Deans stays calm

The man charged with guiding the Wallabies to series success against the Lions next summer insists he isn't worried by the poor form of the Australian Super 15 sides. [more]

Deans stays calm

The man charged with guiding the Wallabies to series success against the Lions next summer insists he isn’t worried by the poor form of the Australian Super 15 sides.

The Reds, Rebels, Force and Waratahs have all struggled so far this season, with the Brumbies the only Australian franchise in the top six in the table.

Reigning Champions the Reds sit 10th in the standings, the Waratahs are in seventh and the Force and Rebels are 12th and 13th respectively but Australian head coach Robbie Deans has dismissed suggestions it will have a negative effect on the Wallabies.

"It's a great competition, there's nothing between teams and the reality is somebody has to be last and somebody has to be first, that's the nature of a points table," said Deans.

"You learn something every week, and that's what we're there to do.

"There's no doubt the Reds' performance last year was good but we don't have that sort of momentum right now, and whether we get it or not probably isn't that relevant to us.

"We'll gather a group – it's a distinct group – we'll determine how we want to play and the most important thing is how we come together."

Australia face both Scotland and Wales in June of this year as they step up their preparations for the 2013 Lions tour.

Scotland are first to feature Down Under in a one-off Test on June 5 before Grand Slam winners Wales provide the opposition for a three-match series on June 9, 16 and 23.

With the Brumbies, Rebels and Waratahs all in action the weekend prior to the Tuesday Test with the Scots, the Wallabies will have to rely largely on Reds and Force players in Newcastle, while some stars will then be required to double up for a second game in five days against Wales.

But rather make prepare excuses ahead of a busy summer schedule, Deans says his squad will learn a huge amount just a year out from the visit of Britain and Ireland’s elite.

"You look at that unique match in the first week and it's not something that daunts us," added Deans.

"Obviously it's fantastic for the playing group, how to deal with that circumstance of playing Super Rugby on the weekend, a Test match Tuesday and another Test match Saturday.

"Much depends on their physical state at the time but I suspect there will be some at the time that will back up.

"Part of that consideration will be whether we can get any preparation time with them. It's going to be tough for a Waratah or a Brumby or a Rebel, for example, who played Friday or Saturday night to then turn out in a Test match on the Tuesday with no background.

"Scotland and Wales are just going to be lying in wait, they've got an uninterrupted prep, they'll be jumping out of their skin and they'll see a great opportunity."

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