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All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has by far the easier job at ANZ Stadium tonight, where every one of his 23-strong squad has wanted to pull on the black jersey since they could walk and talk.
It’s a religion in the Shaky Isles.
Wallaby counterpart Ewen McKenzie counters that advantage by being meticulous, as you’d expect from a highly-qualified town planner. He will go into tonight’s Rugby Championship-Bledisloe Cup opener with every “t” crossed and every “i” dotted.
I’ve never done a survey on the Wallabies interests of McKenzie’s 23-man squad as kids, but I would bet very few ever wanted to be a Wallaby: more likely wanting to wear a baggy green cap, win the US Masters, or Olympic gold in the pool.
Tonight the two vastly different cultures clash in yet another battle from across the ditch.
Statistically, it’s virtually one-way traffic, the All Blacks having won 14 of their last 18 meetings with a draw.
That’s where McKenzie’s eyes light up, having a 75% win ratio over Kiwi Super Rugby teams.
Sure, this is an international. and a very different ball game with a lot more at stake. But to McKenzie, that doesn’t matter a toss, it’s a game to win.
As Wallaby fans wait anxiously to see how the new coach will manufacture that long-awaited win, McKenzie will be very much in control of his emotions.
The question will be if his players are in the same emotional boat.
That’s one of McKenzie’s greatest assets, his outstanding communication skills to get them all on the same page.
And no doubt his stint as Rod Macqueen’s assistant was the start, learning from the best Wallaby coach of all time, claiming the 1999 Rugby World Cup in a canter, the Bledisloe, Tri-Nations, and the history-making series win over the Lions.
He won the lot.
But let’s get one thing straight right now: Ewen McKenzie is his own man, and if the ARU butts out and let’s him coach his way unhindered, not like NSW stupidly sacking him after reaching two Super finals in 2005 and 2008, then Australian rugby will reap rich rewards.
It’s time.
Blooding five new caps tonight is further proof McKenzie has courage and believes in his selected troops. Watch them respond to that belief.
And watch McKenzie target the two areas where the All Blacks have lost Dan Carter, international rugby’s most prolific points-scorer, and one of the very best play-makers, and Liam Messam, a wrecking-ball flanker of world class, both injured.
Just a parting thought. If McKenzie has a weakness, it’s his diet, Or rather the lack of it.
Chips and muffins are his fraility. But all will be forgiven if he adds All Blacks on toast.