Super Rugby loss no concern – Foster

Editor

All Black assistant coach Ian Foster played down the impact of the 'Tahs' Super Rugby triumph ahead of the Bledisloe Cup opener.

All Black assistant coach Ian Foster has played down the impact of the Waratahs' Super Rugby win ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup clash.

The Waratahs saw off the Crusaders 33-32 in Sydney's Olympic Stadium last weekend, and the opening game of the Rugby Championship will take place at the same ground on Saturday.

Australia have not beaten their trans-Tasman rivals in three years, but their last success over New Zealand came hot on the heels of Super Rugby success for the Reds.

Despite some Australian players claiming the Waratahs success could give the Wallabies the edge, Foster is confident his side will be able to step it up on the international stage.

“You could debate that maybe it's boosted a bit of confidence,” he told Stuff.

“But the Wallabies is a different environment, international rugby is different from Super Rugby, and they are a couple of significant variables that are different.

“The step from Super Rugby to international rugby we think is a significant step and we've got to make sure it is on Saturday night.

“We've discussed that on the first day but it's a new camp, a new level and new challenge.

“All I'm seeing is those [Crusaders] guys are invigorated by what we need them to do. Certainly going back to Sydney I guess for some there's going to be a little bit of hardening of their attitude but we'd expect that anyway.

“It's a physical and mental thing – they know now there's just one job to do, and it's to get back in black and do it well.”