MY ACCOUNT
Dan McKellar says Australia must avoid getting “sucked into” England’s “niggle” when they do battle in the decisive Test at the SCG on Saturday.
The Red Rose levelled the three-match series with a 25-17 victory at Suncorp Stadium last weekend.
Eddie Jones’ men came out firing as they stepped up the physicality in Brisbane to bring Australia back down to earth.
Assistant coach McKellar says the Wallabies must keep their discipline if England attempt to get under their skins again with the series on the line.
“It’s pretty pointless these days isn’t it?” he said. “You go rushing in and [you’re] third man in and you’re on the receiving end of a yellow card.
“It all comes down to emotional control and making sure you’re not getting sucked into those sort of tactics.
“The officials will be world-class on Saturday and it’s their job to look after.
“It’s not something we plan or put tactics to in this environment. We have much more important things to worry about that’ll go a fair way towards deciding a Test match than a little niggle.”
Australia are waiting to learn the extent of a knee injury suffered by Cadeyrn Neville, while they will have to do without Darcy Swain (suspension), Izack Rodda (foot), Jed Holloway (calf) and Ned Hanigan (knee).
McKellar says they must show their strength in depth.
“I think what makes it seamless is the preparation we’ve done over the past three-four weeks and understanding whoever’s playing will be involved heavily in preparation over that period of time,” he added.
“You can’t be throwing your eggs in one basket thinking they’ll get through a series. The game is played at an incredibly high intensity these days, very physical, and sadly we’ve seen a fair few injuries.
“We’ve been unlucky in that area and every now and again you get clusters in a position, you just have to make sure your whole squad is prepared and ready to step up if required.”
