You’re a wally if you say Wallabies are on the slide – they are one of world’s finest
SCOTLAND v AUSTRALIA Scotland skipper Barclay insists reports of Australia’s demise have been exaggerated
JOHN BARCLAY insists anyone who suggests Australia’s rugby powers are on the wane is on the wrong side of reality. The Scotland skipper believes a lack of credit was paid to the Dark Blues for a 24-19 summer Test success against the Wallabies Down Under with claims their hosts were a side in decline. With the two nations meeting again at Murrayfield this afternoon, Barclay is adamant the thirdranked side in the world remain at the height of their powers. He said: “Australia were a good side in summer. I found it bizarre people were saying they were on a downslope. “They had been in the World Cup Final two years before and they play against the best teams in the world every few weeks, so they’re not exactly playing against pub teams. “They have some of the best players in the world. I disagree with people saying they were in decline. They have always been one of the best teams and it’s maybe the nature of the beast with rugby such a big sport they will always be under pressure from the media.” Without wanting to jinx it, Barclay’s record against Australia shows he’s more than just giving as good as he gets.
A personal achievement of three wins and one loss against the Wallabies is proof Scotland are never overwhelmed by going in against a side they haven’t beaten at home since 2009.
He said: “I don’t think there was ever fear but I don’t know if we had the ability, going back a number of years, to beat them. We have the world-class players now to compete.
“I wouldn’t say there are expectations but we know if we play well we can compete against the best teams in the world and put ourselves in positions to win.
“We played the best team for the past 10 to 15 years in the shape of New Zealand last week and it came down to the last play of the game. That’s very encouraging and a better indication of where our mindset is at.
“We are going out to win the game. We can debrief afterwards. We’re not making any grand assumptions at the moment.”
It’s set to be another rugby extravaganza in the capital and Barclay is aiming for a better outcome than being edged out by a single point in their previous encounter last autumn.
He added: “Games against Australia have just been extremely close, probably the closest going back. The game in the summer was awesome to play in, a really energetic, fast, physical game.
“It was similar to the game in the autumn, almost as if it had just been four halves, we’d gone on and just started again really. I don’t know why, we seem to create these types of games at the moment.”
Scotland defence coach Matt Taylor believes his side are about to confront the most potent set of attacking backs on the planet and rates Australia as daunting a test as the All Blacks presented in last week’s agonising 22-17 defeat.
He said: “It’s arguably the best back-line in the world from an attacking point of view. Last weekend we were playing the best in the world, now it’s the thirdbest team in the world.
“They’re very good with setpiece plays, as are New Zealand, and they beat you with their oneon-one skill very well. Before losing to England last week they won seven in a row which shows how good they are.
“They’ve built a lot of continuity. They’re kicking the ball a little bit more and defensively they’ve improved. It is going to be a tough game and we are going to have to play at our best to beat them.”