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'That's not good enough': Wallabies determined to end losing run

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Wallabies are determined to end a streak of five consecutive Test defeats when they face France in Brisbane.
  • The team faces the prospect of equaling a 10-year low if they lose a sixth straight match.
  • With an inexperienced flyhalf making his debut, the Wallabies aim to secure a much-needed victory.

The Wallabies are bracing for a crucial Test match against France in Brisbane, driven by a fierce determination to break a five-game losing streak. The team stands on the precipice of equaling a decade-long low, having not lost six consecutive Tests since 2016. A defeat on Saturday against the world's fourth-ranked team and reigning Six Nations champions would mark this unwelcome milestone.

Close enough will not be good enough.

— Harry WilsonWallabies captain Harry Wilson stressed the team's need to secure victories rather than settle for near misses.

This potential sixth consecutive loss would compound a dismal recent record, with only one win, a narrow 19-15 victory over Japan, from their last ten appearances. The streak includes a series loss to the British and Irish Lions, a historic win followed by an eight-point loss in South Africa, and a hard-fought win against Argentina. Last week's frustrating 33-31 Nations Championship loss to Ireland in Sydney, where Ben Donaldson missed a potential game-tying penalty after the siren, further highlighted the team's struggles.

We know we need to win. We had a few good moments, but that's not good enough, we have to start icing them.

— Harry WilsonWilson emphasized the team's focus on converting opportunities into wins.

Captain Harry Wilson has emphasized the need for the team to convert promising moments into wins, stating, "Close enough will not be good enough." He stressed that the team is "here to win, and no team can sit there and say we're happy with being close and improving." The Wallabies are playing in front of an expected 52,000 home supporters, adding to the pressure to perform.

We're definitely bothered by it; we're here to win and no team can sit there and say we're happy with being close and improving.

— Harry WilsonWilson expressed the team's frustration with their losing streak and their commitment to winning.

Adding to the challenge, the Wallabies will debut an untried flyhalf, Declan Meredith, due to calf injuries to regular playmakers Carter Gordon and Donaldson. Meredith, a product of Canberra club rugby and now a starter for the ACT Brumbies, becomes the seventh specialist flyhalf used by coach Joe Schmidt in the last 17 Tests, a situation Schmidt has referred to as the "curse of the 10 jersey." Wilson expressed confidence in Meredith, describing him as "level-headed and excited," and stated, "We back him, we believe in him."

This week, it's been a massive week for him … a boy from Cairns playing in his home state, but he's just been switched on.

— Harry WilsonWilson commented on the debutant flyhalf Declan Meredith's preparation and mindset.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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