Nations losses for their worst streak in four years, Chisholm said Robbie Deans’ team was building towards another desired golden era for Australian rugby.
The 200cm Brumbies second-rower made his Test comeback in the disappointing 32-25 loss to South Africa in Perth and sincerely felt all the signs showed a huge turnaround was imminent.
“I got a great feel for the team and where it’s at,” he said ahead of Saturday night’s clash with the Springboks in Brisbane.
“On the field I felt the team is just inches away from firstly winning and secondly becoming something great.
“We’re certainly heading in that direction and it’s only a matter of time before we achieve those steps to get there.
“I can sense it.”
The Wallabies looked a team anything but close to greatness in the opening half an hour against the Springboks at Subiaco Oval where they fumbled and bumbled their way to a 22-3 deficit.
But Chisholm drew plenty from the second-half rally when the home side scored three tries to one, including two in the last five minutes to add respectability to the scoreline.
“Running around the field I found we’re the fittest side out there, and sitting in the grandstand the last couple of weeks I certainly saw that as well, that we’re finishing over the top of teams,” he said.
“It’s just minor adjustments in the first 20 minutes that we’re capable of that will give us a win.
“When a team is hot they’re hot, but defensively we were inept and this week we’ve nutted that out.”
The return of Berrick Barnes to inside centre is seen by both teams as a major boost to the Wallabies as he’s their defensive backline linchpin.
Two of the four Springbok tries came due to miscommunication between Matt Giteau and makeshift inside centre Adam Ashley-Cooper from set moves off scrums.
Springboks assistant coach Dick Muir, like Chisholm, expects a far better Australian performance at Suncorp Stadium, where they are unbeaten against South Africa.
“They are a side with a lot of talent and when they do put it together they are going to shock one or two sides,” Muir said.
Barnes promised the Wallabies would “play rugby” to overcome the Boks, preferring to use their running and passing game than attempting to win by outkicking Morne Steyn and Fourie du Preez.
Not since the 2-1 series win over the British and Irish Lions in June-July have the world champions been challenged at the business end of a Test.
They have comfortably disposed of both New Zealand and Australia, ranked No.2 and No.3 in the world, in two Tri-Nations matches each to be a mere bonus point from claiming the trophy.
But Chisholm, who made his Test debut in 2004, believes they would not be able to overcome the young Wallabies, with an average age of 23-and-a-half, if the score is tight with 20 minutes to go.
“The body language was a big thing out there (late in the game in Perth,” he said.
“If the match is in the balance then mentally and physically we can get over the top.”
If they do, Australia will deliver a cherished birthday present for coach Deans who turns 50 on Friday.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.