Champing at the bit to get a game on the spring tour, the second string Wallabies are taking plenty of pride in their achievements, which included wins over Gloucester and Cardiff Blues last year, since coach Robbie Deans brought back the tour match concept.
A Wallabies side led by Berrick Barnes will travel to play the English Premiership champions Leicester on Tuesday night (0630 Wednesday AEDT), intent on preserving the pride they have in their own ‘club’.
“There’s obviously competition for spots and guys want to aim up at training and I think there’s just a general bond between them too,” Barnes said.
“It’s tough when you’re not getting a run but they’ve been training hard off the pitch and enjoying themselves as well and we’ve just obviously got to put it together on Tuesday night.”
A folklore is even emerging among the Australian midweek veterans, Barnes said.
“(No.8) Richard Brown’s a big one for that, he played in them last year and is probably one of the real leaders of the spirit stuff,” the skipper said.
“There’s a number of guys who are involved in it and they’ve passed a few more stories onto the younger guys who didn’t get to experience it.”
Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale graduated out of the midweek games last year and there will be interest this time in the performances of rookie halfback Nick Phipps, veteran lock Van Humphries and speedy back three Peter Hynes, Lachie Turner and Rod Davies.
“It’s a great opportunity and Robbie’s reiterated that to all of us, so whether it’s on this tour or next year this can be a good springboard for a lot of guys,” Barnes said.
“It’s obviously not as much pressure as a Test week but there’s expectation to perform.”
The Wallabies will run into a side running fifth on the English Premiership ladder but missing several stars on Test duty.
The Tigers, who have Australian Matt O’Connor on their coaching staff, upset South Africa 22-17 in a tour game last year.
“What we do have (is) some good combinations there,” Barnes said.
“You look through the side with a number of the Reds up front, you’ve got (Western Force pair) Browny and Hodgo (Matt Hodgson) in the back row there and obviously myself and (Luke) Burgess (from NSW).
“There’s some good combos there and hopefully we can just tie it all in together.”
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
"as well as a generous NZ goverment retirement are funding my retirement" Sounds like the Mad Butcher and booze are no strangers! I thought a Knight of the Realm would be above trolling union threads?
The Bison
Guest
Rugby and booze are no strangers Kingy. Yes I did watch the game. I am fortunate that a hard life of work and keen endeavour as well as a generous NZ goverment retirement are funding my retirement.
balmybeach
Guest
Thanks Joh4 I watched it on the site you suggested good coverage despite a one sided commentary, even granted that kaplan had a poor game I actually signed up and paid for the coverage on premiershiprugby.tv but it never worked despite my emails to them so your site saved me any ideas how to save these streams to the hard drive?? thanks
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Sir Bison, Did you watch the game? Some times you have to play to the conditions. Havent you got some drunkards to defend?
Parisien
Guest
thanks for all the info VC, especially the mention of classic choir boy features. Little lamb who made thee, doth thou know who made thee?
Brett McKay
Guest
surely destined to play for England with a name like that...
Viscount Crouchback
Guest
You did indeed. Classic name. Classic choir boy features. Promising young fly half too, but made a few basic errors tonight towards the end which cost Leicester dearly.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Good to hear. Hopefully that performance can give the starting eight some encouragement.
Viscount Crouchback
Guest
Yep, the Aussies were well on top on the scrum. They constantly beat Leicester to the hit and generally looked very impressive. Slipper seems to have added a bit of bulk. That said, Leicester had a bloke at loosehead whom I've never heard of (and who apparently is a tight-head) and Julian White is about 55 and spends most of his time farming nowadays but still, a good effort from the Aussie scrum.
Brett McKay
Guest
VC, did I read the Leicester flyhalf's name correctly?? Billy Twelvetrees??
JF
Guest
Barnes had a shocking game, Burgess was the only Australian back to show any innovation and intent in attack. Why would Barnes choose to kick so many penalties in a mid-week game? Too many handling errors from Australia, Leicester looked far better at building pressure and momentum during the game. Must make mention of Billy Twelvetrees - classic name for an English 5/8.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Does that include the scrum?
The Bison
Guest
We didn't see much of Spiro's "real rugby" today.
Viscount Crouchback
Guest
A predictably stodgy and messy game, but a good effort from an Australian pack which dominated the set-piece and breakdown. Barnes had a kicking shocker.
balmybeach
Guest
australia 26 leicester 15
sportfreak
Guest
score?
Ben S
Roar Guru
Well... that was yet another game partially spoiled by Kaplan.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Leicester Tigers 12-13 Australia (HT)
Crashy
Guest
anyone have a score yet?
balmybeach
Guest
Thanks for the info. Looks like you have to sign up to a 99p 14 day trial first in order to access!