Potter rejects Woodward’s ‘losing mentality’ claim

Australia vs. the British and Irish Lions in the second test

Melbourne Cricket Ground Date: Saturday, July 26 Kick-off: 11:00 BST

After receiving criticism from former Wallabies great David Campese and 2005 British and Irish Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward, Wing Harry Potter claims that the Australia squad has a “losing mentality.”

In the first Test in Brisbane, Woodward and Campese criticized Australia captain Harry Wilson’s decision to kick the ball off the field with the clock in the red and Australia on their own line at 27-19.

In the Daily Mail, Woodward wrote, “Talk about a losing mentality,” claiming that the hosts should have played on for pride and practice even with a win.

After losing, Australia’s players were also accused of conversing with their opponents on the Suncorp Stadium pitch.

It’s ridiculous to think that the 23 players who played on the weekend had a mindset of losing, according to Potter, who won his fourth cap.

“We went out there to win the game,” the statement read.

Potter was a child in Bristol before relocating to Melbourne at the age of 10. He was born in London and raised there.

He joined the Western Force in Australia in 2020 to play for the Leicester Tigers, scoring 20 tries in 67 appearances and winning the 2022 Premiership. He then made his return to Australia in the same year.

He was in the crowd when Australia won the second Test match 16-15 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne in 2013 as a 15-year-old.

Potter acknowledged that Australia didn’t display the same fight on Saturday.

He remarked, “It has been difficult to look back at that game.”

“We certainly picked up a few things,” he said. Particularly in the first 50 to 60 minutes, it didn’t feel like we put our best foot forward. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from that.

They are a very strong team, but we are aware that we must perform better and start the game stronger.

“Towards the close of the game, there were some encouraging signs. We believe that putting enough pieces together will lead to a much better outcome.

Australia must win the second Test in order to maintain the series, just like it did in 2013.

After missing out on Brisbane due to injury, head coach Joe Schmidt wants to have heavyweight forward duo Rob Valetini and Will Skelton back.

This week, Potter said, “Emotionally, it’s very simple.”