Wallabies to run off Reds Super success - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Wallabies to run off Reds Super success

Jim Morton 10/07/2011 04:32:24 PM Comments (0)

The Queensland Reds' stunning Super Rugby triumph has lifted the Wallabies' self-belief and sparked momentum Test coach Robbie Deans aims to ride all the way to the World Cup.

On naming 15 Reds in his expanded 40-man Australian squad, Deans pointed to Queensland's drought-breaking success as a significant shot in the arm to Australia's hopes of also reversing their international fortunes.

The 18-13 final victory over the Crusaders on Saturday night not only provides a morale booster for the Wallabies but also shakes the confidence of the No.1-ranked New Zealanders before they host the World Cup, kicking off on September 9.

The Crusaders make up the nucleus of the All Blacks side while the young Reds could also count for half of Australia's strongest starting 15.

Pivotal to Queensland's rise from six consecutive seasons in the competition cellar before Ewen McKenzie took over last year has been the brilliance of Will Genia and Quade Cooper who will also pull the strings for Deans.

In 2007, the Springboks rode on the back of the Bulls' charge to the Super 14 crown and Deans also sees the springboard the Wallabies will now gain.

"We've talked about momentum and the importance of it and we want to take the next step and start winning consistently," he said.

"We haven't had a lot of success at Super Rugby level and the Reds have done that.

"It was a great effort and we hope to run off that.

"There's a big overlap of people, inevitably there will be some carry over."

Genia and Cooper, the most dangerous halves pairing in world rugby, were quick to talk up the chances of a Queensland dynasty at provincial level after they were again stand-outs in front of a record crowd of 52,113 at Suncorp Stadium.

But Genia, who scored the match-winner with a 65m solo effort, was just as adamant it would reap rewards sooner for a Test team that had lost 10 consecutive Bledisloe Cup Tests to the All Blacks until their 26-24 upset in Hong Kong last spring.

The halfback said the Reds' self-belief would rub off on the Wallabies.

"It's just all about self-belief," he said. "Once you cross that line, cross that barrier, when you do believe you can win (anything is possible).

"Look at the Reds, who would have thought two years ago we would have won that title, or even last year, or even the start of the year.

"If we can take that belief in there to the core (Test) group it will go a long way towards hoping to be successful."

In an encouraging omen for Wallabies fans, it was Crusaders skipper Richie McCaw and playmaker Dan Carter - the All Blacks two most important players - Genia stepped past to start his 65m run before also beating wingers Sean Maitland and Zac Guildford.

"I was going to kick it but I probably kicked too much so I decided to go for a run," he said.

"Richie McCaw over-tracked a little bit and I had a slight glance and decided to go for it. "I was looking to pass (to Cooper) and I didn't think I was that quick," he smiled.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news