If Robbie Deans's position as the Australia coach hinges on the outcome of Saturday's international against Wales at the Millennium Stadium – the venue for Eddie Jones's last match in charge of the Wallabies four years ago when defeat prompted his sacking – he gave no hint today of feeling the pressure.
Former national coaches and Wallabies, led by Bob Dwyer and David Campese, have led the criticism of Deans, the former New Zealand backs coach who took charge of Australia at the beginning of last year. "Our attack is atrocious," Dwyer said. "I dread this week's game because Wales can actually play."
Australia are the most enterprising of the Tri-Nations countries. Their problem this month has not been creating try-scoring opportunities but taking them. Even so, they outscored England and Scotland on tries and conceded a late equaliser to Ireland in Dublin.
"Criticism is part of the territory," said Deans, who has made three changes for the Wales match from the side that lost to Scotland, two at forward. "I enjoy working with this group of players and the future is exciting. The key is not to go belly-up under pressure and I think we are significantly better than we were a year ago. We are not far away, but the teams that want to play are being punished by the laws."
Digby Ioane returns in the centre after pulling out of the Scotland defeat through injury while the scrum-half Will Genia, Wycliff Palu and Benn Robinson all passed fitness tests today. The second-row David Mumm, who led the midweek side to victory over Cardiff Blues on Tuesday, replaces Mark Chisholm in the second-row and David Pocock takes over from George Smith at wing-forward.
Wales have a concern over their captain, Ryan Jones. The No8 missed training yesterday having sat out most of the week with a back strain and his fitness will be assessed this morning.
South Africa yesterday ended the experiment of playing their captain, John Smit, at tight-head prop. He will revert to his preferred hooking position against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday as the Springboks look to get on the right side of the referee at the scrum.
