Not the team, though I would be surprised if they are not, but the fans. It seems that despite the chance of being one of the worst Aussie teams ever they are confident of a win. Wonder what I am talking about? Check out the comments below this Aussie blog post.
Now the reason that I bring it to your intention is not to mock them, good for them if they are confident, nor is it to declare war on them – it is because it emphasized a massive change in focus to me. No longer am I hoping for a win, I read those comments and I am surprised they don’t expect us to win.
Look back a few years, that is a massive change. We used to go into the Southern hemisphere games hoping not to get thumped, hoping to keep it respectable. Now I expect a win and I am surprised when others don’t agree with that.
I have had some problems with Gatlands selection policies recently, not least the continued selection of Andy Powell at 6, where he has been completely, in effective. But despite being off form I still expect a win, not simply dream of it. For that I do thank the coaching team. Having gone out to France to watch us lose to Fiji this is a massive step up.
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Well, we do have a good side – the fwds are especially playing well – but we just seem to have a mental block when it comes to putting the ball over the line.
Should that lift tomorrow than it’ll be a cracker!
You have the makings of a very good side, but I think it is another 2 years off being ready to take on all comers. Of course we’re not in the form to be considered the best of the all comers (by any stretch of the imagination) but I think there is a weakness in your backs when it comes to the physical – which considering our strength there, and out defensive style, could prove a problem for you.
Wales by 4 in my opinion
Warren Gatland made a mistake (1?) He should have experimented with a young full back (there must be a few in Wales) and put James Hook in the centre. But perhaps he is southern hemisphere – what about a Welsh coach?