Bledisloe Cup 2015: Wallabies need 'consistency,' says Michael Cheika

After clinching the Rugby Championship on Saturday against New Zealand, Australia is now set on winning back the Bledisloe Cup for the first time in more than a decade. Wallabies coach Michael Cheika claimed he was proud of Australia’s 27-19 victory at ANZ Stadium, but was well aware of the tough game ahead at Eden Park against the All Blacks.

Australia last held the Bledisloe Cup in 2002. The win over New Zealand was the Wallabies’ first triumph since 2011, snapping the Australians’ 10-game losing streak against the All Blacks. Cheika, however, understands that winning a single game against New Zealand in a long time only counts as a little part of regaining the Bledisloe Cup. The 48-year-old Cheika also pointed out that Wallabies need “consistency,” adding that the team’s target is to be competitive against New Zealand.

“I don’t want to be a sad sack, but you take a moment to congratulate your players, and enjoy that game and then you start thinking about the next game and what I have to do to be ready,” Cheika said, as reported by The National.

Blindside flanker Scott Fardy reiterated Cheika’s plan to work hard in order to win the Bledisloe Cup decider in Auckland on Aug. 15. Despite an outstanding scrum from the Wallabies, Fardy admitted it was a work in progress. He added that the team needs to come up with new options and change strategies if Australia wants to win the decider, reports TVNZ.

Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Richie McCaw confessed the All Blacks had been stung by the defeat. However, the 34-year-old Kiwi star claimed the All Blacks will bounce back once they play Australia at the coming weekend.

Despite the loss, New Zealand coach Steve Hansen is looking forward to the weekend showdown against the Australians. “But we’ve been here before, we’ve lost games before and doesn’t mean to say we’ve become a bad side,” Hansen said.

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