Share

We're a tight bunch: Lealiifano

Perth - Wallabies back Christian Lealiifano said on Monday the team remain unified despite three straight losses under new coach Ewen McKenzie.

Their 38-12 defeat to South Africa in the Rugby Championship in Brisbane at the weekend was Australia's fourth defeat in a row and the third since McKenzie took over from Robbie Deans.

The pressure is building on the Wallabies ahead of Saturday's Test against Argentina in Perth which could decide the destination of this season's wooden spoon in the southern hemisphere tournament.

Australia have not lost to the Pumas since 1997 in Buenos Aires and inside centre Lealiifano said the team remained upbeat despite their disastrous start to the Rugby Championship.

"The boys are really tight," Lealiifano told reporters.

"It's tough when you're not getting the results. Everyone sort of looks back on the team culture and thinks that it might take a bit of a hit.

"But the boys are really sticking tight and not much is fazing us. We've just got to look after our own game and hopefully produce the results."

Both the Wallabies and Argentina have yet to win in this year's four-nation series, although the Pumas have a bonus point to relegate Australia to last spot at the halfway stage of the tournament.

McKenzie said on Sunday he may have to change his attacking game plan after Australia slumped to their worst losing streak in four years against South Africa.

The Wallabies have won just one of their six Tests this season following Saturday's record mauling by the Springboks and they are fighting to avoid a fifth straight loss and a run not seen since Eddie Jones's ill-fated last year in charge in 2005.

Under McKenzie, the Wallabies have conceded a total of 12 tries in two losses to the All Blacks and one to the Springboks.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1817 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1777 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1083 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE