News

Australia to step up defence

August 01 2008

Australia's assistant coach Jim Williams has been working on the Wallabies' defensive lapses which allowed in three tries during last Saturday's Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney.

New Zealand lost the match 34-19 but not before sending Mils Muliaina, Andre Hore and Andy Ellis over the chalkdust to keep their hopes alive. It could have been more, thanks to the brilliance of Dan Carter, who terrorised the Wallabies defence with several clean breaks.

Hore's try on the stroke of half-time really exposed the Wallaby defence, with the robust hooker charging in from the wing position as he ran past four would-be tacklers for a crucial score.

"Individuals making sure that they can make their tackles, that's what probably let us down a little bit, just individuals missing tackles," Williams told AAP.

"So we made sure the guys are aware of that and they'll rectify it and make sure they know what to do next time they come up against him."

Australia's defence has been a standout quality since Robbie Deans' takeover of the side this international season and Williams said the Wallabies' consistent intensity had impressed him most.

"The work at the breakdown's been good and their scrambling," said Williams.

"Ever since the first Test against Ireland we've had to do a fair bit of scrambling so they've become adept at defending well, covering each other.

"Their attitude and their talk's been excellent and it's just improved and obviously the physicality with each game has come up as well."

But the Wallabies' defence will face a stern test at Eden Park on Saturday as the All Blacks rebound seeking to preserve a winning record against Australia at the venue which goes back 22 years.