Aussies aim to end eight-year drought
Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:41
The Wallabies flew to South Africa on Friday, determined to end a long run of defeats against the Springboks on their own soil in the upcoming Tri-Nations Tests.
With a number of injuries among their 28-man squad, the Wallabies will likely have a tough time against the World Cup champions in Durban on August 23 and Johannesburg on August 30 - two Tests crucial to the Tri-Nations outcome.
The Wallabies laid the basis for a somewhat unexpected Tri-Nations challenge under new coach Robbie Deans with impressive wins against the South Africans and New Zealand on home soil, before being thrashed by the All Blacks in Auckland a fortnight ago.
They have regrouped since their first loss under Deans and arrive in South Africa second in the tournament standings, on nine points from three games, with the All Blacks leading the way on 10 from four matches and the Springboks on five from three Tests.
An away win over the Springboks would boost the Wallabies' Tri-Nations hopes, but they have not won in South Africa since 2000 - boasting just one win there in 15 attempts in the professional era.
While disappointed with the Auckland loss, Deans believes it was an aberration and said he was satisfied with his team's start to the Tri-Nations.
Deans, who enjoyed considerable success in South Africa in the Super 14 at the helm of the Crusaders, said the Wallabies should not be weighed down by history.
"It doesn't concern me, what has been before," he said. "What concerns me is the opportunity we have got.
"The secret is to not build it up into something it's not and just deal with it," he added.
Compounding matters for the Wallabies is a lengthy injury list, including the quartet expected to play in Durban: Lote Tuqiri is battling a knee problem, second row Forward James Horwill has a bruised foot, and Berrick Barnes and Stirling Mortlock have the flu.
Blindside flank Rocky Elsom (foot) and fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper (hand) are not expected to be fit until the Johannesburg Test.
Sam Cordingley is expected to get the nod to replace injured Luke Burgess in the No.9 jersey in Durban.
AFP
