Dispirited Wallabies supporters might disagree, but coach Robbie Deans says the more Australia plays New Zealand the better it will be for his developing team.
World No.2 ranked Australia start their seven-match spring tour in Hong Kong next Saturday trying to break a record 10-match losing streak against the All Blacks.
Deans tasted victory in his first match against the country of his birth in 2008, but the All Blacks have won every subsequent encounter during his tenure.
“It’s great to have them again, we have them every second week essentially,” Deans joked.
“But that’s good for us. They are the top-ranked side in the world and that’s what we aspire to.
“So the more often we play them, the better it will be for us.”
Skipper Rocky Elsom was wary of Australia’s other Test opponents on tour, while careful not to look past New Zealand.
Following their clash with the All Blacks, Australia play Tests against the world’s ninth-ranked Wales, England (6th), Italy (11th) and France (4th).
“We have New Zealand first up and that’s what we’re focusing on and I guess when you look further into the tour there’s some good sides there,” Elsom said.
“Wales play a great style of rugby, England are on the improve, France are probably the best team in Europe at the moment and we’ve never cruised through against Italy in Italy.
“There’s a fair amount of competition for us.”
While Deans’ first choice goalkicker Matt Giteau has had accuracy problems in the odd Test, the coach stressed he was building up a stable of goalkickers rather than relying on any individual.
Deans has plenty of kickers to choose from on tour, with Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, Berrick Barnes and James O’Connor.
“If it’s the first bloke picked, you just do it on a straight percentage basis and it will be Matt Giteau,” Deans said.
“But there’s many things you consider, obviously that is an important priority.
“Hence we’ve got not only Gits working hard at it, but a large number of kickers.
“That’s one of the things that’s really come out of the last few months is we are starting to build a stable of kickers.”
Elsom is leading a squad containing seven uncapped players and several Test rookies, but was happy with the blend of youth and experience.
“We’ve got some young guys, but they’ve had experience at top level. I think a lot of the guys playing through the Tri-Nations will be invaluable for us, so I think that’s one of the positives going into this tour,” Elsom said.
bennalong
Guest
OnyerMike! The preponderance of negative bloggers on the Roar Rugby seems to be having a negative effect. Unfortunately this means they never stop to realise their own irrationality, so thanks. Crap!This par has ended up in the wrong place. Ah well, since it's ended up under onre of the classic negative bloggers I'll take the opportunity to say: DarwinsTubby..... Of course the match counts ya bleedin idiot! That's the point of the par to most who read it
Mike
Guest
Deans isn't saying that the AB's are better (that goes without saying). He simply says that they are the number 1 ranked side in the world and that it's something his side aspires too. Can't argue with that can you? Those who are suggesting arrogant gob smacking and hot air puffing is the answer are idiots. How stupid would that look when you're 10 nil down? It doesn't breed confidence either, it simply builds resentment and other bad emotions. The last thing the Wallabies coach needs are traits from Peter DiVilliers.
stash
Roar Pro
When Deans overcame the all blacks in his maiden game - back in the day when everything had a nice rosy hue, the sky was bluer and his every step was followed with the hushed tones of reverence by his legions of minions - it must have been a very bright horizon indeed. Never in his worst nightmares would he have ...gulp... predicted a 10 in a row set of losses. But what can Deans say... "As coach of the wallabies I have the worst record against the all blacks, EVER. To be honest, I have absolutely no idea how to beat these blokes. I'm just hoping that the "god of odds" will finally fall my way, that the all blacks have a bad game and we have a good one. Then I can finally sweep it under the carpet and pretend that the balance sheet is now balanced... Oh yes, I tend to look traumatised during these games because I had no sleep the nights before these matches and I do think that SBW is probably going to inflict damage on my already quite fragile persona"
Jiggles
Roar Guru
These second grade european fixtures where a bit to tough for the Wallabies last year. If I remember correctly we lost to scotland and drew with Ireland...
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Yes I have the opinion that Deans has given in to the All Blacks and this type lack of lack of confidence is infusing the team with defeatest attitude. I have to admit I haven't in the past heard one of our previous coaches say the team we are about to play is better than us. It's all a bit wierd to say the least. On Giteau and the kicking problem, I ask the question on everyone lips why is he on the field anyway. The bench is the place for him for the first few tests to see if he can regain some form. The forthcoming test is a waste of time, thank God this will be the last of the 4 Bedislow cup games. The whole thing is getting boring. I love watching rugby but when you are playing a match that means stuff all, what's the point?
sammy
Guest
Win in HKG or see you in 2011 Robbie, no-one cares about these Second grade (European) rugby fixtures.
Shkicker
Guest
You’re not going to get better by playing the likes of Italy.. The only way to improve is to continuously test yourself against the world’s best, the All Blacks... Deans isn't an idiot.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
The Rugby PR boys have been getting some classic spin out lately!
Jason
Guest
It’s hard to be the top line kicker when you are havng the crap belted out of you in defence, legally and illegally. Giteau’s kicking dutes should be tempered with how much defence he has had to do or take. Didn't seem to be much of a problem for Messrs Wilkinson and Carter.
Hayden
Guest
Yep, hopefully we've seen the last of the four test Bledisloe.
Darwin Stubbie
Guest
Well the result doesn't matter because it's all about the w-cup
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Sounds to me like Deans has conceded already. I can see the post-match interview, with one of many players or staff: "Umm Ahhh the boys, like umm, dug deep and, you know, played hard but, like umm, The ALL BLACKS are the number one team, I'm really, like, proud of the effort" Another pointless test, (and if the news reports are right) that isn't even the cash cow it should be. If these "professionals" are already admitting defeat, why are they playing?
Tissot Time
Guest
Johnny Boy With respect, if a coach is required to tell a national team to go out there and "run over them", exude arrogance, confidence and transfers depressive traits upon his players then what does that say about the fortitude, desire and make up of those individual players? Too much defense is an interesting reason for poor goal kicking that I haven't heard before.
johnny-boy
Guest
It's hard to be the top line kicker when you are havng the crap belted out of you in defence, legally and illegally. Giteau's kicking dutes should be tempered with how much defence he has had to do or take. It's not rocket science but clearly well beyond the IQ of Deans. And once again we have Deans telling the Wallabies - wow - we are playing the mighty all conquering All Blacks - what a privilege. It wouldnt happen with an Australian coach - I hope. Hopefully he'd be telling them to go at there and run over them. If the coach doesn't exude arrogant confidence - what chance is there the players will rise to the challenge. Answer = Zero. Deans is downright depressing and it shows in the team. They arent playing with the chutzpah of previously successful Wallaby teams. What are you doing about JON ? - other than kissing RD's backside I mean !
Taniwha
Guest
yawn