Australia’s forward pack is yet to dominate an opponent in this World Cup and captain Isaah Yeo has revealed that is an area of key focus as the finals approach.
Australia have done well in the 24-22 win over New Zealand and 36-22 victory over Fiji to find an extra gear when behind on the scoreboard but the Kangaroos don’t want to find themselves in those situations.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Yeo defends Kangaroos form ahead of Cook Islands clash
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The clash with Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday night, where Yeo returns at lock and skipper, is an opportunity to iron out glitches ahead of their semi-final at Allianz Stadium on November 8.
“I’d rather be learning lessons while we win,” Yeo said.
“So as much as there has been speculation about how we have played it still feels like our best footy is in front of us … which is exciting and what you’d hope for at this stage of the tournament.
“You don’t want to feel like teams can attack your front door so that is an area (to improve) … just making sure our contact is a little bit better and our ruck control.
“If we get that right it will hold us in good stead.”
Australia boasts the best players in the world. Yeo wants them to be more clinical overall but perfection will always prove elusive.
“There is an expectation for the Australian side that you are performing at a 10 out of 10 each game, but that is not the reality,” he said.
“We understand that we need to be better but I am happy we have two wins in the bank.”
The Kangaroos spine has been in flux with Reece Walsh, Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses and Harry Grant starting in the win over New Zealand in the opening round. Tom Dearden came on the field to replace Moses when he injured his calf.
In game two James Tedesco, Dearden, Sam Walker and Blayke Brailey started against Fiji.
Walsh returns against Cook Islands to join the Munster/Dearden halves combination and reigning Golden Boot winner Grant.
“This team (against Cook Islands) is something we feel like we can take forward and continue to grow,” Yeo said when asked about the changeable spine.
“It is a real blessing this Australia has so much depth and that gives players opportunities but once you approach the knockout (rounds) you want to be settled.”
With regard to the spine, Yeo said they were “all elite players” who brought different strengths.
“We just want to walk off the field on Saturday night happy with our performance,” Yeo said.
“I feel like we have in some parts in the first two games. You want to be taking steps forward and getting confidence from your performances and we are going to need that going into knockout footy.”
