News

Positive outlook from Deans and Mortlock

Thursday 04th September 2008

Leaders: Deans and Mortlock are confident of a revival

Both Stirling Mortlock and Robbie Deans are confident that Australia can bounce back from last week's defeat against South Africa and beat the All Blacks to claim the Tri-Nations.

The Wallabies now face New Zealand in Brisbane on September 13 in what is essentially a 'winner takes all' game to decide the Tri-Nations title.

However Australia will go into the game on the back of a record 53-8 defeat at the hands of the Springboks, although Head Coach Deans is confident his side can bounce back.

Deans said that to focus too hard on the raw statistics of the loss would do an injustice to the progress that the team has made since he took control of the Wallabies at the beginning of June.

"I'm not too concerned about the numbers to be frank" a brutally honest Deans said.

"It hurts when you lose. You can chase the statistics all you like."

As disappointing as the defeat was Deans feels it may actually be a blessing in disguise, going on to say that it will help to prepare his side for the All Blacks.

"It was disappointing, disappointing and disappointing," Deans said.

"We have genuinely started something this season.

"We've picked up something to show for it along the way, but the thing we'd really like to show for it is ahead of us."

And captain Stirling Mortlock was of the same view, stressing that the most meaningful game is yet to come in this year's tournament.

"There's nothing we can do or say that'll change that result, we get an opportunity now to have a few days off and then a real genuine chance to do something special in a week and a half," Mortlock said.

Mortlock went on to say that he feels the closeness and strength of the Wallaby squad will enable them to re-group after Saturday's defeat.

"I guess as a group we have proved that we can come back from disappointment so that's one positive thing," he said.

"But certainly at the moment we'll be licking a few wounds and taking this time to reflect and re-energise so that when we get back into camp on Sunday we're ready to go."

With the Tri-Nations up for grabs Mortlock knows his charges will be ready for the challenge of facing the All Blacks.

"We have so much to play for next week," finished the 31-year-old.

"I think everyone will be absolutely mentally where they need to be, in the right place."