Moore pleased with preparations

Editor

Australia captain Stephen Moore thinks the extra preparation time the squad is having together is helping them ahead of the Rugby Championship.

With none of the country’s teams progressing into the Super Rugby semi-finals, the Wallabies have enjoyed more time together as a group.

And Moore, who leads the squad into battle first up at home against New Zealand on August 20, feels that should stand them in good stead.

“This week has been really tough but it is good as we don’t often get these type of blocks in a row where we can do some really good work together and this week has been one of those,” said the hooker, speaking to rugby.com.au.

“When we came out of June (losing 3-0 in their Test series against England) we identified a lot of things we needed to improve on and the players who have come back from Europe have already injected some energy. People like Drew Mitchell, he’s great value around the group and is always upbeat. Those individuals really contribute something to the team and you can feel the impact that’s had already.”

Australia start their Rugby Championship campaign in Sydney against the All Blacks and looking forward, Moore has targeted improvements.

“We just need to do everything consistently better,” said the veteran, who was in impressive try-scoring form for the Brumbies this past campaign. “Our set-piece was really good at times (against England) but then poor at times so in the big Test matches you need to be good right across the board. It’s playing well on the day and being as well prepared as we can be. It comes down to who can execute better.”