As Cadeyrn Neville prepares to play his first Test since July, the Wallabies say they have had to “channel” their anger from last week’s Bledisloe controversy ahead of Saturday’s return match at Eden Park.
While the Bledisloe Cup will remain on New Zealand soil, Dave Rennie’s side have much to play for in Auckland on Saturday evening.
Not only are they hunting their first fin against the All Blacks on New Zealand soil since 2001, they are out to end their 36-year drought at Eden Park against the same opposition.
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For a nation livid after last Thursday’s last minute controversy, there has been an “edge” throughout training with the entire squad desperate to take on Ian Foster’s side after the All Blacks’ last gasp try to steal a win in Melbourne.
“We had to really channel that sort of motivation throughout this week because it’s (an edge) definitely there,” tight-five forward Jed Holloway said.
“The boys can’t wait to rip in, we’re hurting but we’ve used that as motivation.
“We had to channel that and make sure that the edge that we bring comes out on Saturday as opposed to Tuesday or Thursday at training.”
Rob Leota’s season-ending Achilles injury will see a reshuffle in the forward pack for the Test.
Neville, who suffered a MCL injury during July’s loss against England in Brisbane, will return and partner Holloway in the second-row with Matt Philip expected to be ruled out due to injury.
What Rennie does with his back-row configuration will be fascinating, with the New Zealand coach toying with recalling Harry Wilson for the first time since the Wallabies’ series defeat to England.
Were he to do that, it would allow Rennie to inject some pace into the match in the second half through Fraser McReight.
It would also provide the Wallabies some extra size in their pack to counter Ardie Savea’s return, with All Blacks captain Sam Cane set to miss the Test after his concussion in Melbourne.
The Wallabies are also sweating on the fitness of acting captain James Slipper, with Angus Bell on standby should the veteran loose-head prop be ruled out following his early departure (calf) last week.
Rennie is expected to give the same backline the chance to build on last week’s devastating loss despite the availability of Noah Lolesio and Hunter Paisami, who have returned after missing the opening Bledisloe due to concussion.
The Test looms as a significant one for Bernard Foley particularly, with the playmaker’s availability for the Spring Tour unclear.
Meanwhile, Australia’s depth will be given another boost after three unofficial Tests were confirmed against Japan in October.
Not only will it provide valuable minutes for the next generation, particularly given the great gap between Super Rugby seasons, it will allow for Rennie to keep tabs on World Cup contenders.
In particular, Tom Banks’ World Cup dream remains a distinct possibility despite signing with Japanese League Two side Honda.
While Rennie had never closed the book on Banks, given he had never owned the position across 20 Tests and the national coach can only pick three overseas based players in his squad, it was not unreasonable to suggest he 28-year-old’s international career looked over when he broke his arm against England in July.
But his inclusion in a 34-man squad shows Rennie is clearly restless about the position despite a number of options, including Andrew Kellaway and Kurtley Beale.
Darcy Swain’s inclusion also raised eyebrows, with the regular Wallaby in grave danger of being rubbed out of the game for a long time following his “reckless and dangerous” cleanout in Bledisloe I.
But by being included, the 25-year-old, should he indeed be suspended on Wednesday night, could conceivably return quicker to the Wallabies by having three matches used during the tour of Japan.
In total there are 12-capped Wallabies for the tour, including ex-NRL star Suliasi Vunivalu and forwards Ned Hanigan and Nick Frost.
Emerging playmakers Ben Donaldson and Tane Edmed have also been included, along with uncapped fullback Jock Campbell and Waratahs rising back-row talent Langi Gleeson.
Interestingly, too, emerging stars Teddy Wilson – the son of former Wallaby, David – as well as schoolboy sensation Max Jorgensen – whose father, Peter, also played for the Wallabies and rugby league – have also been included.
Jorgensen, 18, has been chosen as a “development player” and the St Joseph’s outside back is considered a star in the making, drawing comparisons with Roosters young gun Joseph Suaalii.
The teenager was pursued by NRL clubs and Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said it was a coup for the game to secure Jorgensen’s signature.
“Securing Max is a positive outcome, not only for the Waratahs but for Australian Rugby, as he is one of the elite schoolboys from the class of 2022 and highly sought after,” Coleman said.
“It’s great he has decided to remain at the Waratahs especially after spending the past three years in our academy.
“Max understands he has a long way to go and a lot of work to do before he can become a fully-fledged Super Rugby player, but we look forward to working with him and helping him develop his game.”
Australia A coach Jason Gilmore added: “It’s great to have these three matches coming up to continue the development and give our players more game time against high level international opposition.
“With Dave Rennie’s guidance, we’ve picked the best possible players who are available and everyone’s really excited to put the work in on the training paddock and perform well over in Japan.”
