All Blacks coach clobbers 'arrogant' fans

All Blacks rugby coach Wayne Smith has accused New Zealanders of becoming "arrogant" in their expectations of the team's success.

Smith said in Sydney that New Zealanders tended to downgrade other international sides, including the Springboks, and rated the All Blacks only on their results against the Wallabies.

Therefore, Smith suggested, the team would be rated highly only if they beat Australia on Saturday.

He was asked whether there was a feeling of relief in New Zealand after the All Blacks beat the Springboks 26-15 in Auckland.

"Yeah. If you had been in New Zealand for the two weeks following the Carisbrook test [loss against Australia], you would know why.

"There was a real negative reaction to us. There was almost a feeling that the All Blacks only had to step out on the field to win, and we all know that's not the case.

"That is pretty disappointing, and it puts a lot of pressure on us. I just feel our general attitude is getting a little arrogant.

"When we beat the Springboks or France there's a general feeling of 'so you bloody well should,' rather than 'that's a really good achievement'."

Smith said New Zealanders tended to undervalue other world-class teams.

"It's great to play Australia and test yourself against the best, but these other teams are no mugs either, and they are important games for us.

"Whenever we beat teams, there should be a feeling of achievement, no matter who the opposition is."

Barring injury, the Wallabies are expected to make two changes to the side that drew 14-all with the Springboks in Perth on August 18.

Brumbies lock forward David Giffin, who was suspended for two weeks after the Pretoria match between the two sides, will probably replace Brumbies team-mate Justin Harrison.

The return of brilliant winger Andrew Walker may be scuppered by a knee injury. Walker woke yesterday morning with acute tendinitis in his right kneecap and although x-rays cleared him of structural damage, coach Eddie Jones will give him 48 hours to prove his fitness.

Walker was replaced by Chris Latham in the August 18 test after leaving the squad unannounced between New Zealand and Perth to visit his family, but was reinstated last week after a meeting with Jones.

Jones said yesterday: "Latham did well, but Andrew's a specialist winger, whereas Latham is a fullback-cum-winger, so we need to bear that in mind when we're making the final selection."

Fullback Matthew Burke resumed light training yesterday after a minor ankle complaint restricted him to upper bodywork on Monday.

Australia are due to name their team today.

- NZPA