Weak Euros don't fool Wallabies

[Jehna]

I only really put this article in for the last three paragraphs....that's just gold...freaking tuiqiri again....never let me get near that man or i will be up on murder charges....and that doesn't fit well with my chosen career path...


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Weak Euros don't fool Wallabies

From Jim Morton in Montpellier, France
September 11, 2007


AUSTRALIA isn't falling into the trap of underestimating Northern Hemisphere rivals despite a poor World Cup start by the Six Nations teams.
Host nation France was upset, Italy flogged by New Zealand and Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales all unimpressive in wins over lowly ranked opponents.


The first-round results - combined with the powerful showings by Australia, South Africa, the All Blacks and Argentina - have presented a major north-south form divide.


But the Wallabies aren't reading anything into the rusty first-up displays by the Europeans.


Seasoned Wallabies Nathan Sharpe, Stephen Larkham and George Smith all played down the early scorelines.


"I don't think you want to read too much into that,'' said playmaker Larkham, who drew on Australia's slow start in the 1999 and 2003 tournaments.


"In '99 we didn't have a very good start; 2003 we didn't play particularly well through the pool matches either but still managed to make the final.


"Each side will be feeling the same way - that you've got to play reasonably well through the pool matches, get some confidence, but the big games are the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.


"You want to peak for those ones.''


With France's 17-12 loss to Argentina, Australia ($7.50) has moved into the third line of Cup betting behind the All Blacks and South Africa, with the host nation blowing out to $11.


The Wallabies' first match against a Six Nations side comes on Saturday when they play Wales, who had to come from behind to beat Canada on the weekend, in Cardiff.


They are expected to play England in the quarter-finals if trends continue and Australia beats Wales and the Springboks account for the defending champion.


While South Africa lost centre Jean de Villiers (biceps tear) for the tournament during the big win over Samoa, England has its own difficulties for Friday night's clash with captain Phil Vickery cited for tripping in the 28-10 win over USA.


Wallabies coach John Connolly will announce his team on Wednesday and they will depart for Cardiff the following day.


Drew Mitchell, poised to replace injured wing Adam Ashley-Cooper, indicated the bulk of the squad was struggling with the French language but there were some exceptions.

"Berrick Barnes is pretty good, Julian Huxley, Matt Giteau,'' he said.

"Lote Tuqiri fancies himself but I'm not sure he's got the accent down pat yet.''
AAP

[Skiza]

Dad said that the French get pretty angry if,
a) You can't talk any French at all and;
b) you do a pretty poor job of it....you violate their language!!

Good one Tuqiri!!

[Sagerian]

Of course Tuqiri fancies himself, all he says is "ja vodrais un beir svp..."

[Burgs]

Go to the ARU front page, you can see the interview with the above live in "Mitchell backs Shepherd"

[shasta]

Dad said that the French get pretty angry if,
a) You can't talk any French at all and;
b) you do a pretty poor job of it....you violate their language!!

Good one Tuqiri!!

Anyone see the "essential phrases guide" in RWC handbook stuck to the front of this month's Apha mag?

Had the English phrase, French phrase then 'strine pronunciation conversion.

Ler rugby kom ons a kel err?
Zher voo-dray ewn heineken seel voo play?
Oo son lay twa-let?

- Gold.