Wallabies warned test season starts next week

Wallabies high-performance director David Nucifora says the future success of the Wallabies hinges on the performances of our Super 14 teams this season.

With the World Cup just a year away, Nucifora said incumbent Wallabies players would have to lead the way for their clubs and follow on from last season's marked improvement on the spring tour or the Australian side risked another season of disappointment.

''The Wallabies will go well only when the Super rugby teams go well,'' Nucifora said. ''Because if they're successful in Super rugby it obviously means they're playing well, but it also brings a level of confidence to the table in Test footy that just flows on.

''The players have that expectation to do well, they have that expectation to win. And that's huge. That's what we need.

''How you play the game is a mindset as well. Laws are obviously a big part of it, but your mindset as to how you want to play the game and approach the game is hugely important. Winning breeds winners.''

Despite the Test retirement of long-time Wallabies breakaway George Smith last week, Nucifora was adamant the Wallabies were in a better position than ever under coach Robbie Deans to deal with the loss.

''One of the things that Robbie's tried to work on is that he's tried to build depth in positions - that's been a key factor over the past two years. We wanted to put pressure on people,'' Nucifora said.

''And with that view, guys have to play well. Because if we are creating depth in certain positions, those guys know they can't coast.

''They have to play well, they have to perform or there's going to be someone else playing there. Whereas in years gone by we probably haven't been able to say that.

''So instead of having one guy in a position, we'll have three fighting for that same position and whoever is playing best is in.''

While star playmakers Berrick Barnes and Matt Giteau will each line-up at No.10 for the Waratahs and Brumbies respectively, Nucifora said it was of no consequence to Deans' alleged plans to shift Giteau to No.12 in favour of Barnes at five-eighth.

''Players swapping between 10 and 12, that does work at times, it can work,'' Nucifora said.

- © Fairfax NZ News