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"You've got to get your first tackle in early, even if it's late.
Ray Gravell 1951 - 2007
Showing posts with label Welsh Rugby Union. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Welsh Rugby Union. Show all posts
Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Gatland Not Interested in England
Warren Gatland has dismissed reports claiming he might consider an approach to become Stuart Lancaster’s potential successor, saying: “I am not interested in the England job.”
The New Zealander, who is under contract with the Welsh Rugby Union until the 2019 World Cup, has led Wales to two Six Nations Grand Slams, plus World Cup semi-final and quarter-final appearances during his eight-year reign.
Reports had suggested that Gatland could listen to any Rugby Football Union overtures following Lancaster’s departure three days ago. But with his comment to WalesOnline he joins fellow New Zealanders Wayne Smith and Graham Henry in dismissing speculation linking him to the post.
As England continue to count the cost of failure in a home World Cup, the Observer reveals that none of the RFU members who see the findings into England’s campaign will receive a paper copy of the review, in an effort to avoid a repeat of the huge embarrassment when the inquiry into the flawed 2011 campaign was leaked to a newspaper.
On that occasion, Martin Johnson’s side reached the quarter-finals, and the leaked report included choice comments such as “players more interested in cash and caps”, “the man management was absolutely terrible” and “there wasn’t enough focus on basic skills”.
The 2015 review interviewed 59 people, including most of Lancaster’s squad, and all those questioned were assured their input would be confidential.
Thursday, 27 March 2014
Griffiths Questions Welsh Union
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| Getty Images |
Saracens CEO Edward Griffiths has praised the Welsh regions for their role in brokering a new European deal but has questioned the role of the Welsh Rugby Union.
The new European competition which will replace the Heineken Cup is expected to be confirmed in the next couple of days. Reports say the French and Italians are the last to sign the new accord but a deal is still set to be announced imminently.
The news will bring to an end two years of discussions over the future of European rugby and while Griffiths praised the Welsh regions for their part in the talks, he seemed less impressed with the WRU.
"I think some of the Welsh Rugby Union's behaviour has been erratic and unpredictable," Griffiths told the BBC. "Maybe they've come round to see a little bit of sense."
The new competition will be a 20-team format with six representatives from the Aviva Premiership, six from the Top 14 and seven from the RaboDirect PRO12. The final place will go to either the seventh-placed side in the French league or the English top flight.
Griffiths claims the new competition is "good news" for European rugby.
"I think everybody should be happy," Griffiths said. "The Welsh regions have been clear and been clear-minded in the whole process and deserve a lot of credit for sticking to their guns. At the end of the day this isn't good news for just the English clubs, or the French clubs, or the Welsh regions, it's good news for European rugby.
"We've got a competition with a fairer format and with a fairer financial distribution, and in fact there's no reason why this format won't actually generate more money for everyone. So it is truly a win, win, win competition and I think once the egos got out of the way it was fairly easy to find a solution.
"At the end of the day it's our responsibility as rugby administrators is to put the best possible competition on the table for the coaches and players to play in and the supporters to watch."
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Racing Deny Halfpenny Contact
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| Photo: rgmcdtt |
Racing Metro have distanced themselves from making an approach for British & Irish Lions star Leigh Halfpenny with their president Jacky Lorenzetti denying any contact with the fullback's representatives.
Halfpenny, whose contract is up at the end of the season, is one of the most sought after players in world rugby having starred for both Wales and the Lions in recent times. Earlier in the year, he was named the Six Nations Player of the Championship having slotted 74 points for Wales and helped them secure their second northern hemisphere title in as many seasons.
And for the Lions, Halfpenny shone for the tourists scooping the Player of the Series award for a host of superb performances including his man of the match showing in the final Test.
With fellow Lions Dan Lydiate, Jonathan Sexton and Jamie Roberts preparing for life at Racing Metro next season, Halfpenny has been heavily linked with a move to join them in France. But despite reports in the Rugby Paper stating that Toulon, Clermont and Metro had all met Halfpenny's representatives, the Parisian side have released a statement denying any contact.
