One of Australia’s star players insists the Lions’ next opponents can ‘tear any team apart’.
The Wallabies are currently preparing to face the All Blacks this weekend and Kurtly Beale is convinced his team have nothing to fear.
Defeat to Samoa a fortnight ago doesn’t seem to have dampened the spirit within the Wallaby camp, with Beale insisting the manner in which they disposed of the Springboks last time out, coupled with the Reds’ recent Super 15 triumph, has ensured confidence is high ahead of the trip to Auckland.
And worryingly for the rest of the world, and for the Lions who face the Wallabies in two years’ time, Beale believes there is still far more to come from an Australian side packed with young talent.
"There's certainly a lot of confidence with the boys," said Beale, who has recovered from an ankle injury in time to take on the All Blacks on Saturday.
"It’s not too much cockiness but just confidence that we know we have the ability to actually go out there and tear any team apart.
"It's just a matter of getting our minds right and not getting carried away with ourselves."
Beale and co travel to New Zealand’s biggest city looking for a repeat of last autumn’s win over their bitter rivals in Hong Kong – their first in 11 Tests against the All Blacks.
That last-gasp triumph nine months ago helped build belief within the Wallaby set up, while the convincing opening Tri Nations success against South Africa has reminded the world’s second best side of the importance of playing with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
"You take a lot from the win over New Zealand," added Beale.
"Just a lot of experience that at crucial times of the game you know what to do in certain situations.
"You don't force that extra pass – you hold on to the ball and hold on to the extra possession.
"There was a lot of laughs out there against South Africa and a lot of enjoyment. The boys back there playing with each other again – it's a special time and it's only the beginning."
