Veteran lock Dan Vickerman considers Australia’s Rugby World Cup squad a “special group” because of their work ethic as well as the X-factor backline stars.
A member of the Wallabies disappointing 2007 World Cup campaign, Vickerman likes what’s found in coach Robbie Deans’ 2011 outfit following his return from a three-year study sabbatical.
Asked what excited him squad Vickerman said: “Obviously you’ve got your X-factor out wide with the backline players, that speaks for itself.
“I think the talent and the skill is there, that’s without a doubt.
“But I think one of the things that makes us quite a special group, a group that’s fantastic to be a part of, is the work ethic and just pushing each other and getting on with it and having that sort of group focus.”
The South African born second-rower showed he had lost none of his grunt and hard-nosed attitude with a robust effort in his first Test start in three years in last week’s Tri-Nations clinching victory over New Zealand.
“I think certainly the intensity of that Test match was right up there, it was was one of the quickest I’ve been a part of, so it certainly tested out the lungs, but it was good fun,” Vickerman said.
“Playing against the All Blacks in an occasion such as that was certainly something to be cherished.”
The 32-year-old second-rower stressed Australia couldn’t afford to be off key in their World Cup opener against Italy next Sunday.
“They are a good side and they’ve got some really good strengths and we need to be on our game, otherwise it’s going to a very tough night at the office,” Vickerman said.
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