Baa-Baa respect for Aussie pack
By Jon Geddes
May 28, 2009 12:00am
BARBARIANS halfback Justin Marshall admits he is heading into Saturday week's clash against the Wallabies at the SFS more fearful than ever after the way his old mentor Robbie Deans has transformed the Australian side.
"I certainly think the forward pack looks more dynamic," the former All Black said from London as he prepares for the Baa-Baas' weekend game against England.
Marshall didn't think the Australian pack was any bigger than in the previous five or six seasons.
But he has noticed in the past year they have become a lot more mobile and powerful under the regime of his former coach at the Crusaders, Deans.
"And skill-wise, they now offer the opportunity to release the backs that Australian rugby has always had," Marshall said.
"I have always feared Australian rugby but I have feared them more when they get the forwards to give them good ball."
Marshall said that during the times Australian rugby was suffering, their backline was not getting quality ball where they could really do some damage.
"Ultimately the secret ingredient is to get the best out of players, which he seems to be doing in Australia and which he did in New Zealand with the Crusaders in particular," Marshall said.
"It is a recipe for success."
Marshall also revealed that far from being an exhibition game, the clash with the the star-studded Barbarians side was shaping as an extra Test for the Wallabies.
"To be honest we are coming there to win," Marshall declared.
"I would be foolish to say we are going to be absolutely ridiculous and be entertainers and then be done by 40 points. (But) if you look at the balance of our side and you look at what we have got throughout the entire squad, we are not going to win the game by kicking the ball, that's for sure."
Marshall said it would be an advantage for the Barbarians having Australians Rocky Elsom, Phil Waugh and Chris Whitaker in their side.
"As much as I would like to keep our game plan secret, I would obviously like to say they will be able to give us a bit of an insight into what Australia are going to offer," he said
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegrap...006067,00.html