"Racing Metro 92, through its president Jacky Lorenzetti, wishes to deny this information. The club is not one of the proposed bidding agents."
Despite Metro's apparent distancing from Halfpenny, the Welsh Rugby Union is still on high alert as it attempts to keep one of Wales' top players at his current region the Cardiff Blues. The Blues' CEO Richard Holland is fully aware of the uphill battle that his organisation faces with the Top 14 clubs able to offer Halfpenny a bigger deal.
And Holland has confirmed the Blues will be helped financially by the WRU when they sit down and offer Halfpenny a new contract.
"We haven't got three-quarters of a million to put on the table, or half a million," Holland told the Rugby Paper. "I will be honest with his representatives and tell them what we can afford. There has to be a realisation that we can only afford so much.
"All I can do is put forward something which is competitive and we are confident we can broker a deal to keep Leigh at the Blues. The WRU has made additional funds available."
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Phillips Demands Welsh Pride
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| Getty Images |
Scrum-half Mike Phillips has demanded Wales put the pride back into the red jersey against New Zealand on Saturday.
Wales suffered shock defeats to Argentina and Samoa in the first two games of their autumn Test series.
The Six Nations champions are looking for a first win since 1953 against the All Blacks, with the world champions unbeaten in their last 19 Tests.
"It's a chance to put some pride back into the jersey on the weekend," said Phillips, who has won 70 caps.
"We have been disappointing and off the boil in many aspects of our game and maybe confidence is down at the moment.
"In many ways, we have nothing to lose this week. We can go out there and give everything in the game and really throw everything at them. Who knows what will happen then?"
Wales coach Warren Gatland, who was away on British and Irish Lions duty, is back at the helm for the next two clashes with New Zealand and Australia.
He has made five changes to the side beaten by Samoa, with captain Sam Warburton, centre Jonathan Davies, fly-half Rhys Priestland, hooker Matthew Rees and lock Luke Charteris all recalled to the starting line-up.
Wales have not beaten the All Blacks for 59 years, suffering 24 straight defeats since their last victory back in 1953 on home soil.
Phillips, who now plays his rugby for Bayonne in the Top 14 in France, was a second-half replacement in the 26-12 defeat to Argentina and started the 26-19 defeat to Samoa.
He has revealed the Wales players have asked themselves some searching questions since the Samoa defeat and has called for the Grand Slam champions and World Cup semi-finalists to rediscover their self-belief.
"We have to believe in ourselves, nobody else is going to do it for us," said the 30-year-old.
"We are the ones out there and have to play and we have to believe in ourselves. If we don't do that, we are not going to achieve anything.
"We have to show a lot more passion and fire than what we have done. We cannot fear making mistakes or the stage we are on and have to express ourselves.
"We have to put a performance in and get certain factors of our game right. We certainly have to improve on what we have done so far."
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Wallabies Saved by the Hooter
An after-the-hooter penalty from replacement fly-half Mike Harris propelled Australia to a dramatic 25-23victory over Wales in their clash in Melbourne.
Wales appeared on course to keep the series alive with an historic first win over the Wallabies in Australia since 1969 as the faultless boot of Leigh Halfpenny kept the Grand Slam champions in front. But with the clock in the red New Zealand referee Chris Pollock penalised Wales after Australia launched a powerful rolling maul and Harris showed nerves of steel to crush Welsh dreams.
Wales, accused of making a slow start last week, came flying out of the blocks with a series of powerful pick and drives. Mike Phillips, Halfpenny and Alex Cuthbert were all prominent in the build up as Wales roared into the Wallabies half before George North powered over from close range.
Halfpenny, who kicked all before him in Brisbane, maintained his 100% record Down Under to stretch Wales' early lead to seven points. Wales continued to dominate the early exchanges but the Wallabies fought their way back into the encounter and began to strangle the visitors of possession.
