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Former Wallabies captain George Gregan insists Australia have bridged most of the gap to World champions New Zealand, but now face the challenge of consistently beating the All Blacks.
Australia entered the new year at No.2 in the IRB World rankings behind New Zealand, who defeated them in the 2011 World Cup semi-finals.
While Australia won the Tri Nations title in 2011, New Zealand won the World Cup and retained the Bledisloe Cup, which has been parked in their trophy cabinet for the last nine years.
Halfback Gregan, who savoured several Bledisloe Cup victories during his world record 139-Test career, was adamant Australia were getting closer to their arch-rivals, having won two of the last four Tests against the Kiwis.
“I think we can definitely bridge the gap, the gap was pretty much bridged to a pretty big degree last year,” Gregan said on Tuesday.
“I think you just have to look back to that final (2011 Tri Nations) game at Suncorp.
“Obviously they lost a Test match in a Tri Nations series in Auckland, (in 2011), but I think they’ve shown that they can beat this New Zealand team in the space of the last 12 months.
“There’s not too much of a gap between the two teams. I think the New Zealand team would be aware of that, but nothing beats doing it consistently, so that’s the challenge ahead.
“If they do it consistently they win that big cup back, the Bledisloe, which we haven’t had for a long time.”
Gregan, who led Australia a record 59 times, praised the captaincy credentials of current halfback Will Genia and openside flanker David Pocock, the two main contenders to replace injured skipper James Horwill.
He said he was a big fan of Genia and expected the Queensland halfback to keep getting better.
Gregan is helping out his old Super Rugby side the Brumbies, working with the halfbacks at the Australian conference’s leading side coached by South African Jake White.
“He’s got them ready to play. That’s all we can ever ask and they know they can win, which is very very important,” Gregan said.
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.