Playmaker Bernard Foley admits the Wallabies need to find a better balance in attack and kick for territory more often to avoid another All Blacks slaughter.
Coach Michael Cheika’s high-risk game plan played right into New Zealand’s hands in last weekend’s Bledisloe Cup opener.
The Wallabies tried once again to beat the world champions through running, attacking rugby but mistakes and turnovers inevitably followed and the All Blacks were ruthless in taking advantage.
While the rest of the rugby world is moving towards a more conservative style of play – like the British and Irish Lions, who troubled New Zealand in their recent tour by relying on defence and set-piece – Australia seems committed to doing the opposite.
And while Foley can’t see any dramatic changes as long as Cheika is at the helm, he conceded more variation was urgently needed in their attack.
“It’s something we’ve got to get better at,” Foley told AAP.
“We’ve outlined how we want to play the game, but you’ve got to have a balance.
“You don’t want to be playing in the wrong areas of the field because it can hurt you and it leads to points, and you’re probably putting yourself under unnecessary pressure.
“You need a bit of both – you’ve got to kick the ball and you’ve got to run the ball.
“We want to keep defences guessing, we don’t want to become predictable or an easy team to defend against.”
Australia has dropped to fifth in the World Rugby rankings in the wake of the 54-34 belting in Sydney, and sit less than two points ahead of sixth-placed Scotland.
Foley was a long way from his best in Sydney and was responsible for a number of errors that directly led to New Zealand tries.
But he said he was taking a glass half-full approach to the second half, which saw Australia’s attack click with 28 unanswered points – albeit against an All Blacks side that clocked off mentally.
“I’m not trying to be rosy and gloss over the loss,” he said.
“But we’re certain that we can improve on the areas where we let ourselves down and be a lot better for it this week.
“There’s a lot of people saying a lot of things. We cop criticism if we can’t score points or if we kick too much or if we don’t kick enough.
“The second half showed what we’re capable of doing and what this team’s got the ability to do.”
piru
Roar Rookie
Maybe The Rock could buy out the ARU - although he is an All Blacks man
marto
Guest
Harry, You`re a South African, right ?? If so, you wouldn't understand mate.... hahahahahahaha
Machooka
Roar Guru
I said 'prize pillock' EiE. And sorry I don't sew... but whatever floats your boat buddy!
EnoughisEnough
Guest
Hate speech? Oh you poor little sensitive petal. You seem like a try hard little fellow, but before lecturing anyone on hate speech you might want to review your own actions and words. Is it part of your Kumbaya playbook to upbraid people for being nasty by labeling them hateful and "pillocks"? Deary me, you'll be upsetting some of your sewing circle with your nasty outbursts.
EnoughisEnough
Guest
Hate speech? Oh you poor little sensitive petal. Get well soon.
Harry Jones
Expert
This is satire, no?
Crash Ball2
Guest
Negative? Like the Wallabies for and against for the last 18 months?
Shane D
Roar Rookie
I do believe I can smell what you are cooking.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
?
Bakkies
Guest
Take that kicking tee, shine it up real nice, turn that sum of a bítch sideways and stíck it up your candyarsé
Machooka
Roar Guru
Correct EiE... it could be an 'unhealthy obsession' but I prefer to call it 'an addiction'. In fact, I wrote an article, here on the Roar, some time ago, stating this very same thing. Yep, I wrote the article to aid my recovery. I'm still recovering. Always will be. I love my Roar... also love my Mum! So when some nasty individual manages to cross the line between fair opinion and hate speech... well I feel the need to again feed my addiction. And guess what? You're the one for me. Nice eh!?! And while I know we've only just started this relationship... I also note you're very fond of the 'little guy/ little man' thingy which, even for me, is a bit weird/ strange. Keep 'em coming 'big boy'... see I'm making an effort already ;)
EnoughisEnough
Guest
And pray tell, what does your unhealthy obsession with my "comments" make you? Is it time for a change of prescription perhaps little guy? Or has Mum turned out the lights in your basement "suite", and you are perhaps feeling a bit upset about things? I do hope you get better soon.
piru
Roar Rookie
The Rock sez
Machooka
Roar Guru
Nope... and if you call what you write 'a comment' then you are most definitely a prize pillock.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
With a breeze Fionn!
EnoughisEnough
Guest
You again little man? Do you have nothing better to do than to follow me around and comment on my comments?
mania
Guest
Wow Its a negative reality inversion
Machooka
Roar Guru
Hey 'Nuff... how about you eh!?!
Boosho
Roar Pro
Come now. Who are you to deny the great man's baking skills?
Fionn
Guest
Foley was nice enough to kick the ball into Barrett's hands 5m from the try-line too. Has there ever been an international team to concede as many charge down tries as the 2016-17 Wallabies?