Inconsistency hurting Wallabies
The Age
Tuesday August 18, 2009
LUKE Burgess, under pressure from Will Genia to hold on to his Test half-back starting spot, yesterday admitted a lack of composure, inconsistency and wrong decision-making had shackled the Wallabies this year.Burgess is among a group of regular Wallabies who today will be awaiting the announcement of the line-up to play the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, when coach Robbie Deans reveals whether it is time for experimentation or consolidation.While James O'Connor is set to take over at full-back, Adam Ashley-Cooper expected to move to outside centre for the injured Stirling Mortlock and George Smith scheduled to be the new Test captain, Deans has to decide whether it is also time to tinker with the pack.This depends on the fitness of Rocky Elsom, and if his knee is fine, he will be picked in the back-row. A front-row change is a possibility, but Deans is not likely to make many alterations as he understands that in such a tense week, experience and consistency in important positions is crucial.Deans is expected to persevere with Burgess, even though his past two Test performances have not been exceptional. While Genia has looked good off the bench, there is the thought that the young Queenslander may not yet be ready to start against the All Blacks.Burgess, one of the more introspective members of the Test squad, said the key to the team winning its first Tri Nations match of 2009 was for all players "probably just connecting a bit better, and being a bit more composed"."That's where we have to focus," Burgess said. "We've got the skills and it's just a matter of making the right decision at crucial moments. Test rugby punishes you if you're inconsistent, or don't make the right decision."It revolves around having that level of composure which allows you to make the right decision. I wouldn't say anyone is rattled, but maybe the depth of composure isn't there. The right decisions haven't been coming consistently."- The 15th Super franchise is now down to Melbourne or South Africa's Eastern Cape, after the New Zealand Rugby Union decided not to endorse the Taranaki region's bid. The NZRU said an expansion of the number of NZ Super teams was not in the best interest of NZ rugby.
© 2009 The Age