Wallabies lock Nick Frost believes the team can put their disappointing 2023 behind them as they look ahead to next week’s World Cup opener against Georgia.
Frost missed last week’s 41-17 defeat to France in Paris, leaving the team to enter this year’s tournament without a win under new coach Eddie Jones.
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"It is disappointing not having those results but again we’re at a World Cup and every game counts from here,” Frost told reporters.
"It hasn’t started yet. No one has won a game and no one has lost a game.
"We’re ready to rip in and we’re looking forward to it.
"...It’s a new chapter and culture we write here. This is our group and our World Cup group.
Despite the defeats, the belief around the team hasn’t wavered according to the lock, reinforcing the confidence that they are heading int he right direction.
"We’ve always had that belief. We said this after our first game against South Africa, we said it after our second. We always had that belief and we know we’re an improving team that’s got a lot of growth in us,” he assured.
"We understand that and where we’re at, we are tracking in the right direction. We’re all starting at the same starting line at this World Cup.
"It’s essentially knockout footy from here on now. Every game is important and we don’t take any game for granted and we’re really looking forward to that.”
What was seen as an easy group on paper when first drawn two years has significantly shifted thanks to the rise of Fiji and Georgia.
The Fijians are in red hot form, coming off a memorable win over England whilst Georgia claimed the scalps of Wales and Italy last year.
"It’s a great result for (Fiji). Seeing them through Super Rugby and playing as their team with the Drua, they’ve been developing really well. It’s great for the nation,” Frost added.
"It’s always going to be tough. We have got Georgia this week, Wales in two and also Portugal.
"Each game is really important and when you get there - if you get there - to the top two you’ve got to earn the right to play there the next week. You’ve got to front up and give it your best.
"(Georgia) are quite a quality side and there is a lot of respect there. They’re big men and love their set-piece so we’ve got to take them on in that battle up front which will be a good, exciting spectacle.”
