The Wallabies are sick of being one-hit wonders and want back-to-back victories when they host New Zealand in Melbourne in their Tri-Nations rugby union clash on Saturday night.
After their convincing win over South Africa last Saturday in Brisbane, the Australians are focused on achieving consistent success – something that has eluded them in recent years.
Berrick Barnes, who is set to take over from suspended Quade Cooper at five-eighth if the Wallabies’ appeal against his two-match ban fails, says Australia have been guilty of getting carried away after a victory.
“History has shown over the years, after a decent win, we tend to get caught believing our own press,” Barnes said on Monday ahead of the Etihad Stadium clash, which doubles as the Bledisloe Cup opener.
“We’ll be focused pretty heavily this week on trying to rectify that and get back-to-back results.”
The Wallabies have been in the position to win at least four of their past seven successive losses to the All Blacks and hooker Stephen Moore, also in line for a starting berth, said they let themselves down by not competing for the entire match.
“Our preparation is generally always good but it’s that 80 minutes on the field that we’ve really got to knuckle down.
“We can do it, we’ve shown on the weekend that it’s possible.”
Barnes agreed that they couldn’t afford to slacken off against the All Blacks, who opened the tournament with two crushing victories at home over the Springboks.
“One thing about the All Blacks is that they’re a side that’s relentless, they don’t stop … and that’s something we’ve been guilty of, going to sleep on the odd occasion.”
The Wallabies announced on Monday they have appealed Cooper’s two-match suspension for a dangerous tackle on Morne Steyne during their 30-13 win.
The appeal is likely to be heard on Wednesday in Sydney by a judicial officer from each Tri-Nations country.
Although the team hasn’t been officially named and there was the chance Cooper would be available, Barnes said he was excited about the prospect of starting after coming off the bench against the Springboks.
Neither team has so far seen the Etihad Stadium surface up close, after some heavy criticism from AFL clubs who regularly play there.
The All Blacks said they intended to wear traditional studded boots rather than blades due to the loose surface.
Barnes said he’d had mixed experiences at the indoor venue.
