Australia will be fighting the weight of history to win the Rugby World Cup after their worst calendar year in 2018.
But it can be done, according to Stephen Larkham.
The 100-plus capped former Wallabies back was controversially axed as the national team’s attack coach in February, saying at the time that he and coach Michael Cheika fundamentally disagreed on the “overall game philosophy”.
“No, I think if you look over the years, traditionally the teams that have won the World Cup had pretty good years the year before at the international level,” Larkham told reporters in Darwin.
“We had a terrible year last year, so it is not a good track record so far.
“That is not to say that’s going to be the case this year; I think if we get a good transfer from Super Rugby into the international arena and the boys click really quickly this year there’s a very good chance we’re going to win it.”
Larkham remains in a high-performance role with Rugby Australia, coaching other teams, and is in Darwin at the start of a two-month trip around the country promoting the sport, visiting fans and conducting clinics.
But disappointment remains in being sacked so close to a World Cup.
“Yeah, I’ve gone through that whole process,” he said.
“I jumped on board for the World Cup experience, so there’s certainly disappointment in not being there, but there’s new challenges that lie ahead.”
Larkham is yet to be replaced with the tournament three months away, which said he had not “really thought too much about”.
He and ex-Wallabies forward Justin Harrison dived into a pool with saltwater crocodiles in the cage of death at Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove, with Larkham admitting to still having “jelly legs” half an hour afterwards.
Larkham’s former Super Rugby side, the Brumbies, have won what has been an improved Australian conference this year and are fighting for second spot overall in the standings.
If they achieve that and get a home semi-final, they have the game for the finals and to win the title, Larkham said.
“If the Brumbies come through I would like to see a number of those Brumbies players as the bulk of the Wallabies team, because that will ultimately give you a combination that you need at that top level,” he said.