TRI-NATIONS

News | History | Tickets | Fixtures & Results

Deans facing his biggest test

Wednesday 16th July 2008

Deans: Confident of a good showing

A confident Robbie Deans faces his biggest challenge against South Africa in Perth on Saturday, as the new Australia coach prepares for only his fourth Test match in charge of the Wallabies.

With Irish and French wins already under his belt, the former Crusaders' mentor is self-assured of the Australians putting in a good showing when they host the world champions this weekend.

The Wallabies Tri-Nations opener at Subiaco Oval will be the Springboks last Test before they head home on this trip, but after beating the All Blacks in Dunedin, the World Cup winners will be on a high.

Deans has opted for experience to try to beat them by bringing back veterans Lote Tuqiri, Wycliff Palu, George Smith and Nathan Sharpe but knows their Test knowledge will be worth little if they don't turn up ready to play.

Either way, with the intensity of the pre-match build-up starting to hum, Deans and the Wallabies are clearly expecting a ripper of a Test come kick-off.

"This is our first Tri-Nations Test of 2008, and we are conscious of the fact that it's going to be a step up from what we've encountered to date," Deans told Sportal.

"When you get into those circumstances, to have as many blokes around you that have some kilometres on the clock is valuable.

"It's valuable in that they have been there before, but that's probably where it ends.

"If they don't bring the enthusiasm and value from their previous experience forward and apply it well then it won't be much value at all."

Unlike some World Cup winning sides, the South Africans still look to be on the rise and that will obviously make it tough for Deans' troops to get a crucial home win.

The Springboks also seem to be adapting well with a new game-plan under Deans' coaching counterpart, Peter de Villiers.

"This is a very good mature Springbok side," noted Deans.

"They have a lot of experience, but are still in their prime and are still hungry to keep tucking away silverware. That's a pretty powerful combination."

Deans feels his southern hemisphere opponents could get an advantage having played two Tests under the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) behind them, while the Wallabies played against Ireland and France under the old laws.

"They are only subtle differences because they are still Test matches, and believe me the physicality is still there," he said.

"But they (South Africa) were a little more prepared to use the width of the ground and that makes them harder to defend against."

But Deans will be drilling into his players what they must be ready for.

"We've gone from playing Super 14 under the ELVs, then going back to the old laws for three Tests and that took a bit of adjustment, but going back the other way does have the potential to catch us by surprise in terms of instinct," said Deans.

"South Africa has played in two very fast Test matches that were at that pace from the start to finish, so they will hit the ground running and it's important that we spend longer contemplating what we are doing in terms of not passing back into the 22 and anticipating quick taps and throws."

South African-born lock Daniel Vickerman did not get his green card to play against his former countrymen. The Waratahs star had ankle surgery after the Super 14 final in May and played 80 minutes of club rugby last weekend, but Deans said he was not tempted to include the line-out ace.

"It was not anticipated that he would be playing before this weekend and I think Dan became hopeful with the speed with which he recovered," Deans said.

"But it was never realistic for him to be chosen this week, he still needs to do some strength work and get some game time under the belt."

The five-time winning Super 14 coach admitted that the Wallabies would nevertheless be targeting the famed Springbok line-out.

Hooker Schalk Brits is starting a Test for the first time and has already reacted with anger to suggestions from Australian lock Nathan Sharpe that he will be under pressure.

"They are all very experienced rugby players, but we will be hoping to put more pressure on them mentally," said Deans.

"We will try to maximise the mental pressure, every bit of hesitancy you can create is valuable."

South Africa have an excellent Tri-Nations record in Perth - with their only Test wins in Australia over the past decade having been at the Subiaco Oval.

There was the 22-19 triumph three years ago and a 14-13 victory in 1998.

In the other two Tests in Perth, the Springboks drew 14-14 in 2001 and lost a close game 26-30 in 2004.

The Boks can also look forward to fervent support from the significant South African expatriate community now residing in Western Australia.

"The players know how tough it is going to be," said Deans.

"But it's exciting and I'm enjoying contemplating the challenge."