Berrick Barnes, who only rejoined the Wallabies squad four hours prior to kick-off following the birth of his first child, Archie, hit back for the hosts and added a second penalty on the half-hour mark to cut Wales' lead to one point. Wales did themselves no favours and lost a succession of lineouts on their own throw as the pressure mounted.
They looked to have survived unscathed after Phillips burst out of his own half with a trademark break. He found Rhys Priestland in support but the fly-half was unable to release Sam Warburton for the try. Wales were penalised at the following phase and after pouncing on loose ball from the ensuing lineout, Phillips handed the Wallabies another opportunity to attack after his box-kick went out on the full.
And the Tri-Nations champions took full advantage with Barnes beating Warburton on the outside and dummying past Ashley Beck to release Rob Horne for the crucial try. Barnes added the extras on the stroke of half-time as Wales entered the interval trailing 13-7.
But the Dragons again started the half firing and an uncharacteristic mistake from last week's Wallaby hero Will Genia gave the opportunity to score. The livewire scrum-half threw an aimless pass which was hacked through by Beck and Jonathan Davies beat Rob Simmons in the foot race to score.
Halfpenny expertly slotted the conversion to regain the lead, and the full-back exchanged penalties with Barnes as Wales kept their noses in front. Barmes knocked over another penalty but Australia were dealt a blow when Cooper Vuna was sent to the sin-bin after a clumsy challenge on Halfpenny in the air.
The diminutive full-back came crashing down to earth but got straight back to his feet and slotted a monster penalty to regain the slender lead. Barnes hit-back after Bradley Davies was penalised at the break down but Halfpenny was again on target after the Welsh pack flexed its muscle at scrum time.
Wales continued to dominate the battle up front but they fell foul of the scrum lottery and Barnes stepped up to slot the simple penalty. But amazingly the fly-half, who appeared to be carrying a knock, pushed his effort wide and quickly departed to be replaced by Harris.
Australia frantically hammered at Wales but Rob Howley's men held strong as mistakes creeet into the Wallabies game. But Wales were penalised with the clock ticking and Australia kicked to the corner. They launched a rolling maul and Wales were penalised, with New Zealand-born fly-half Harris writing his name in Wallaby history.
Australia v Wales - Preview
Caretaker coach Rob Howley insists there is all to play for Wales attempt to bounce back from their 27-19 first Test defeat.
Howley has made four changes for the second Test in Melbourne, bringing in Ryan Jones and Matthew Rees to bolster the pack, while Alun Wyn Jones comes into the second row and centre Ashley Beck has also been called-up.
The quartet replace injured Toby Faletau, who has returned home, Luke Charteris and Scott Williams, who drop to the bench, and Ken Owens,
who has been omitted from the match-day squad.
who has been omitted from the match-day squad.
Howley said: "After the first Test Australia are obviously in the ascendancy, but the tour is not over by any means and we have all to play for on Saturday.
"We are bringing three very experienced players into the pack, all three made an impact from the bench during the first Test which has justified their selection in the starting line-up this weekend.
"Having played two matches now on Australian soil we have acclimatised and are ready for another huge challenge this Saturday in Melbourne."
Come back
Australia coach Robbie Deans expects the RBS Six Nations champions to come back at the Wallabies and try and level the three-match series.
"That belief won't have been altered by last Saturday night," Deans says.
"If anything, that game - and more particularly the opportunities that they were able to create within in it - will only have hardened their resolve."
The Wallabies are poised to name an unchanged XV, although prop Sekope Kepu, who picked up a "minor knock" in the first Test, faces a late fitness test before Saturday's rematch.
Australia: 15 Adam Ashley Cooper, 14 Cooper Vuna, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Berrick Barnes, 9 Will Genia, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 David Pocock (captain), 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Benn Robinson
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Dave Dennis, 19 Michael Hooper, 20 Nic White, 21 Anthony Fainga'a, 22 Mike Harris
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Ashley Beck, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips; 8 Ryan Jones, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Paul James, 18 Luke Charteris, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Rhys Webb, 21 James Hook, 22 Scott Williams
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Howley Makes Brumbie Changes
Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley has made four changes to his line-up for Saturday's second Test against Australia.
Former captains Ryan Jones and Matthew Rees will bolster the pack, while Alun Wyn Jones, who skippered the midweek side to victory over the Brumbies, comes in to the second row.
There is also a call-up for Ashley Beck after the centre caught the eye against the Brumbies.
The injured Toby Faletau has returned home, Luke Charteris and Scott Williams drop to the bench while Ken Owens is omitted from the match-day squad.
"After the first Test Australia are obviously in the ascendancy, but the tour is not over by any means and we have all to play for on Saturday," Howley said.
"We are bringing three very experienced players into the pack, all three made an impact from the bench during the first Test which has justified their selection in the starting line-up this weekend.
"Having played two matches now on Australian soil we have acclimatised and are ready for another huge challenge this Saturday in Melbourne."
Wales are also set to receive a boost with the arrival of their Grand Slam-winning coach Warren Gatland.
Gatland, who is favourite to become the British & Irish Lions coach for the tour to Australia next year, was injured in a fall while working at his family beach house on Waihi Beach on Easter Monday.
The 48-year-old suffered suffered multiple fractures to the right heel bone and also a fracture to the left heel after falling around 10 feet onto concrete.
The injuries meant he has stayed at home in New Zealand ever since, meaning he missed the win over the Barbarians home soil as well as the 25-19 loss to the Wallabies in the series opener last weekend.
Gatland has been on the phone constantly with Howley and his fellow coaches and will arrive a day after Wales beat the Brumbies in Canberra in a midweek fixture. It has not been confirmed how long he will stay in Australia.
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Ashley Beck, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips; 8 Ryan Jones, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Paul James, 18 Luke Charteris, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Rhys Webb, 21 James Hook, 22 Scott Williams.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Williams Joins Mitsubishi Dynaboars
Wales' record international try-scorer Shane Williams is set to do a U-turn on his rugby retirement and play for a Japanese side next season.
The 35-year-old former Ospreys wing is expected to sign for the Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Division Two of the Japanese League on a one year deal.
Williams scored twice in his final competitive game as Ospreys won the Pro12 league final by beating Leinster .
Williams' final UK appearance was in Barbarians' loss to Wales last week.
Williams announced his retirement from rugby in February after he turned down Ospreys' offer to extend his playing career with the Welsh region to a 10th season.
The 2008 International Rugby Board player of the year quit Test rugby in December, with 58 tries in 87 games for his country and two in four Tests for the British and Irish Lions.
Williams signed off from the international stage in typical fashion, scoring a last-gasp try in the 18-24 defeat to Australia in Cardiff on 3 December.
The double-Grand Slam winner was also Ospreys' record try-scorer, with 57 touch downs in 141 matches, and scored late on in his last game for both club and country.
Williams was expected to continue his association with the Ospreys next season by taking up an ambassadorial role with the Liberty Stadium club but it is unclear if he will still undertake that role.
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Deans Ditches Eight for Wales Game
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has responded to his side's shock loss to Scotland, making eight changes to the starting line-up for the first Test against Wales in Brisbane.
In the front row, New South Wales Waratahs trio Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu are a straight swap for James Slipper, Stephen Moore and Dan Palmer while Rob Simmons moves off the bench to partner Nathan Sharpe in the second row.
Waratahs No.8 Wycliff Palu has also been named to play his first Test since last year’s Rugby World Cup, with the damaging ball-runner forcing Scott Higginbotham to blindside breakaway.
Deans has persisted with the halves combination of Will Genia and Berrick Barnes but opted for a new centre pairing of Pat McCabe and Rob Horne.
Digby Ioane and Joe Tomane, too, have maintained their spots on the wings but Adam Ashley-Cooper has been named at fullback in place of Luke Morahan.
