Ella backs Wallabies to go undefeated in Europe
EXCLUSIVE: Wallabies legend Mark Ella believes Australia can get through its upcoming tour of Europe undefeated, with Kurtley Beale at his scintillating best.
Australia will have one eye on its showpiece against England on 19 November, but first a Wales side desperate to snap a 12 match winless run against the Green and Gold awaits on Saturday (AEDT).
Michael Cheika's men will wrap up their Spring Tour against a Scotland side beaming with confidence on the back of its upset 24-18 win over the Wallabies in June.
Mark Ella believes a strong showing in Europe will give this young Wallabies side much-needed confidence heading into next year's World Cup, and the Wallabies great caught up with beIN SPORTS to preview their European tour.
The Wallabies haven’t beaten England since Eddie Jones took over. What’s the key to beating England?
M.E. - By going the distance - last year the Wallabies got an early lead over England then basically stopped playing, so we’ve got to play for the full 80 minutes.
In saying that, the Wallabies actually played for the full 80 for the first time in a long time in their last match against the Kiwis in Brisbane.
If they want to beat England they have to stay with them and go the distance.
How do you think the Wallabies will cope without Israel Folau and David Pocock? Do they need to change their approach?
M.E. Cheika has got to back the guys coming in. I don’t want to go too far and say we’ve turned the corner, especially when you lose champion players like Pocock and Folau, but I think the Wallabies are hitting some form and they’ve got the ability to get new players into those positions without affecting the team too much.
The last thing you want is a team over-reliant on one or two players so we’ve got to show our depth and deliver.
Cheika likes to play the running game but there are times where you have to bide your desire to throw the ball around and play tactical football.
How do you feel about the Wallabies chances in Europe?
M.E. I think the big question mark will be against England and whether we can stay with them for the full 80 minutes.
I know it’s a big call, but I think the Wallabies have the potential to go through the Spring Tour undefeated.
We’re coming off a disappointing year by our standards but with a World Cup approaching and a young squad, I think the only way to rebuild confidence is to be successful and I’m hoping that will start with an undefeated tour.
Who’s your Wallaby to watch and why?
M.E. Kurtley Beale - because he always plays an attacking game. He lightens up the Australian attack when he’s on the field and never stops trying.
I think he injects enthusiasm into the side and they react when he’s around.
The best thing about Kurtley is that you can play him in a number of positions. He’s playing the same natural game he played as a 16 year-old a Josephs college - he really hasn’t changed at all.
He’s just got an attacking mindset which can help his team-mates break out of stereotypical structures and have a go.
Reece Hodge stepped up in Bernard Foley’s absence, especially with his goalkicking. Should Hodge retain kicking duties when Foley returns to the side?
M.E. Probably, Bernard is a good player and a good goalkicker but he can be inconsistent. You need consistency with goal kicking at this level and I think Hodge can take that pressure of Bernard and allow him to concentrate on being a good number 10.
What do the Wallabies need to do to avoid another shock loss to Scotland?
M.E They’ve got to play more consistent football, the Wallabies tend to play in patches and playing in patches wins you nothing.
They’ve got to show more consistency. I think Cheika by sticking with the one team and not making changes certainly adds stability to the team. So he’s got to show confidence in the players and hopefully the players will return that favour.
