Australia v Wales: Sam Warburton backs tourists to bounce back

Sam Warburton insists Wales can bounce back from their opening series defeat by Australia and turn their tour around at the second time of asking.

The Welsh captain could only watch on as the Wallabies leapt into a 20-6 lead, two Leigh Halfpenny penalties all the tourists had to shout about.

And although the Six Nations Grand Slam winners got themselves to within one point courtesy of Alex Cuthbert’s try, the hosts extended their lead through a Pat McCabe score to claim a 27-19 victory.

Wales will now turn their attentions to the second Test in Melbourne on Saturday and 23-year-old Warburton believes there were plenty of signs in their first defeat to suggest that lightning won’t strike twice Down Under.

“There are a lot of positives. We know we can come out and play the rugby we want to play,” the flanker said.

“We have got the fitness levels to do that. Ultimately the start was what killed us and gave us too much work to do.

“You’ve always got to be positive and aim for the sky.

“It’s not the start we wanted losing the first Test but we certainly believe we can bounce back next week.

“We definitely know we are capable of getting a result. It’s just a case of ironing out the creases. If we can minimize turnover ball we know we can play better.

“We need a bit more territory and better numbers to the contact, dealing with their jackal threats.”

© Sportsbeat 2012

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