The Wallabies disappointing 2014 didn’t take a turn for the better against England on Sunday night, however the boys have a shot at a redemption of sorts when they take on Italy this weekend.
The Wallabies kicked off their spring tour with a 20-13 Cook Cup Test loss to England at Twickenham after leading 13-6 at the half, Australia’s efforts hindered by a couple of a controversial officiating errors. Backrower Scott Fardy was also stretchered off with a concussion and possible neck injury as is considered highly unlikely to take part in the team’s next game.
Italy represents a hopefully easier challenge. The Azzurri are ranked 12th in the world and have never tasted success against the likes of our green and gold, England, New Zealand or South Africa.
But the Wallabies have just one convincing victory against the Italians in the past decade- a 32-14 win in Florence in 2010 and another three results in recent years all coming under 10 points or less.
Their recent poor form and unconvincing history against the Italians has the Wallabies on high alert.
“They’ll be looking at this game really licking their lips, thinking they’ve got a genuine chance of beating us,” winger Adam Ashley-Cooper told News Ltd.
“I’m sure they’re really motivated and excited by that. We do (see them as a threat), given the circumstances and where we are as a team, on the back of a tough loss.”
The Wallabies have just three wins from 11 Tests this year with just four matches remaining.
“The games that I’ve been a part of over here, they’ve always been close, tight wins.
“They’re a very passionate bunch, and a bunch that shouldn’t be under-estimated.
“The most important thing for us is a win against the Italians, our tour back on track, a response from the team, and a win,” Ashley-Cooper said.
“This tour is so important to us because looking long term, there is only so much time before entering the 2015 World Cup.“
Australia will also face Ireland on the 17th, Scotland on the 24th and Wales on December 1st as part of the spring tour.
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