Genia sure Wallabies can ‘move on’
Statistically they are the worst opponents to loom ahead for a Wallabies squad demoralised after losing their three-test series to the British and Irish Lions but halfback Will Genia was confident his team-mates could regroup for next month’s Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks.
With only three wins and a draw from 18 tests against the World Cup holders since Robbie Deans became head coach in 2008, another Bledisloe Cup clash appears a daunting assignment – and one the Kiwi may be spared after Saturday night’s 41-16 loss to the Lions in Sydney. But Genia said his side was capable of atoning for an insipid effort in the biggest test staged in Australia since the 2003 World Cup.
‘‘If you’re going to lose confidence after something like that, then you shouldn’t play. You’re not mentally not tough enough,’’ the halfback said. ‘‘You cop it and you move on. ‘‘There isn’t any harder team to play
Deals with the disappointment of losing to the Lions on Saturday. Photo: Getty Images than the All Blacks. If you’re going to be disappointed and too down, you’re going to get flogged again.’’
Genia said the Wallabies had to finally emulate a key platform of the All Blacks’ success. ‘‘They never lose their composure, they make sure they stay disciplined to what they want to achieve in games. The best thing we can do is learn from that and take that into future games and be better for it in the big moments.’’
Arguably the world’s leading No 9, Genia knocked on the kick-off after muddled communication with lock Kane Douglas – the catalyst for Alex Corbisiero’s second-minute try for the Lions. Genia also kicked to Leigh Halfpenny in the lead-up to George North’s match-sealer and was frustrated by operating behind a back-pedalling scrum. ‘‘We were outplayed severely,’’ he said, saying his error from kick-off was pivotal despite the time left on the clock.
Meanwhile, Gatland is not volunteering for the All Blacks job when the prospect of him coaching against the Lions in 2017 was raised yesterday.
‘‘No’’ interjected Lions manager Andy Irvine, before Gatland said he was not looking beyond the 2015 World Cup with Wales.
Reason’s view P16 were no shortage of Deans critics declaring his time was up.
‘‘See ya Robbie!!!’’ tweeted former wing Lote Tuqiri, who was among several older players phased out by Deans.
David Campese was also hoping Deans would be replaced by McKenzie when posting on twitter: ‘‘Deans must go now and Mackenzie [sic] given the top job. Hope we have learnt that we need a Aus coach.’’