Aussie coach claims pressure on NZ in sell-out match

Despite never having beaten the Black Ferns, Australian coach Jay Tregonning says the pressure is on the Kiwi team ahead of their Rugby World Cup opener tonight.

The odds suggest Australia — who lost 23-10, 52-5 and 22-14 in their three games against New Zealand this year — are unlikely to make history in front of a recordsetting Eden Park crowd, but Tregonning says his side have nothing to lose.

“Most of the pressure is on our hosts,” Tregonning said.

“What could be better than opening a Rugby World Cup in front of a record-breaking crowd against the host nation? We want to use that energy to really inspire us.”

Tregonning says discipline will be the key to being competitive.

“We’ve played them three times and were competitive in two. The one we weren’t, our discipline and speed around the corner wasn’t there.”

Tregonning says the crowd at Eden Park will be a new experience for his players, but that shouldn’t distract from their goal of a first victory over the Black Ferns.

“Some have experienced facing the Black Ferns there but nothing like the experience that awaits. I’m really excited for the players. We don’t feel like there’s any pressure.

“Our main goal is obviously to beat the Black Ferns and we’re putting in place things to do so.”