White backs Wallabies to come out firing

Tue, Jun 18, 2013, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

2007 Rugby World Cup winning coach, and current Brumbies coach, Jake White, has strongly backed the Qantas Wallabies to come out firing against the British and Irish Lions in the opening Test of the DHL Australia 2013 Lions Tour this Saturday night in Brisbane.

Writing in his Test preview to be published exclusively in the Official Match Day programme, available at the ground on Saturday night, White said “Suncorp is a happy hunting ground for the Wallabies.

"The Reds players love playing there, it suits the high tempo game the Wallabies will want to play and their recent record in Brisbane is impressive."

"Since the Lions last visited in 2001 the Wallabies have won 14 of 17 Tests at Suncorp Stadium, with one draw and just two losses, both to the All Blacks."

"The Wallabies will want to keep the ball in play as much as possible as conditions should suit the style they want to play. They will also back themselves to win this first Test."

White is also excited for the all the Wallabies preparing to take on the Lions, but especially Brumbies stars Ben Mowen, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Peter Kimlin, Christian Leali’ifano, Pat McCabe, Scott Sio and Joe Tomane (who is unavailable for the first Test through injury.)

“It’s a great honour for any player to play against the Lions and I know all our Brumbies boys will do us proud on Saturday night.”

“I know how hard all the team have worked for Saturday’s Test and I’m sure they will hit the ground running.”

White also believes that if the Wallabies win the first Test they can go on to clinch the series.

“The Wallabies will only get better if they win this first Test," explained White, "their self belief and faith in their own preparations will grow."

White is in Canberra today preparing for the Brumbies clash against the Lions tonight (Tuesday) at Canberra Stadium.

“The boys are excited for tonight” said White, “and we’re delighted to have Scott (Sio) and Peter (Kimlin) back from the Wallabies squad to take on the Lions. Peter is our captain this evening."

“We’ve worked very hard and I’m confident the boys can give a good account of themselves and hopefully get a win. And if that helps the Wallabies cause on Saturday then all the better.”

"It's an exciting time in Australian Rugby with the Lions on tour and I'm just happy to be a part of it."

The Brumbies vs the Lions kicks off at 7.30pm tonight at Canberra Stadium and some good seats are still available. To get your tickets CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the ground you can watch the match Live on Fox Sports 2 with the pre-game show starting at 7pm.

The DHL Australia 2013 Lions Tour is just getting better and better so don’t miss a second of the action.

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