January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Australia: We're here to win
But Classic Wallabies coach Gary Ella said the socializing was just a sideshow for his side. They're here to play some entertaining rugby - and to win.
"We're here to have a good time but we certainly want to win - that's the Australian mentality.
"We're still competitive - particularly when we play against teams like South Africa and New Zealand.
"A lot of our team have come up against the South African players in their careers and there is definitely a rivalry there.
"In those days it was win at all costs. These days guys still like to win, but its obviously not the same intensity."
The build up for the Aussies has not been without it's problems, with World Cup winning Prop Tony Daly deported from the U.S. on route to Bermuda (see facing story).
But Ella believes his side, the first of the teams to arrive, are in good shape ahead of the Classic - one of the biggest events on the island's sporting and social calendar.
And he said they had been putting in extra training after hearing they were slated to play the Classic Springboks, one of their biggest rivals in world rugby and last year's champions, in the semi-final……
"We know we have to beat Canada first. They will have a strong, youthful side and it won't be an easy game.
"We are really looking forward to it. We got here early and we are making sure we are prepared.
"Last year we arrived late, we didn't have time to train properly and were a bit under-prepared.
"We'll have a session tomorrow afternoon and another couple at the weekend and we should be in good shape.
"In all we are a fitter, stronger side than last year and we have got quicker backs."
He said the Aussie challenge, which starts on Monday against Canada, would be boosted by the presence of a few key players who still played high level rugby.
Matt Cockbain, the most experienced player on the team with 63 caps for the Wallabies, is still playing at club level, as are Martin Tindall and Heamani Levaka, a former Tongo international, seconded to the Classic side.
But he added that "We've just got to look at who we play next and try and beat them. Canada will probably have a fairly youthful, strong team so we can't think about playing anyone else until after that game.
Classic organizer John Kane said numbers were up in the hospitality tents and advance tickets were going better than ever.
"There's so much demand for everything. It's unbelievable. I'm just trying to keep pace with everything!
"It's going to be another good, exciting tournament. The Lions have got a good team, South Africa also look strong, but I'm not going to predict a winner. I usually put the kybosh on whoever I predict."[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.