Reds stars under scrutiny as Deans plans for Wales

Greg Growden THE importance of the Reds-Crusaders match tomorrow is shown by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans heading across the Tasman to watch it.

Rugby

Wales turn into sharks after sensing blood from wounded Wallabies

Greg Growden WHILE the Wallabies will be relying on seven Waratahs who have forgotten the art of winning, Wales believe they have been handed their best chance in decades to win their first Test on Australian...

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Rugby Union

Wallabies hang tough against Wales

Greg Growden The Wallabies' pressure valve is momentarily eased as they rediscover their ability to win tough, dramatic internationals.

Coach says confident Wales need a flying start if they want to swing series

Greg Growden WALES believe if they perform at pace, excel in the first half, and nullify Will Genia and David Pocock they will overcome the disappointment of Brisbane and win the second Test in Melbourne tomorrow...

Barnes in race against time for Wales Test

Greg Growden Wallabies five-eighth Berrick Barnes is rushing to get back to Melbourne in time to play in tonight's Test against Wales after his wife had a baby boy in Sydney today.

Union

Deans keen for Wallabies to clean sweep Wales

Greg Growden After now twice repelling a fast-finishing Welsh opposition, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said it was imperative to end the series perfectly by excelling once again in Sydney and achieve a 3-0 clean...

Rugby

Cummins, Tapuai plug latest gaps in Test team

Greg Growden ROSARIO: The Wallabies merry-go-round continues to spin with two more newcomers - Nick Cummins and Ben Tapuai - joining the Test team, taking the tally of players who have appeared in the green and...

Rugby Union

Wallabies pinpoint where to get better

Greg Growden, Sydney New support staff for Wallabies coach Robbie Deans focusing on key areas.

Smiling assassin: Deans ready to show no mercy

Greg Growden Does it help or hinder you that the Australian provinces finished the Super Rugby season relatively early?

Blades of steel: bid to get forwards to raise the standard of set pieces

Greg Growden TIRED of being penalised for having a suspect scrum, the Wallabies pack this year will try to prove they are faultless up front to ensure a better deal from referees.

Rugby

Wallabies focus on kick and catch skills to counter Kiwis

Greg Growden IMPROVEMENTS in the Wallabies' kicking and catching capabilities, and more clinical work at the breakdown are imperative if Australia are to win the major silverware this year.

Rugby

Wallabies train tough for rough'n'tumble All Blacks

Greg Growden Wallabies inside centre Anthony Faingaa was nursing a rolled ankle and second-rower Sitaleki Timani sporting a bleeding eye after another brutal training session preparing for the All Blacks.

Rugby Union

Reliable Dennis a solid Cup pick

Greg Growden, Sydney Promoted to starting line-up as blindside flanker due to shoulder injury to Wycliff Palu.

Rugby

World Cup omission drives Dennis to greater heights

Greg Growden DAVE DENNIS' agony at missing out on last year's World Cup squad has at last brought reward with selection to play the All Blacks for the first time in Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup opener at ANZ...

Hansen and Deans know how to get under each other's skin

Greg Growden Much was made of the relationship between Graham Henry and Robbie Deans when they were wrestling each other for Bledisloe and World cups.

Union

It's time for a win, says Deans

Greg Growden The Wallabies are buoyant after repeatedly peaking at the right time during the Wales Test series but know they are still well short of what is required to beat the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium tonight.

Bledisloe prep has Wallabies battered

Greg Growden INSIDE-CENTRE Anthony Faingaa was nursing a rolled ankle and second-rower Sitaleki Timani sporting a bleeding eye after another brutal Wallabies training session preparing for the All Blacks.

Mitchell and Barnes earn reward with Cup call-up

Greg Growden BERRICK BARNES will be rewarded for his excellent series against Wales by holding onto the No.10 Test jersey, Dave Dennis is in line to move into the Wallabies' back row and Drew Mitchell's long wait...

Wallabies turn to Roos to get the jump on Kiwis under high ball

Greg Growden The Wallabies have sought advice from several AFL big guns to improve their often-flawed aerial work.

Rugby

Rock-solid defence key to blunting the All Blacks

Greg Growden THE Wallabies have struggled to score tries this year but still believe they have the attacking prowess and game breakers to worry the All Blacks in tomorrow night's Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney.