Wallabies champing at the bit says Gregan

MELBOURNE - Australia are ready to peak for next month's World Cup title defence despite losing four of their seven tests this year, captain George Gregan said yesterday.

The Wallabies were beaten by England, South Africa and twice by the All Blacks before going into a series of training camps ahead of their opening World Cup match against Argentina in Sydney on October 10.

Australia opened their season in June, beating Ireland and Wales before losing 25-14 to England and winning only once in the four-match Tri-nations series against South Africa and New Zealand.

"You don't want to say it but this year has always been about this World Cup," said Gregan.

"Every test is important but there is that little voice in the back of your head saying: 'This is a World Cup year'. You want to be playing your best football then.

"We've got an opportunity ... to make it a seven-week campaign.

"If it culminates for us then it's been a wonderful year and that's exciting," added the 30-year-old halfback.

"I can't wait for October 10. The whole team is like that. We wish October 10 was tomorrow, really.

"We've worked so hard. We feel as though we are ready to play some really good rugby and we just want to get out there and do it."

- REUTERS

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