Blacking out noise from Kiwis
THE Wallabies have hit back at All Blacks claims they’re “not quite right” after it was suggested the Kiwis are suffering from lack of competition across the ditch.
The Wallabies’ poor record in the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship was blamed by one Kiwi columnist as the reason the All Blacks lost to Ireland last weekend, and New Zealand coach Steve Hansen stated it was better for his side to be playing more games against emerging northern hemisphere teams.
Wallabies defence coach Nathan Grey said: “We’ve beaten them a couple of times in the last couple of years so yeah, it’s great for Ireland to get their first win at home against them.
“You’ve got to look at the big picture and identify that the top six, seven nations in the world at the moment, if you’re not on your game you’re going to get beaten.”
The All Blacks thrashed the Wallabies in all three Bledisloe Cup matches this year and Hansen said Australia’s expansive style of play was not helpful in preparing for northern sides.
“There is no doubt the style of game that is played by South Africa is similar to the style played up here (northern hemisphere),” Hansen said.
“I still believe Australia are a really good rugby side.
“There is definitely something missing because they are not quite right and are not performing to the level they can.
“But the more we play teams like South Africa, Ireland and England, France which we have done this year, it is good for us.”
Australia defeated the All Blacks in October last year and in August 2015.