Brumbies players Michael Hooper and Ben Alexander remain on the bench alongside Stephen Moore and Waratahs flanker David Dennis – who both started the match against Scotland.
Tuesday night’s centre pairing of Mike Harris and Anthony Faingaa also revert to the reserves bench, while Brumbies halfback Nic White could make his debut after he was named as Genia’s back-up ahead of Nick Phipps.
Australia:
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper; 14. Joe Tomane; 13. Rob Horne; 12. Pat McCabe; 11. Digby Ioane; 10. Berrick Barnes; 9. Will Genia; 8. Wycliff Palu; 7. David Pocock; 6. Scott Higginbotham; 5. Nathan Sharpe; 4. Rob Simmons; 3. Sekope Kepu; 2. Tatafu Polota Nau; 1. Benn Robinson
Reserves
16. Stephen Moore; 17. Ben Alexander; 18. Dave Dennis; 19. Michael Hooper; 20. Nic White
21. Anthony Fainga’a; 22. Mike Harris
Warburton Returns to Wales XV
Wales head into the first of their three Tests against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday with 11 of the team that clinched Grand Slam glory.
Despite seeing a fringe side beat the Barbarians 30-21 last week, caretaker coach Rob Howley has picked a completely different team to that which played at the Millennium Stadium.
A total of 16 players were sent Down Under early for acclimatisation purposes, with all but Ashley Beck named to start the series opener.
Fit again Sam Warburton will return to lead the side after an 11-week break since leaving the field at half-time in the 16-9 win over the French.
Only six of the players who figured in the Baa-Baas win are asked to act as replacements, with Matthew Rees, Paul James, Alun Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams and James Hook all joining Beck on the bench.
The only other changes from the Grand Slam winning team see Scarlets centre Scott Williams take over from the injured Jamie Roberts at centre, hooker Ken Owens replace his Scarlets team-mate Matthew Rees and Blues lock Bradley Davies pack down with ex-Dragons skipper Luke Charteris in the second row.
Davies has not played for Wales since picking up a six-week ban for a dangerous tackle in the opening victory over Ireland in February. He replaces Wyn Jones, while Charteris moves up off the bench to take over from Ian Evans, who is getting married.
"We are well prepared and looking forward to the challenge this weekend," said Howley.
"We have created some winning momentum, we have a recent home win against the Barbarians to take into this game and have built a certain amount of confidence within the squad."
Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has made nine changes after his side lost 9-6 to Scotland on Monday.
There are five newcomers in the pack, including an all-new Waratahs front row, and three more behind the scrum.
Loosehead prop Benn Robinson makes a welcome return to the Test arena after an 18-month absence and fit-again Wycliff Palu gets the nod at number eight.
WALES: L Halfpenny; A Cuthbert, J Davies, S Williams, G North; R Priestland, M Phillips; G Jenkins, K Owens, A Jones, B Davies, L Charteris, D Lydiate, S Warburton (Captain), T Faletau.
Replacements: M Rees, P James, AW Jones, R Jones, L Williams, J Hook, A Beck.
AUSTRALIA: A Ashley-Cooper; J Tomane, R Horne, P McCabe, D Ioane; B Barnes, W Genia; B Robinson, T Polota Nau, S Kepu, R Simmons, N Sharpe, S Higginbotham, D Pocock, W Palu.
Replacements: S Moore, B Alexander, D Dennis, M Hooper, N White, A Fainga'a, M Harris.
Saturday, 2 June 2012
One Williams Wins in Wales Farewell
Wales bade farewell to 100-cap Martyn Williams by killing off Shane Williams' hopes of a winning send-off for the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales went into a 13-0 lead through Harry Robinson's try and James Hook's kicks, but the visitors led 14-13 at the break after tries by Stephen Donald and Richie Rees.
The Baa-Baas went further ahead when Donald went over for his second.
But Hook and Aled Brew tries sealed Wales' victory.
Shane Williams led out the Barbarians for his final Millennium Stadium appearance hoping for the chance to produce some of the magic with which he has graced the game.
