Wallabies’ Bathurst platform to launch drive for Bledisloe raid

THE victorious Waratahs strolled into Wallaby camp in Bathurst on Wednesday four days after creating history by winning their first Super Rugby title.

Christian LealiÕifano , Mark Winterbottom, James Slipper, Russell Ingall and Scott Higginbotham during a visit to Mount Panorama racing circuit in Bathurst as part of a Castrol Edge promotion on the Wallabies Bush to Bledisloe Camp in Country NSW. pic Mark Evans

WITH sore heads but wide smiles, the victorious Waratahs strolled into Wallaby camp in Bathurst on Wednesday four days after creating history by winning their first Super Rugby title.

After celebrating their premiership with gusto over the last few days, starting with a party at Ivy nightclub, moving to the Bucket List in Bondi on Sunday, a harbour cruise on Monday, and then a reception at Martin Place on Tuesday, the Waratahs were understandably sleepy and chilled upon arrival.

It was a training-free day to relax and reintegrate into the national squad, with the NSW stars getting massages and check-ups before attending a dinner alongside Bathurst mayor Gary Rush and ARU chief executive Bill Pulver.

With Tolu Latu and Peter Betham added to the initial squad, NSW has 13 players in the squad of 32, and Wallabies vice-captain James Slipper fully expected some hangovers within the group.

“When you win those milestones in your career, you’ve got to celebrate them, it’s very important to make the most of the occasion,” Slipper said.

Waratah Peter Betham has been added to the Wallabies squad.

“The Waratahs have done an absolutely great job this year, they’ve really played good-looking rugby, and they’ve done it well.

“So they deserve the win, and I’m sure they’ve had a few beers over the weekend … and early week.

“They’ll just be keen to get into camp and find their feet again.

“We’ve got a game in a week-and-a-half, I’m sure that’s playing on their minds as well, they’re coming off a big game themselves so I’d expect them to play it easy this week and then really ramp up the training next week.”

After NSW’s sensational last-minute final victory over the Crusaders, there is renewed passion and belief among Australian rugby supporters that the Wallabies can finally end an 11-year losing streak to the All Blacks.

Russell “The Enforcer” Ingall and Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie.

The Tahs stars will play a big role in that mission, with up to six of them set to start against the Kiwis in the opening game on August 16.

Before the weary NSW players arrived, other members of the Wallabies launched The Rugby Championship tournament atop Mount Panorama, with players and coach Ewen McKenzie given a slow lap around the famous track by Bathurst 1000 winners Russell Ingall and Mark Winterbottom.

The Wallabies have been touring country towns Dubbo, Orange and Bathurst this week in an effort to connect with bush supporters and grow awareness of the game.

Originally published as Wallabies’ Bathurst platform to launch drive for Bledisloe raid