Wallabies look to end losing streak in Hong Kong
Source: Agencies |
October 29, 2010, Friday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
AUSTRALIA has another opportunity to end its record losing streak to New Zealand - 10 matches so far - in the final Bledisloe Cup test for 2010 in Hong Kong tomorrow.
New Zealand has enjoyed a stellar season, accumulating 15 straight test wins as it clinched both the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup titles, and will be boosted in Hong Kong by the return of flyhalf Dan Carter from injury. The All Blacks have dominated their Australian opponents in particular, culminating in a come-from-behind victory in Sydney last month to break their previous record of nine consecutive wins from 1936 to 1947.
The last time the Wallabies beat New Zealand was in July 2008, when they won 34-19 in Sydney in what was coach Robbie Deans' first match against his nation of birth.
The Wallabies' recovery is also critical heading toward next year's World Cup, which New Zealand will host.
"It's difficult losing to the All Blacks that many times. It's frustrating," said Australia assistant coach Jim Williams, who added that team morale was still strong.
The Wallabies will take inspiration from their performance the last time the two sides met on September 11. Characteristically during the 2010 season, Australia got off to a strong start, leading 14-6 at halftime and extended the lead to 22-9 in the second half - only to concede two late tries to the All Blacks to lose 23-22.
Australia made two changes to its starting lineup, with tighthead prop Ben Alexander and winger Drew Mitchell returning from injuries. Alexander returns from a knee injury in the 49-3 win over Fiji at Canberra in June that forced him out of the remainder of the domestic season. Mitchell sent Lachie Turner into the reserves after missing the Sydney test with a hamstring strain.
Lock Dean Mumm said the Wallabies have focused on beefing up their mental toughness since the loss by rehearsing game scenarios in which they have faltered during the season.
"I think we've learned a lot - hopefully - about how to capitalize on those significant moments in a game," Mumm said.
New Zealand has enjoyed a stellar season, accumulating 15 straight test wins as it clinched both the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup titles, and will be boosted in Hong Kong by the return of flyhalf Dan Carter from injury. The All Blacks have dominated their Australian opponents in particular, culminating in a come-from-behind victory in Sydney last month to break their previous record of nine consecutive wins from 1936 to 1947.
The last time the Wallabies beat New Zealand was in July 2008, when they won 34-19 in Sydney in what was coach Robbie Deans' first match against his nation of birth.
The Wallabies' recovery is also critical heading toward next year's World Cup, which New Zealand will host.
"It's difficult losing to the All Blacks that many times. It's frustrating," said Australia assistant coach Jim Williams, who added that team morale was still strong.
The Wallabies will take inspiration from their performance the last time the two sides met on September 11. Characteristically during the 2010 season, Australia got off to a strong start, leading 14-6 at halftime and extended the lead to 22-9 in the second half - only to concede two late tries to the All Blacks to lose 23-22.
Australia made two changes to its starting lineup, with tighthead prop Ben Alexander and winger Drew Mitchell returning from injuries. Alexander returns from a knee injury in the 49-3 win over Fiji at Canberra in June that forced him out of the remainder of the domestic season. Mitchell sent Lachie Turner into the reserves after missing the Sydney test with a hamstring strain.
Lock Dean Mumm said the Wallabies have focused on beefing up their mental toughness since the loss by rehearsing game scenarios in which they have faltered during the season.
"I think we've learned a lot - hopefully - about how to capitalize on those significant moments in a game," Mumm said.
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