There was also the significant matter of a 100th cap for another Welsh Williams - flanker Martyn - who avoided what he described as the "pain" of being left stranded on 99 caps.
Martyn Williams came on as a 46th-minute replacement and one of his first acts was to pull down wing Shane as the Baa-Baas wing threatened to break free.
That moment was undoubtedly among the post-match talking points.
But while Welsh fans mulled the glorious past of the Williams duo, a new rising star was also on their lips.
Wing Robinson, 18, scored the opening try after being set free by a combination of Lloyd Williams, Ian Evans and Matthew Rees.
The Cardiff Blues wing's pace ensured there was no chance of the visitors running him down.
Hook had kicked an early penalty and converted Robinson's score before completing a 13-0 cushion in the 26th minute with a second penalty.
But when Australian lock Matt Chisholm burst past Robinson, the invitation club were on their way to a try-from-nothing that set up a telling fight-back.
Chisholm sent Donald over, the World Cup-winning New Zealand fly-half also adding the conversion.
The hosts were in further trouble after scrum-half Lloyd Williams was charged down in the shadow of his posts.
Under pressure in defence, prop Rhys Gill was sin-binned for illegally killing the ball.
Video referee Nigel Whitehouse twice told referee Alain Rolland that the Barbarians had failed to score, Scottish number eight Johnnie Beattie and Georgian back-row colleague Mamuka Gorgodze the men denied.
But at the next time of asking erstwhile Wales scrum-half Rees' score was given after he latched on to a loose ball at a ruck.
Donald converted to give the Baa-Baas a one-point lead at the break.
Flanker Williams came on to a warm reception to reach his 100 caps and showed his guile by thwarting Shane Williams' threat.
However, the visitors were not to be denied when Donald went over from close range again, leaving the hosts with it all to do.
Rhys Webb made that task easier by sending out a pass that sent Hook into space and the Perpignan player did the rest on a mazy 35-metre run before converting.
And Shane Williams also played a part in Wales' win' albeit in unintentional fashion.
The retired Osprey launched a counter-attack only to see the man wearing 11 on this occasion, Brew, intercept and run clear for the final try, Hook again coverting.
Wales: Liam Williams (Scarlets); Harry Robinson (Blues), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys), James Hook (Perpignan), Aled Brew (Dragons); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Blues); Rhys Gill (Saracens), Matthew Rees (Scarlets, capt), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys).
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Ospreys, for Rees, 68), Paul James (Ospreys, for Gill, ), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets, for Ryan Jones, 51), Martyn Williams (Blues, for Alun Wyn Jones, 46), Rhys Webb (Ospreys, for Lloyd Williams, 51), Adam Warren (Scarlets, for Biggar, 64), Will Harries (Dragons, for Robinson, 68).
Not used: Paul James.
Barbarians: Mils Muliaina; Isa Nacewa, Casey Laulala, Mike Tindall, Shane Williams; Stephen Donald, Richie Rees; Duncan Jones, Benoit August, John Smit (capt), Mick O'Driscoll, Matt Chisholm, Francois Louw, Johnnie Beattie, Mamuka Gorgodze.
Replacements: Cedric Heymans for Muliaina (66), Sailosi Tagicakibau for Laulala (46), Aled de Malmanche for August (40), Neemia Tialata for Smit (46), Anton van Zyl for O'Driscoll (40).
Not Used: Qera, Lawson.
Referee: Alain Rolland (Irish RFU)
TMO: Nigel Whitehouse (WRU)
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Deans Wary of Travelling Wales
Australia coach Robbie Deans is wary of the threat Wales will pose in the Test series which kicks off on 9 June in Brisbane.
Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley has named four uncapped players in a 38-man training squad.
The Grand Slam champions play three Test matches against the Wallabies.
"After winning the Six Nations so impressively, there's no doubt that Wales see this tour as the chance to take the next step," Deans said.
