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No talk from the Wallabies has All Blacks coach Steve Hansen concerned. Looking at the situation from the Australian perspective, the team would be extremely focused and determined.
Given that this is do or die for another chance at the Bledisloe Cup, the Wallabies will be up for a fight.
Speaking midweek, Hansen gave an idea of what he was expecting.
“The mentality would be we’ve got to go out and prove a point. I’m sure that’s what they’re going to do, so we have to match that,” he said.
“They’ll come out very physical, and they’ll get (Will) Genia to kick the ball a lot more than what he did. They’ll change the way they play.
“They came out (in Sydney) and thought they could run the ball from everywhere and made a lot of unforced errors. We capitalised on those, so they’ll look to reduce them.”
All Black attacking conductor Dan Carter has been included now that Aaron Cruden is out of the Test.
The core of the All Blacks is still unscathed, but the skill of Cruden with his experience is a major blow.
It could prove fatal if the All Blacks go into the Test with last week’s attitude and commitment.
Even though the scoreline was not flattering for the Wallabies, the All Blacks still let the Wallabies break their defensive line and at stages of the first half the Australians found space at will through their lines.
The All Black line-outs were a shambles, if not stricter it will prove costly.
If the scores are close the Wallabies will not let their hold on the game go so easily, but grip it far tighter.
That is where the All Blacks must watch their ball-handling and discipline.
Hansen was asked if he had any words of advice for McKenzie this week in what is shaping as a turbulent beginning to his Test head coaching career, Hansen’s smile said it all.
“I probably gave him enough last week. This week he’s not allowing me to do that so he’s going pretty good,” he said.
I’m not going into player stats and profiles as most of us by now know what we have and what we’re dealing with.
It comes down to courage and guts. Are the 2013 Wallabies prepared to take that extra step?
Or will history and the home crowd advantage prove too much?
All Blacks are going for 11th title. The Wallabies with their new coach compounded with a new belief and determination to turn the tables on their misfortune of the past decade.
Could this be the turning point?
It all builds to be a massive battle at the Cake Tin. Both teams with points to prove. And questions that need answering.
Both sides must match fire with fire.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.