Wallabies attack coach Stephen Larkham gets why Australian rugby is on the nose.
“We haven’t had the results,” Larkham acknowledges.
“Super Rugby and international rugby, we haven’t been able to beat New Zealand teams for the last couple of years, it’s disappointing as a coach and certainly something that we’re heavily focused on.
“We know if we can get some results against New Zealand teams, either in Super Rugby or at international level, then crowds will be a lot happier.”
The All Blacks’ crushing 54-34 victory over the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup opener extended New Zealand’s winning streak over Australian teams at provincial and Test level to an incredulous 36 matches.
The last time any Australian side beat Kiwi opposition was almost 15 months ago – on May 27 last year – when the NSW Waratahs downed the Chiefs 45-25 in Sydney.
Little wonder fans are voting with their feet and only 54,846 people – the worst-ever rugby crowd at ANZ Stadium – showed up to see the Wallabies concede eight tries against the All Blacks for the first time since World War II.
“And that comes back to us,” Larkham said.
“We’ve got to make sure that we’re winning games. If we do that and we play the style of rugby that we want to play, then the crowds will come back.”
Larkham does see hope for the Wallabies, at least.
“We know the challenge for us coming out of Super Rugby is that everyone’s come off a different base in terms of fitness,” he said.
“We’ve spoken about this before, about making sure guys are up to the speed of the game internationally, and we’ve felt that we’ve made some big improvements in that area over the past month.
“We’ve felt that this team are a lot fitter than they were in June and a number of players are a lot fitter than when they played through Super Rugby.
“So we’re ticking a few boxes. We just need to make sure now that all the systems are in place, there’s full buy in and that guys are executing under pressure.”
HiKa
Roar Rookie
I'm reminded of the the Black Knight from Monty Python's Holy Grail. Arthur has dismembered him but is praising of his valour. The Black Knight just doesn't comprehend by how much he has been defeated. Eventually, Arthur is forced to say, "You're a loony." https://youtu.be/dhRUe-gz690 (And doesn't Keiren Read look a bit like Graham Chapman?)
Lara
Guest
According to Cheika, Larkham is on his way to be a world class coach.....he himself is already world class , coach of the year after RWC .....lucky Larkham....the blind leading the blind.
stagman
Guest
Larkham leaving the coaching team is the the best HOPE Aus rugby has. The Brumbies are absolutely devoid of any enterprising or inspiring rugby, and that is now he's a full time Wallaby coach.............................only going backwards from here!!!!!!!
Rick Humphries
Guest
Bernie is completely dilluded. Yet again the suggestion is a few tweaks and we'll be right. For goodness sake the Wallabies were out played in every aspect of the game. The basic skill levels are "B" grade. Tackling even worse. Foley is like a robot. Phipps can't pass and can't make up his mind. No flare. No energy. No innovation. There are some real structural issues in the Australian coaching fraternity that delivers a fragmented and inconsistent style unlike NZ teams. Then there is the lack of support for the grass roots. If Bernie reckons its about fitness then we are in more trouble than I ever imagined.
papagaai
Roar Rookie
Have a look at the odds quoted for saturdays second test.....
tyruSmith
Guest
Win a few games and everything will be right again?! Incredible. Needs to have his head checked. Shows the ARU's obsession with Wallabies win = Rugby becomes popular