Wallabies utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper admits he is a great admirer of the current All Blacks team and that he regards them as the best he has ever faced.
"These guys are the best in the world, you can't argue with that, and I'd argue that these guys are the best All Blacks side I've ever come across," he told AAP.
"They are absolutely humming at the moment."
New Zealand face Australia in a Bledisloe Cup test in Brisbane on Saturday and although they have already won the trophy after victories in Sydney and Auckland earlier this year Steve Hansen's side are set to equal the record for most successive wins in international rugby if they beat the Wallabies this weekend.
The All Blacks' last defeat came against the Wallabies in Brisbane shortly before the start of last year's World Cup.
If they beat the Wallabies this weekend they could match Lithuania's world record of 18 successive wins against Scotland on November 10 with their clash against Italy on November 17 set to be the one where they break the record.
Despite his admiration for the All Blacks, Ashley-Cooper said the Wallabies were not focusing on their opponents' form but are rather aiming to build on their performance in their 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario two weeks ago.
"We can't really let that be a distraction to us; we have to look back at what we did well on the last week of the tour and use that. Bring that belief out and use it," he said.
"There's nothing to lose and we can go out and have a good crack."
Comments
paulynz says...
Apologies to Wallaroo. Unreasonable and unwarranted to tar you with the same brush as the person who (disrespectfully) goes by the name of one of your rugby legends.
Posted 00:10 18th October 2012
KiwiLad says...
Thanks Flyman, I stand corrected, but the point remains the same. ;)
Posted 11:14 17th October 2012
paulynz says...
AAC last gave 110% against Zane Kirchner when Australia played South Africa three weeks ago. Those that actually watched the game saw that...
Posted 10:28 17th October 2012
2eyedkiwi says...
Wallaroo and Georgesmith => Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde? (george - this is a famous book about 1 person who is actually two people, who are very different. Oops - apologies if this doesn't make sense, so I will explain. A "book" is like a cartoon, except without the pictures, and with lots and lots and lots more "words")
Posted 07:03 17th October 2012
georgesmith says...
A.A.Cooper should stop praising rival teams and start focusing on lifting his own game instead. When was the last time A.A.Cooper actually broke a line. Great player once upon a time but suddenly he has stopped giving his 110 per cent. Maybe its because of R. Deans' rotten game plans. M. Giteau and Q. Cooper certainly think his game plans suck like him.
Posted 03:15 17th October 2012
Wallaroo says...
Sensible comments by AAC and agree the Wallabies have nothing to lose and must play with that mindset, when they do they are at their most dangerous.
Posted 01:47 17th October 2012
flyman says...
@Kiwilad - 1997/98 Boks, not 2007.
Posted 23:21 16th October 2012
kinsman says...
With Cyprus aiming for their 16th consecutive victory on the 17th of November.... and if the AB's fall early, to take the record at 19 in April 2013....
Posted 13:39 16th October 2012
KiwiLad says...
Jonsey2, equal with a Bok side, 2007 vintage.
Irrespective though, as Lithuania still holds said record.
Posted 09:22 16th October 2012
jonesy2 says...
so really with respect to lithuania, the all blacks already have the record of most consecutive wins by a top side?
Posted 06:24 16th October 2012