Wallabies doubted Deans' philosophy
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:31
Wise words: Wallaby coach Robbie Deans gives advice
Australia's defensive system has been hailed as the key factor in their 2009 success but midfielder Berrick Barnes stressed that there was a lot of scepticism when coach Robbie Deans decided to revamp it last year.
In 2008, the Wallabies defence fluctuated but has certainly improved this year, with just one try scored against them in the first three Tests.
They also managed to keep France tryless on Saturday and Barnes says they are now all true believers of Deans' "open your eyes" philosophy.
The Wallabies have previously employed a rigid defensive system but under Deans the players are asked to play what is in front of them.
"Obviously, the boys at the start questioned it a bit. But now everyone is starting to trust it," Barnes said in an interview with Rugbyheaven.
"Our process is coming from Robbie, and his philosophies, which we are starting to grasp more and more each week.
"It's more basically about playing what's in front of you, even in defence.
"You don't have to actually have a set routine; you just have to match them. There's no great science to it.
"It's using your eyes, and looking at what's in front of you. We had become so programmed in our rugby the last 10 years or so, and now we are untraining that sort of thing under Robbie.
"It is also showing in our performances. But that has got to continue if we are to go where we want to go in this Tri Nations. I think we are in a good spot at the moment, because we are all very confident, but there's a long way to go."
Deans added there was no great secrets about his defensive requirements.
"It's just a matter of keeping yourself alive, aware and active," he said.
"You also have to tie in with your mates. I'm not privy with what was happening before [with the Wallabies]. But the critical thing is that there is a collective understanding, and ability to work together."
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