Aussie boss vows strong comeback

Australia coach Michael Cheika repudiated claims his side would be demoralized and exhausted after a second successive defeat on its Northern Hemisphere tour but would rebound for the final Test against England.

The 47-year-old coach, who replaced Ewen McKenzie when he stepped down after the Rugby Championship last month, said the players would regroup and be in top form for the English despite being edged out 26-23 by Six Nations champion Ireland on Saturday.

It followed a 29-26 loss to France the previous Saturday but this was especially painful for the Australia-born son of Lebanese immigrants as his side had fought back from 17-0 down early on to lead 20-17.