BRISBANE, 2 August 2003 — World champions Australia, who have lost their last three Tests in a row, will be under enormous pressure to win when they lock horns with South Africa in the Tri-Nations championship today.
The Wallabies have lost to England, South Africa and New Zealand and now face the threat of losing four in succession for the first time in 21 years.
“Crossroads is a bit sensational, but it’s an important match,” captain George Gregan told a news conference yesterday.
“It’s a good chance for us to get back into a winning habit which is a good thing for a sporting team. Winning and losing become habits so to get back into the a positive frame of mind and start winning again is certainly going to help us.”
Gregan, whose own form has been heavily scrutinized after the side’s 50-21 loss to New Zealand last weekend, said the Wallabies were still upbeat about their chances of turning their form around despite the run of defeats.
“There’s a strong resolve in the team to do well. The work ethic and the attitude is fantastic,” he said.
“We try and win every test match and once we turn that corner things will improve and your confidence comes back.”
Lock David Giffin said none of the players had lost faith in their ability despite the condemnation of their play.
“Given the situation there’s still plenty of confidence in the side,” he said. “We’re still pretty tight and no one in the group has lost faith which is a good sign.”
The South Africans are also under pressure to win after their four-match winning streak came to a halt at the hands of the All Blacks.