"They were quite vocal about that at the end of the tournament, saying it was time they beat one of the major Southern Hemisphere nations.
"It was also clear, when we were in Cardiff last December for the James Bevan Trophy Test, that they believe that goal is within their reach."
Wales play the Barbarians before their three-Test tour of Australia, where they will play a midweek game against Super 15 outfit ACT Brumbies in Canberra.
The last time Wales beat the Wallabies on Australian soil was back in 1969.
Australia ran out comfortable 24-18 winners over Wales in Cardiff back in the autumn when the two sides last met. It was wing Shane Williams' final game of Test rugby for his country.
Wales finished fourth at last year's Rugby World Cup, losing the third and fourth play-off game to the Wallabies before going on to win the Grand Slam in the RBS 6 Nations.
"The core of the Welsh squad has been together for a long time, and they are used to being successful," Deans said.
"You only have to look at the settled nature of the squad they have named - there are very few injuries. The players all want to be on this trip. That, in itself, is a statement of their intent."
Howley has named Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar and four uncapped players - Scarlets full-back Liam Williams, prop Rhodri Jones, Ospreys centre Ashley Beck and Cardiff Blues wing Harry Robinson - make the squad.
Injuries rule out centre Jamie Roberts and hooker Huw Bennett, while 15 of the squad will miss the Baa-Baas game at the Millennium Stadium to fly to Australia early to acclimatise for the first Test on 9 June.
And because Clermont Auvergne could be in the French Top 14 final that day, their Welsh full-back Lee Byrne is under consideration only for tour standby duty.
Ospreys lock Ian Evans will miss the first Test against the Wallabies to get married, but will be available for the second and third Tests.
Captain Sam Warburton is set to be part of the early party going to Australia. Martyn Williams is expected to win his 100th Wales cap coming off the bench against the Barbarians.
Along with Warburton, open-side Justin Tipuric will be part of the advance party to Australia.
The likelihood is Scarlets' Aaron Shingler, who made an impressive Wales debut in the Six Nations against Scotland, will start at seven against the Baa-Baas, with Williams on the bench.
Biggar has impressed recently, not least with his 25-point performance in the Ospreys' 45-10 victory over Munster to reach the Pro12 League final against Leinster.
The 22-year-old won the last of his nine caps against Australia in December, 2011's post-World Cup clash in Cardiff having seen Rhys Priestland overtake him in the Welsh pecking order.
The main injury concerns for Howley have been Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees, who has an ankle problem and the midfield options because of Roberts' knee injury.
Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies has been named after recovering from a hernia injury since the start of April, while Scarlet Scott Williams (shoulder) has been included despite struggling recently.
Ospreys centre Andrew Bishop is another to earn a recall, along with Scarlets back-five forward Josh Turnbull, former Newport Gwent Dragons wing Aled Brew and his ex-team-mate wing Will Harries.
Having been an unused and uncapped member of Wales' Six Nations squad, Beck has a chance to press his long-term midfield claims.
The Barbarians match will be Wales' first since they completed the Six Nations Grand Slam against France in March.
Howley was appointed caretaker coach for the summer after Warren Gatland, the Wales head coach, was ruled out after he fractured both his heels in a fall in his native New Zealand.
Wales squad for June Tests:
Forwards: Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues), Toby Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Paul James (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues).
Backs: Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys), Aled Brew (Biarritz), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Will Harries (Newport Gwent Dragons), James Hook (Ospreys), George North (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Harry Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Liam Williams (Scarlets).
Wales' June matches
Saturday, 2 June: Wales v Barbarians (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 14:00 BST)
Saturday, 9 June: Australia v Wales (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane; 11:00 BST)
Tuesday, 12 June: ACT Brumbies v Wales (Canberra Stadium, Canberra; 10:30 BST)
Saturday, 16 June: Australia v Wales (Etihad Stadium, Melbourne; 11:00 BST)
Saturday, 23 June: Australia v Wales (Aussie Stadium, Sydney; 06:00 BST)
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