AUSTRALIA RUGBY FOCUSSED

Australia Rugby Union Team are aiming for back-to-back wins and thus shed their inconsistency record. Wallabies back Berrick Barnes, set to take over from suspended Quade Cooper at five-eighth for the Etihad Stadium clash, says in the past Australia has been guilty of “believing its own press”.

“History has shown over the years, after a decent win, we get caught believing our own press,” Barnes said.
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“We’ll be focused pretty heavily this week on trying to rectify that and get back-to-back results.

He says it comes down to preparation and playing out the full 80 minutes of the Test match.

Australia Rugby Union is likely to appeal Cooper’s two-match ban for a dangerous tackle during their 30-13 win over South Africa in Brisbane, with an announcement expected later on Monday.