Southern powers eye more victories in autumn tests

LONDON: It’s been a sobering month of autumn internationals for the northern hemisphere so far — and it could get a whole lot worse today.
New Zealand takes a 59-year, 24-match unbeaten record against Wales to the Millennium Stadium, where the hosts are looking to end a five-game losing run that has plunged the national team into crisis.
England, meanwhile, is reeling for the first time under new coach Stuart Lancaster after falling to Australia last Saturday. A physical South Africa side will look to pile on the agony for the English at Twickenham.
The Australians are the only one of the southern powers to have come unstuck this month, losing to France on Nov. 10. But beating England has rejuvenated Robbie Deans’ team, which travels with confidence to play Italy this weekend.
With Argentina also expected to have too much for Ireland, it could be down to France to spare Europe’s blushes again. Les Bleus go searching for a third straight autumn win when they meet Samoa in Paris.
As European champions, the Welsh were widely expected to provide the sternest challenge among the Six Nations sides in November but they head into the match against the All Blacks looking to avoid a hammering.
Chastening losses to Argentina and Samoa have left a rugby-proud nation low on belief and fearing the worst, with the team down to No. 8 in the rankings.
“This New Zealand team is one of the best rugby sides to have ever played the game and probably the best All Blacks team ever, so it will be a privilege to be able to test ourselves against them,” said Wales’ Kiwi head coach Warren Gatland, back in charge after missing the recent losses while he went on scouting missions in his role as British & Irish Lions coach.
“Those supporters who have been with us over the last 18 months know, just as we do, that we are a better side than we have displayed so far.”
New Zealand has already racked up 93 points in easy wins over Scotland and Italy and has vowed to play its strongest side for tour-ending matches against Wales and England.
The world champions haven’t lost to the Welsh since 1953.
“The players appreciate that if they were fortunate enough to beat the All Blacks, then it would almost make them immortal,” Wales captain Sam Warburton said.
After bullying Ireland and Scotland into submission this month, the Springboks will seek to administer more pain to an England pack that was surprising lightweight in losing to Australia.
“I need one more great performance out of the players,” said South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer, ahead of his team’s final match of 2012. “They always lift themselves for England but I am worried, mentally it has really been a long season.
“These guys they will stand up for the challenge, they are warriors.”
Lancaster’s honeymoon period is over as England coach, with his young team coming in for some criticism for its naivety and sterility in attack against a Wallabies side that appeared to be there for the taking.
Lancaster has freshened up his team with six changes, including three in the pack where the game is set to be won or lost.
Saturday’s other test match sees Scotland host Tonga in Aberdeen.