AUCKLAND: The Wallabies have been told to keep their mouths shut whenever they are within earshot of a referee over the next six weeks because of the fear loose lips could sink their World Cup campaign.
Robbie Deans was unimpressed that his players were twice penalised for backchatting during the weekend victory over Italy, with Irish referee Alain Rolland repeatedly finding fault with Australia's play.
Rolland gave Italy the advantage of a 15-9 penalty count, with the Wallabies often penalised at the breakdown. Several frustrated Wallabies made cutting remarks that were overheard by Rolland, who promptly marched them further down the field.
The Wallabies coach took note and after the 32-6 win gave the team a stern lecture about the importance of discipline for the rest of the tournament. Asked why the heavy penalty count went against them, Deans said: ''We were a little bit slow to adjust in the game. There were a couple of occasions there where the referee, in an attempt to manage the game, was talking to the player group, and they didn't adjust. Well, that's not sharp. And of course a couple of them [penalties] were for backchatting, which is inexcusable. I have already talked to them about that.''
Wallabies captain James Horwill was similarly unimpressed that his players gave Italy easy metres, saying such behaviour could prove costly later in the tournament.
''We just need to be more disciplined,'' Horwill said. ''It was something we spoke about before we went into the game. Our discipline has to be strong, but we probably gave away a couple of silly penalties for backchat and things like that.
''Moving on in this tournament, you can't do those sort of things - give up 10 metres for backchat or get a penalty turned against you for saying things to the referee. So we need to tighten up that area of things.''
However, Deans is not asking for an easy ride from the referees - just consistency. ''Our players were possibly a little anxious in the first half,'' he said. ''And I think the refs are possibly a little bit anxious as well. They've obviously had the blowtorch on them, which is good. They are really policing the areas which they indicated they would, and that's important for the game.''
Will that now ease up? ''I hope not. Consistency is the key. And if you draw a line in the sand, it is easier for players to adjust,'' Deans said. ''Getting on the right side of the line is good for everybody.''
Wallabies selector David Nucifora added that it was crucial to not allow penalties to blight their game.
''That many penalties in the first half didn't let us get a flow in the game. It just kept going penalty kick, lineout, maul, so the game was being played at their tempo. We have to adapt, and we did in the second half where we got more rhythm, and caused more problems for their defence,'' Nucifora said.
Looking ahead to this Saturday's match against Ireland, Nucifora warned that their next opponent will be considerably more difficult. ''The breakdown will be hotly contested,'' he said. ''The Italians did apply a lot of heat in that area yesterday, and the Irish won't be any different. But they have a more diverse attacking repertoire, compared to the Italians, and will ask a lot more questions of us.''
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