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Slipper: Wallabies 'biggest positive' working in their favour against Ireland
By AAP
Skipper James Slipper says the Wallabies' inconsistency is a huge issue but he's confident they will bounce back from their shock loss to Italy against Ireland.
Skipper James Slipper is adamant the Wallabies will rise to challenge world No.1 Ireland, with his claims supported by their rollercoaster form line this year.
The teams clash in Dublin on Sunday morning (AEDT) with the mighty Irish gunning for a 12th successive home victory while Australia look to avoid a ninth defeat from 13 Tests in 2022.
The only constant about the Wallabies this year has been their inconsistency, unable to string together back to back victories since winning five straight last year.
Although forced to settle for a tight defeat, they had their most impressive showing of the year against France but followed up with a first-ever loss to Italy.
Slipper believes they will again be at their best against Ireland.
"It's kind of been the tale of the year hasn't it," the veteran prop told reporters in Dublin.
"Performing off the back of a disappointment has probably been our biggest positive but in saying that I'd much prefer a consistent performance throughout the year.
"It's something that we've been chasing all year - it's a massive area we need to improve in because at this stage it hasn't been good enough.
"We will definitely rise to the occasion ... we will respond just like we have throughout the year after adversity.
"I'm confident in the group we have and the coaches we have that we've got the game plan to put Ireland under pressure.
"We want to implement the game plan from the first whistle to the 80th minute - to close out a game would be nice."
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has recalled big guns including Slipper, Michael Hooper and first-choice halves pairing Bernard Foley and Nic White among nine changes to the starting side that suffered the humiliating 28-27 defeat to Italy.
Slipper said the performance made for "uncomfortable" viewing from the stands in Florence, but the squad as a whole accepted responsibility.
"They weren't out there alone ... there were plenty of other players who were with me who were uncomfortable watching, but it was a squad effort and the result is now in the history books," the Test centurion said.
Slipper stood by his coach's call to rest players through the five-game spring tour, coming at the end of a gruelling year of almost 30 games including Super Rugby Pacific.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell has also stacked his side with captain Johnny Sexton, Peter O'Mahony, Dan Sheehan and Garry Ringrose all returning after missing their last-up Fiji victory.
Australia-born Mack Hansen will face the Wallabies for the first time.
As former teammates at the ACT Brumbies, Slipper knows the 24-year-old winger well.
"I'd prefer to see him in the green and gold but Mack's a great bloke," Slipper said.
"He's a real larrikin of rugby so on a personal note it's great to see him out playing international rugby.
"Not only is he playing for Ireland, he's playing really well and he should be very proud of what he's been able to achieve.
"Let's hope he doesn't have too good a game."
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Latest Comments
We beat Wales. Oh wow.
Go to commentsAs has been the way all year, and for all England's play I can remember. I missed a lot of the better years under Eddie though.
Lets have a look at the LQB for the last few games... 41% under 3 sec compared to 56% last week, 47% in the game you felt England best in against NZ, and 56 against Ireland.
That was my impression as well. Dunno if that is a lack of good counterattack ball from the D, forward dominance (Post Contact Meters stats reversed yesterday compared to that fast Ireland game), or some Borthwick scheme, but I think that has been highlighted as Englands best point of difference this year with their attack, more particularly how they target using it in certain areas. So depending on how you look at it, not necessarily the individual players.
You seem to be falling into the same trap as NZs supporters when it comes to Damien McKenzie. That play you highlight Slade in wasn't one of those LQB situations from memory, that was all on the brilliance of Smith. Sure, Slade did his job in that situation, but Smith far exceeded his (though I understand it was a move Sleightholme was calling for). But yeah, it's not always going to be on a platter from your 10 and NZ have been missing that Slade line, in your example, more often than not too. When you go back to Furbank and Feyi-Waboso returns you'll have that threat again. Just need to generate that ball, wait for some of these next Gen forwards to come through etc, the props and injured 6 coming back to the bench. I don't think you can put Earl back to 7, unless he spends the next two years speeding up (which might be good for him because he's getting beat by speed like he's not used to not having his own speed to react anymore).
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