Attitude the key for Wallabies: Beale - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Attitude the key for Wallabies: Beale

By Ben Horne and Jim Morton 09/08/2010 05:02:41 PM Comments (0)

Rookie Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale admits it's difficult not to become overwhelmed by the All Blacks' dominance, but declared a resilient attitude will soon turn the tide.

Australia has now surrendered the Bledisloe Cup to New Zealand for the eighth consecutive year, an imposing record which won't be easily turned around.

The Wallabies and the NSW State of Origin team would have plenty in common if they ever met to share stories about the mental wounds inflicted by their mortal enemies.

Beale conceded New Zealand were only going to get better leading into next year's World Cup but said the maturing Australian side's belief was growing.

"We won't get overwhelmed. Robbie's done a fantastic job to keep us this close together," declared Beale.

"If we just knuckle down and focus on our game strategy and focus on what we have to do and turn up with the right attitude, we can do anything.

"It's a young group ... I think it's a really good balance for the group and we'll stay together ... we'll be ready to show everyone what we're really about."

The Wallabies are now playing for second place in the Tri Nations, but Beale says achieving that by beating the Springboks in South Africa would give the side a massive confidence boost.

"We know that if we can't be No.1 in the world at the moment, we're trying to aim to be No.2 and it all starts with our two week tour in South Africa," he said.

"It was a disappointing loss against the All Blacks last week but we'll take a lot of positives and it's a huge step from the week before."

Former Wallabies centre Gary Ella agreed the All Black juggernaut would only get stronger, but was confident Australia would also continue to improve.

Ella felt Deans had been guilty of blooding players too early and said the side needed time to settle.

"If you have a look at the All Black team, it's not a team that's just appeared. They've been building that team for some time," Ella said.

"I think sometimes we're a little bit forced into putting people into positions a little bit too early.

"Those guys who have played Test football with the All Blacks are ready to play Test football when they get their opportunity.

Injuries haven't helped the Wallabies, who are missing eight of their best 22.

Halfback Will Genia expected a massive boost in 2011 when tackle-busting players like James Horwill, Wycliff Palu, Digby Ioane and Tatafu Polota-Nau return.

"They're players who get you over the ad line, particularly Wycliff, someone who always gets you going forward and who's very, very good in defence," Genia said.

"The players on the injured list ... you definitely miss those sort of guys because of the impact they have on a game but you can only worry about what you can do."

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