The World Cup-winning All Blacks face plenty of pressure to retain this year’s Bledisloe Cup, according to Wallabies hooker Saia Faingaa.
New Zealand haven’t relinquished the silverware since winning the title back in 2003 following Australia’s five-year stranglehold on the trans-Tasman trophy.
But Faingaa believes that despite being in the midst of a 10-year series drought, the Wallabies have nothing to lose.
“They’ve got more pressure than us – they have to retain it. We haven’t won it in a decade,” he told AAP.
The 30-man squad for the inaugural Rugby Championship was announced on Tuesday, with coach Robbie Deans mulling combinations for the first game against New Zealand in Sydney on August 18.
One of the contentious positions is at inside centre after incumbent Pat McCabe suffered a leg stress fracture that will sideline him for at least the rest of August.
Saia’s hard-tackling twin brother Anthony – along with Waratahs utility back Berrick Barnes and Reds centre Mike Harris – is in the frame to get the nod for the assignment on All Blacks midfield colossus Sonny Bill Williams.
“Obviously it’s disappointing for Patty, but at the same time it’s a great opportunity for the (other) backs to step up and take ownership of that centre partnership,” Anthony said.
“No one’s really got a lockdown on their position at the moment, so for us it’s a great opportunity … that’s going to create a great culture and attitude.”
Faingaa said Deans had been keeping the backs alert, rotating them through different positions over the past week at training.
“It creates a healthy challenge and always keeps you on your toes, and that’s something that drives high standards and is something … (the Wallabies) haven’t really had in the past,” said Anthony.
Faingaa said this year’s campaign is gathering pace with the squad well rested after Queensland – the only Australian team to qualify for the Super Rugby finals – were eliminated three weeks ago.
“We’ve got a good campaign in terms of training and work ethic, change of positions – we’re really building towards some great rugby,” Anthony said.
“We’ve had a lot of young guys come through and starting to become experienced, so off the back of that hopefully comes success.”
mania
Guest
agree liam, aus is always a threat and never never should be underestimated. too many years of aus owning the BC during the greegan larkham era are still very fresh in the minds of the AB's and NZ fans. hopefully roar isnt a reflection of what the wallabies mindsets are and they will rise to the occasion and give us some games to be remembered.
liam
Guest
moaman is right, theres no question the market is tougher in aussie for football codes but the "stadium of 4 million" was like he says, similar to the olympics. there's a big slice of the population that prefer non-rugby activities and normal hobbies and all sorts of other sports. it's a big myth and it gets trotted out way too often.
liam
Guest
come on man, wheres the positivity? the wallabies will always have a chance, otherwise there's no point playing. where did all the talk of ABs choking when it really matters go? just evaporated in a season cos of one world cup win? where are the psychotic kiwi-hating maniacs proclaiming victory, in the hopes that a boilover could happen? where are the guys who think phil kearns is a reasonable and unbiased commentator? come on! this is depressing to read all these aussies predicting a loss. and also, it's makes them underdogs which increases their chance of winning. ... oh wait, i see what you did there.
Damien
Roar Guru
Thanks for spotting that MM, You're right. I was trying to contrast the NZ and Oz sporting market. Maybe I should have said NZ sporting public ? Well you know what I mean..(smiley face)
Jerry
Guest
Craig, don't lie.
Dan
Guest
lol what a tosser !!!! seriously pull the other chuck it plays jingle bells
Dan
Guest
for 20 minutes a piece wow what a workout they better rest up. what a joke you are !!!!!
soapit
Guest
why dont you bugger off into a nz v sa thread then. chuckles always was a massive clown so nothings changed.
soapit
Guest
riccardo, maybe not spat on but every fan i know that went over there was abused by nz'ers when they were anywhere near a rugby crowd (even for non aus games playing in pubs). they only got peace when they left the rugby scene and went travelling around. less than physical abuse but still not acceptable and by no means isolated. this might be one of those time where one side has a genuine grievance and you need to show have a look at yourselves about what is an acceptable way for you to treat your tourists. we'll move on in the meantime.
moaman
Roar Guru
Damien--Whilst I agree with the sentiment of your post I do wish to take you to task on one minor point; This myth that " EVERY Kiwi knows about it..." is just that.A myth.I know a lot of people in NZ that don't give a toss about rugby or the ABs.They might gather around a TV come RWC Final time as they would for an Olympic event but their interest is fleeting and superficial.NZ is like any other country really.Lots of diversity and we like sheep ;-)
Argyle
Roar Guru
Fair enough mate.
moaman
Roar Guru
Good post.
Argyle
Roar Guru
Appreciated.
Argyle
Roar Guru
Ditto - Ricardo. Cheers.
Argyle
Roar Guru
Ah the voice of Kiwi Reason - Thankyou!
Argyle
Roar Guru
Thanks Wal, much appreciated.
moaman
Roar Guru
" I wonder why Deans is running all his backs in different positions? " <----- Apparently it's to keep them "alert" .
Pikey
Guest
@ Riccardo, fair enough there a morons everywhere, but for the record, my 60+ Auntie was spat on as well. @ everyone else, IMO there will be no floggings, the games will all be fast paced and close. We'll find new stars, and old ones will cement reputations. I'll enjoy watching the highest quality and most entertaining rugby matches that will reinforce why my 6 year old loves to playand I still coach the game in a non rugby area.
Damien
Roar Guru
To Uncle and all the posters that are not fans of the Wallabies talking about the BC. When the media report on Wallabies taling about the game the articles are not directed at the hard core fans. They are really just plugs for the match. Hard core fans don't need to be reminded that the BC is on. They already know what side the ref's going to favour. As for the rest of Australia's sporting public, because there is so much competition for Australian sporting attention, the Wallabies and the ARU need to remind the public that they are playing a huge match next weekend. So we'll keep getting stories like this that are really just cliche'd. I don't think there's a need to bag the Wallabies that answer questions from the media. Its just the nature of the beast in Oz. In NZ, well it's a different ball game in how the AB's are covered. There is NO competition for attention there because the rugby and the AB's are the no.1 ticket in town. The AB;s have no need to plug theor games because EVERY Kiwi knows about it. The Wallabies have to all take an active role in trying to promote the game because the Australian market is so tough. Saia didn't really say anything noteworthy anyway. Just the usual stuff. Nothing to see here I reckon..
West
Guest
Uncle, the voice of reason.....and some common sense.