Australia head coach Robbie Deans is targeting following up his side’s win over South Africa in their Tri Nations opener with a historic win over New Zealand at Auckland’s Eden Park stadium in two weeks time.
The Wallabies haven’t won in Auckland for 25 years, but are confident of breaking their duck after a confident win against South Africa.
While their record stands at just four wins in 22 wins in the city, Deans is quietly confident of overturning the world number one side.
“It’s great we have a week to regroup, so that we can really focus on this match,” Deans told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“It’s a key game for us now. We haven’t had a lot of success at Eden Park, but now [we] have a great opportunity to really target that game, and make the most of it.”
Red half-back pairing Quade Cooper and Will Genia stole most of the headlines as Australia ran out 39-20 winners over the Springboks much to the delight of those who get free bets, but Deans was most impressed with his forwards, who laid a platform from which the club team-mates could operate from.
“We were more effective in the collisions and, as a result of that, were able to get into the game ourselves,” he commented.
“We also denied South Africa that ability, because the boys defended well and took a lot of pressure.”
“As the South Africans were forced to work so hard, we sapped a lot of energy out of their legs, and when we turned ball over, there was scope to attack. We also had a few days to prepare with a group who have some background together. That was an advantage.”
Those who bet with Paypal will note that while New Zealand are favourites for the game, Australia’s impressive opening performance have meant those in the green and gold have received their fair share of backing.