Wallabies to go on the attack

SHAYNE HOPE, The West Australian May 10, 2010, 3:13 pm



Robbie Deans in Perth today. Picture: Sharon Smith ©







Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has predicted that the return of running rugby to the Super 14 competition will have a flow-on effect during the jam-packed international season.
Deans has enjoyed the approach taken by teams such as the Reds, who have wowed crowds and enjoyed success with enterprising play throughout their Super 14 campaign.
Deans is in Perth this week to promote the opening Cook Cup clash with England, to be played at Subiaco Oval on June 12.
The Wallabies open the 2010 their international program with a Test against Fiji in Canberra on June 5 and Deans said they would adopt a more expansive approach in preparation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
"With the amount of players available to us and what we're seeing in Super rugby, we see a lot of scope in terms of how we play the game," Deans said.
"We shouldn't be restricted in how we approach it. I think you'll see less conservatism and you'll see a lot more willingness to attack.
"We don't want to come close, we want to get home and we'll be prepared to take risks to achieve that."
Deans said referees' interpretations, as well as the teams themselves, should be credited with the entertaining change in tactics this season.
"The fact that teams are prepared to carry the ball even in their own half reflects their confidence and trust in the some of the adjudication around the contact," Deans said.
"There's no doubt that a lot of the kick-fests resulted from the fact that teams weren't confident to take the ball into contact in their own half for fear of being penalised and suffering.
"It's been great for the game and we're seeing the ball carried and a lot more movement, but we've also seen sides mixing up their approach.
"It's been interesting and it's been captivating."
The Wallabies host England in Perth (June 12) and Sydney (June 19) before taking on Ireland in Brisbane (June 26). Their 2010 Tri-Nations campaign begins against South Africa on July 24.

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