Deans: 'Toughen up or ship out'
Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:47
Robbie Deans makes a point. (c) Gallo
Australian coach Robbie Deans has warned several of his players that they either need to 'toughen up', or forget about going to the World Cup next year.
The underfire coach indicated that he would not hesitate to wield the axe if players were unable to lift their standards for the next Test in Bloemfontein.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Deans expects "everyone in the team to be harder on each other" and to cut-out the "schoolboy rugby" errors.
The current crop of players on tour in South Africa will be aware that they are in competition for World Cup places against host of injured stars that includes Digby Ioane, James Horwill, Wycliff Palu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Peter Hynes, Ben Alexander and Stirling Mortlock.
"What that loss came down to was unnecessary lapses," Deans - speaking after Saturday's loss to the Springboks in Pretoria - told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"In the game, there were elements which were good, but some of the old elements of our play came back. You've got to put that down to the ability of the players to drive each other to keep their minds on the task. This team is not yet tough enough."
Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom lay down the law after Australia's 44-31 loss to the Boks and has called for players to take responsibility for wasting their opportunities.
"I spoke about the fact that after several weeks off, we didn't do what we were supposed to do," Elsom said.
"Our system of attack works well and we have a general gameplan that is effective. But we have to be more threatening and need to hold on to the ball more to ensure our plans work."