Oz rugby teams aim to end the Kiwi curse

AUSTRALIAN teams are hopeful – but not quite confident – of improving their dismal Super Rugby form against New Zealand sides this season.

All the building blocks are in place – more depth after the axing of the Western Force, improved fitness and conditioning programs built to satisfy Wallabies boss Michael Cheika, a few new coaches and some fresh tactical ideas. It’s enough of a platform for players and coaches to feel optimistic about 2018 after a horrific year for Australian rugby.

In 26 matches there was not a single Aussie win over a New Zealand opponent – a statistic that triggered soul-searching at Rugby Australia and the four remaining franchises over the summer.

But as ever, the proof will be in the pudding.

“It’s hard to say,” Waratahs and Wallabies skipper Michael Hooper said.

“You’ve still got to have coaches coaching the right things, the skills being up to the standard of Super Rugby. As far as I know, across the states, the teams are fit. That’s only good as a base.

“What fitness does is allows you to get to a level where most teams want to play. From what I have seen, we’re in good stead.”

There was a brief pang of euphoria on Saturday when the Queensland Reds upset the Chiefs in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens – unofficially ending that long losing streak.

But it won’t be until March 30 – when the Melbourne Rebels host the Hurricanes in Round 7 – until an Australian side has an opportunity to do it in Super Rugby.