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Dane Haylett-Petty reveals how Wallabies knew of All Blacks' secret World Cup plan ahead of must-win Bledisloe clash

Dane Haylett-Petty. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Dane Haylett-Petty says the Wallabies would love to end Australia’s 17-year Bledisloe Cup drought this month, but building momentum towards the World Cup is just as important.

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The Wallabies haven’t held the Bledisloe Cup since 2002 and will need to post a win against the All Blacks in Perth on Saturday night if they are to have any hope of regaining the prized trophy.

But with the Wallabies playing just three more tests before the start of the World Cup in Japan, Haylett-Petty said the back-to-back Bledisloe Cup fixtures against the All Blacks would carry a dual narrative.

“We definitely want to break that (Bledisloe Cup drought),” Haylett-Petty said.

“But this year there’s a huge goal at the end of the year as well.

“A big focus for us has been building some momentum. We’ve changed a few things, there’s a lot of competition within the group and everyone is pushing for spots, which is great.

“The biggest focus has been trying to get better each week.”

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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika experimented with his combinations in the 35-17 loss to South Africa and the 16-10 win over Argentina.

Haylett-Petty started on the wing in the loss to South Africa, but missed the squad altogether against Argentina as Cheika tinkered with other options.

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Marika Koroibete took Haylett-Petty’s spot on the wing against Argentina, while Kurtley Beale replaced Tom Banks at fullback.

Haylett-Petty can play either wing or fullback, but said he doesn’t have a preference as long as he earns a starting berth.

“I get asked that a lot and I genuinely enjoy playing both positions for different reasons,” Haylett-Petty said.

“On the wing I really enjoy contesting high balls and chasing kicks and get a little bit more space at times.

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“And it’s hard to stay out of the game at fullback, it’s more of a kicking game and ball playing. I enjoy both.

“But I definitely prefer starting. I find it easier to build into the game when you’ve got 80 minutes to play.”

The All Blacks are also experimenting heavily with their squad.

The most intriguing aspect has been the recent use of flyhalf Beauden Barrett at fullback, with Richie Mo’unga handed the No.10 jersey.

Haylett-Petty said that combination of two playmakers had big potential.

“I think they probably need to give it a go,” Haylett-Petty said.

“Interestingly enough, two years ago Mick Byrne (former All Blacks skills coach) was saying he thought Barrett would play 15 at the World Cup, which I found surprising.

“The combination with Mo’unga, just the two ball players playing both sides of the ruck, both are very good ball players and both are very dangerous.”

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Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Rassie Erasmus' Boks selection policy is becoming bizarre

To be fair, the only thing that drives engagement on this site is over the top critiques of Southern Hemisphere teams.


Or articles about people on podcasts criticizing southern hemisphere teams.


Articles regarding the Northern Hemisphere tend to be more positive than critical. I guess to also rile up kiwis and Saffers who seem to be the majority of followers in the comments section. There seems to be a whole department dedicated to Ireland’s world ranking news.


Despite being dialled into the Northern edition - I know sweet fokall about what’s going on in France.


And even less than fokall about what’s cutting in Japan - which has a fast growing, increasingly premium League competition emerging.


And let’s not talk about the pacific. Do they even play rugby Down there.


Oh and the Americas. I’ve read more articles about a young, stargazing Welshman’s foray into NFL than I have anything related to either the north and south continents of the Americas.


I will give credit that the women’s game is getting decent airtime. But for the rest and the above; it’s just pathetic coming from a World Rugby website.


Just consider the innovation emerging in Japan with the pedigree of coaches over there.


There’s so much good we could be reading.


Instead it’s unimaginative “critical for the sake of feigning controversial”. Which is lazy, because in order to pull that off all you need to be really good at is:


1. Being a doos;

2. Having an opinion.


No prior experience needed.


Which is not journalism. That’s like all or most of us in the comments section. People like Finn (who I believe is a RP contributor).


Anyway. Hopefully it will get better. The game is growing and the interest in the game is growing. Maybe it will attract more qualified journalists over time.

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