Wallabies lack killer instinct
PERTH: Coach Michael Cheika says the Wallabies must find a killer instinct after again squandering a winning position to remain winless in the Rugby Championship ahead of their next match against Argentina.
The Wallabies led 20-10 early in the second half only for the Springboks to hit back for a 2323 draw in Perth on Saturday.
That came a fortnight after the Australians relinquished a 17point lead in a heart-breaking late 35-29 defeat to the All Blacks in Dunedin.
The Wallabies have now won only two of their six internationals this year and just eight from 21 Tests since losing the World Cup final to New Zealand almost two years ago.
But Cheika remains steadfast in his belief that his playing group will develop a knack of prevailing in tight finishes.
“It comes with that little bit more time and trusting each other together,” Cheika said after Saturday’s draw.
“There are a lot of newer players within a newer leadership team.
“Now we’ve got a bit of stability around the group. I’m pretty comfortable with our group of players.
“They’ll grow together as time goes on now.”
The Wallabies face another challenge against the Argentina Pumas in Canberra on Saturday.
The Pumas led 22-15 early in the second half before the world champion All Blacks racked up 24 unanswered points to win 3922 in New Plymouth on Saturday and remain unbeaten after three matches in the Rugby Championship.
“It’s always a good match, Australia-Argentina in the recent past, in particular,” Cheika said.
Cheika said his team could learn something off Kurtley Beale, who was Australia’s best player again, in just his third match back after returning from English club rugby.
Beale’s tactical kicking ensured the Wallabies played the game at the right end of the field for much of the match. AFP