3 minute read
Preparing to tackle under-pressure Wales, halfback Tate McDermott says the Wallabies must deliver consistently - something they failed to do in Argentina.
An Argentina "flashback" has given the Wallabies a painful reminder of their past inconsistency as they prepare for winless Wales in their second spring tour Test.
The Australians are in Cardiff after banking a rousing 42-37 victory over England, which was their first success at Twickenham since 2015.
They will tackle a Welsh side at Principality Stadium on Monday (AEDT) under immense pressure after losing all 10 Tests since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Halfback Tate McDermott said the team was acutely aware of how their performance could change in a week, citing the Wallabies' Rugby Championship matches in Argentina this year.
The Wallabies dug deep to knock over the Pumas 20-19 but the next week were hopelessly outplayed, losing 67-27.
He said that building consistency was the next step for the team.
"The group in general has a feeling that repeatability is the biggest thing for us to move forward and we've got to make sure (of that)," McDermott said.
"We've had a couple of good wins this year - flashback to Argentina where we knocked them off in the first game and a week later, we're a completely different team.
"Backing up the performance against the English is crucial for us.
"It's a fresh page and while last week was a great moment, it's irrelevant because we've got a fierce Welsh team in our face and we've got to make sure we're ready for them."
McDermott said they were aware they must improve their defence to keep alive their hopes of achieving their first grand slam in 40 years.
While the Wallabies scored five tries, including a last-gasp match-winner by Max Jorgensen, they also conceded five which he felt would give Wales belief they could penetrate the defence.
"We know that we conceded far too many points and quite often in Test matches, if you concede 37 points, you don't win the game," said the No.9, who came off the bench against England.
"We were skilful and composed enough in the end to get the win against England but we know that the Welsh are going to be looking at how England scored those points and we've got to make sure we plug those holes pretty quickly."
The Wallabies downed Wales in two Tests in Australia in July but 12 months ago were hammered 40-6 by the men in red, which all but ensured a World Cup pool-stage exit.
"You're always wary of a Welsh side as you know on their day what they're going to bring regardless of how they're going, McDermott said.
"It's an incredibly strong set piece and a good defensive pressure game - that's two things that they brought against us in our Sydney and Melbourne Tests earlier in the year and they were both incredibly tough Test matches for us.
"There were a couple of late tries in both those games that got us the victories."
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will name his line-up on Friday (AEDT) with at least two changes to the starting side.
Winger Dylan Pietsch has returned home due to a calf injury and No.8 and captain Harry Wilson sidelined due to concussion protocol.