Aussies are feeling the same pain as the fans
WALLABIES halfback Will Genia says irate fans are feeling only one-tenth of the disappointment the players themselves are enduring after a 10th defeat in 13 games.
The worst year in Wallabies history has brought about vicious criticism from rugby supporters in Australia and worse – many simply giving up and tuning out.
These are dark days for the team, leaving Australian rugby on the financial brink.
After losing 9-6 to Wales last weekend, having held a 10year winning streak over them, beleaguered coach Michael Cheika, the players and the Rugby Australia board have been lampooned by the rugby public.
“As much as we play for the jersey, ourselves and what we’re trying to represent we also play for the fans because they’re a big part of the game,” Genia said.
“We do understand their frustration. All I’ll say is that all the hurt they’re feeling, we feel that too.
“We’re never satisfied with a loss. We’re the ones out there trying to put in a performance to make them proud.
“As disappointed as they are, we feel that tenfold. We’re in a position to try to rectify that and I can promise you we try to do that every day at training and when we play on game day.
“The effort can never be questioned and the passion for the fans as well.”
The Wallabies travelled to Padua on Sunday in preparation for this weekend’s clash against world No.14 Italy.
The team has just seven Tests left before the start of the World Cup in Japan next September, and still there are major question marks around team selection, strategy and their ability to execute basic skills under pressure.