Publications
Partners
Sydney - Australia need to believe they can beat New Zealand and Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika says that starts with him.
The Wallabies' June Series finished with a 40-27 win over Italy and with eight weeks left until the opening Bledisloe Cup clash, they have plenty to do.
Cheika said he could understand if fans didn’t have the faith that the Wallabies could triumph come August, and there would be only one way around that.
“I don't blame people, based on what's happened this year overall, whether it be in Super Rugby or our games, I don't blame people if they don't believe in us," he told the Australian Rugby Union's official website.
“I believe it. I suppose that's where it's got to start.
“We've got to show it on the field and we will.”
Improving fitness and decision-making have been two of Cheika’s recurring themes in the series and on Sunday he said it was his responsibility to get it right.
“That's up to me to get them right,” he said.
“That's what the coach has got to do.
“He's got to get them right, he's got to get them in the right headspace, make them believe and get them in the condition to believe that.
“That's what I've been doing over these three weeks, and laying those foundations and that's what we'll continue to do in the next 6-8 before the Tests are.”
Miscalculated, and sometimes unnecessary, passes have cost his side and Cheika said making decisions under fatigue was a major focus.
“We look at guys who can make passes let's say three out of five times,” he added.
“We want them to do that five out of five times.
“Accurate under pressure and sometimes that comes down to, not just the energy level but also the concentration level.
“I think having a certain level of fitness, gives you a certain level of confidence as well.”
