Coach Michael Cheika still believes Australia can end their 14-year Bledisloe Cup drought – even if he knows that thought alone will trigger belly laughs on both sides of the Tasman.
The Wallabies have eight weeks to get things right after a flattering 40-27 win over Italy on Saturday which did nothing to allay fears they will be cannon fodder for New Zealand in their next clash in Sydney on August 19.
A candid Karmichael Hunt said what many fans would have been thinking when he spoke to Fox Sports after the final whistle: “We just can’t afford to do that against the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship because they’ll kill us.”
Cheika took a moment to ponder when that quote was later put to him.
“The idea for me as a coach is not to make that kind of assumption because it’s a nice statement for the paper,” he said.
“The performance wasn’t up to winning that match, for sure, but we’ve got to get our work right in the next six to eight weeks that’s left before that first Test so we don’t play like that, we play much better.”
Cheika’s players now return to Super Rugby for the last two weeks of the regular season and it is here that they must deliver for his hopeful outlook to be rooted in any sort of reality.
It is the franchises who will be expected to train their Test players harder after complaints from Cheika they were not at the level required when they first came into camp.
He suggested maybe some of the reason why they were so flat against Scotland and Italy was because of the extra work pumped into them.
“To be at the level we need to be to defeat New Zealand … I know everyone’s having a laugh when I say that, everyone at home,” he said.
“But I believe with that clear goal, we can go up there and do that.
“We’ve got to work extra hard and we’ve got to be prepared to work even harder once we come out of Super Rugby for that little (training) block to be ready because at least the fitness base can let us be in the hunt.
“Whichever way you spin it, it’s a key element to staying in the game. You’ve got to play for 80 and you’ve got to play hard for 80.
“Then from there it’ll be how good a footballers we are.”
Fionn
Guest
I think he'd be in the mix for a Scottish team, I think I'd have him starting. Would he be ahead of Kruis or Lawes? Probably not. Ahead of Itoje or Launchbury? No chance. PSDT or Etzabeth Again, no chance. Retallick or Whitelock? Lol. Timbo, I reckon, personally, Retallick and Whitelock are 1 and 2, with Launchbury, Itoje and Etzabeth fighting for number 3.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
And yet despite that, factoring for opposition, McKenzie would have had a better record. He coached more than 25% of his tests against the All Blacks and just a shade under 50% of his tests were against the AB's and Springboks. In 11 more tests, Cheika has coached against them the same amount of times. If McKenzie was not up to test level and hopeless, than so is Cheika.
Warugby
Guest
And don't forget Nehe Milner-Skudder, Luke Whitelock, Jordan Taufau, Elliot Dixon,
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I didn't say anything about making an NH team. I think They have the best locks in the world. In my view, Retallick wouldn't get a run there either.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Ouch, No love for Coleman here by the looks of it. I don't have much love for Retallick. He does some great work but I think he plays like a dumb oaf. I have seen an astute ref neuter him a couple of times. Whitelock on the other hand...Plays smart and clean and gets the job done. He doesn't need live on the edge.
In brief
Guest
Macca was hopeless at test level - a good Super rugby man I know but not up to test rugby coaching.
Republican
Guest
.....because they won't win, they never do v NZ and are if anything, over exposed to playing against them. Some honesty about what is realistically achievable rather than placing further undue pressure on the Wallas is whats required. The best they can be expected to do is compete and it is moot as to whether they can even do that v NZ truth be told. Get your respective heads out of the clouds.........
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
You do realize he doesn't call a press conference to publicly state this, right? People ask him the questions.
dan
Guest
Well how about he don't say anything regarding the All Blacks? Just focus on getting his team organised and mentally fit for the opening game. And then plays out the victim card by saying , “To be at the level we need to be to defeat New Zealand … I know everyone’s having a laugh when I say that, everyone at home,” Pathetic.
dan
Guest
Very well said Neil. At best, Coleman would probably make a kiwi super rugby side. At best.
Jimbo81
Guest
Common sense. Totally agree
Jimbo81
Guest
It's time Ewen was reinstated.
Jacko
Guest
Timbo. Are you joking?!? Coleman giving Ritellick a run for his money? Did you see the Lions game and his work rate? Former World player of year. I would have to say that I could not think of any Aussie player making the ABs. But it's apples and oranges. Hansen and Co are very astute coaches who had a killer plan. And the players are skillful enough to execute. Total rugby. Sorry rant off topic.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Timbo, you risk all credibility when you mention Coleman in the same breath as Retallick. He wouldn't make a Scottish team featuring the Gray brothers. He wouldn't even make the bench in an English team. I can only imagine he's rated so highly by a few Wallaby fans because of the mediocrity that immediately preceded him and his ability to intimidate wingers on the floor. Maybe in time he'll be up there but he's not currently close.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
A sobering list
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Frisky, You misspelled Izzy's name - It is Foolau. I am with you, the Smith/Dagg Wing fullback combo is formidable. Folau is in the team for his fantastic High ball catching ability and attacking running. The deep backfield defense is handed to DHP and Foley. Cheika's plan revolves around this so a side by side comparison with Smith isn't possible. It isn't how I would organize a team, it creates an environment with "too many moving parts" and until Hanson re-arranges the AB's back line Izzy doesn't get a meeting let alone selected, I like Hunt, at 12 and would like to see him grow into the role. I can see him becoming good enough to make the team, but you are right, not yet. I think Coleman could give Retallick a run for his money. When Poey gets back I would put him ahead of Cane. I am not sure AB fans would agree.
Rebellion
Guest
It's possible but not this year with this coach and his tactics and selections I think the All Blacks are more likely to put 70 points on us than lose/draw A big thanks to Michael Hooper for knifing McKenzie !!!
Frisky
Guest
I agree. These posts are crying out for therapy.
Buddy boy
Guest
Damn ,I picked the Lions for the first test, didn't think nz were going to be that good, um, good luck to the Wallabies if they can just adopt Hunts attitude we might just...I'm not finishing that.
Frisky
Guest
Agreed. There is always a possibility of an upset in a two horse race. But what are the chances of it happening twice?