Defence coach Shaun Edwards used New South Wales’ win in rugby league’s State of Origin game last week to inspire his side ahead last Saturday’s heartbreaking defeat in Melbourne.
And while the series has been lost there is still plenty to play for with the chance of becoming the first Wales team to beat Australia, in their own back yard since 1969.
Now caretaker head coach Rob Howley has taken a group of players to see Aussie Rules team Sydney Swans train to study some of their aerial techniques.
“New South Wales were in a very similar situation to us being 1-0 down in a competition in which they had no recent history of success,” Edwards told the Daily Express.
“I wanted the boys to come out with the same determination, intensity, desire and skill as they did. We got that response and I couldn’t fault their attitude.
“Some of the players went to a Swans training session. The aerial side is a huge part of the game these days. The hardest thing to defend is a lost aerial battle, even more so than a turnover. We are grateful to pick up anything we can from experts.”
Several players and back-room staff members also attended the Brookvale Oval last night as Manly Sea Eagles crashed to a 26-22 defeat to Melbourne Storm.
