Australia fear All Blacks, says Tuqiri

Lote Tuqiri

SYDNEY - Australian winger Lote Tuqiri has admitted the Wallabies need to improve their mental attitude if they hope to beat New Zealand at next year's rugby World Cup.

Australia have lost their last five tests to the All Blacks but may need to beat their greatest rivals just to make next year's World Cup final after being drawn to meet them in the semifinals.

The Wallabies upset New Zealand in the 2003 World Cup semifinals before losing the final in extra-time to England but Tuqiri said the Australians were losing their self-belief.

"Being quite honest, I think we lack a bit of confidence when playing against the bigger sides," Tuqiri told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"We have the physical capabilities, and can sort of play above ourselves at different times.

"We can beat a team like South Africa, but playing against a team like the All Blacks, I think some guys are thinking, 'Oh, it's the All Blacks ? I just don't know if we can beat these guys'.

"Sometimes if we get behind, we just don't have that mental edge to think we can win a game."

Tuqiri said the Wallabies were hoping to work on their mental approach on the end of season tour to Europe, which includes tests against Wales, Italy, Ireland and Scotland.

The Australia selectors will name an expanded squad of 37 players on Tuesday for a tour which they are using as a platform to kick start their World Cup preparations.

"Hopefully, this tour will help us build that confidence within the team," Tuqiri said.

"If we can win these tests well, it will give us a massive boost for next year.

"It will reinforce in us the belief that we have the squad to challenge for the World Cup."

- REUTERS