Ashley-Cooper strives for consistency
Australia utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper said the Wallabies would strive for consistency ahead of their final Pool A fixture, against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.
Australia, like Wales, have won all three of their opening matches at this year's tournament. However, both teams have the reputation of blowing hot and cold.
There is nobody who wants to remedy this more than Ashley-Cooper, who is one of the more seasoned campaigners in the Australian World Cup squad.
Frankly, there will be no better test of Australian depth than the fixture against Wales, as the Wallabies have several injury concerns and a suspension this week.
"It's a really important Test for us, it's something we've wanted to address all year – being a good team, but wanting to become a great team and how to do that is being consistent," said Ashley-Cooper, who was a part of the Australian team that won the Rugby Championship earlier this year.
"Consistency is something we've lacked over the years and we want to really test ourselves …When it comes to World Cup tournament football that consistency can really hurt you," added Ashley-Cooper.
Australia are two-time World Cup champions, which is a strong indicator, if ever one was needed that the Wallabies are quite capable of bring their so-called A-game when the situation demands it.
"That one game you have, whether it's sudden-death football or whatever, it can hurt you in the long run and you're packing your bags and heading home. We're aware of that and we'll be looking to go out and replicate the performance against England," said Ashley-Cooper.
During recent seasons Australian rugby has produced considerable individual talent but depth has been a negative factor. Ashley-Cooper is well aware of it.
"It [depth] is something we really haven't had in a long time, we are going to be tested this weekend," he said.
"We are now calling on those guys who have been waiting patiently, they certainly have the talent to start Test match football and we will be relying on them this weekend."