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MELBOURNE - The Wallabies' new-found confidence is mirrored by their star winger Lote Tuqiri, who says he's got over the anger of being 'rested' from test rugby this month.
Tuqiri spoke boldly of the Wallabies' renewed self-belief as they attempt to end a five-match losing streak against the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup test in Melbourne tomorrow.
"It's a big change and I've certainly noticed it, the confidence in the team's ability," Tuqiri said this week.
"That got enhanced against South Africa. That really gave us a mark that what we were doing is right. I certainly have the confidence in my teammates at the moment to play well, which I probably haven't had before."
The Wallabies might have lost 19-22 in Cape Town a fortnight ago but they outplayed the Springboks in several areas and only lost to two late dropped goals.
Depending on how they bounce back against the All Blacks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Cape Town test may well be seen as a turning point in their World Cup preparations, which appeared shaky after unconvincing performances against Wales.
The forwards were leading the way, with the scrum taking huge leaps forward and locks Dan Vickerman and Nathan Sharpe both big presences around the field.
"We competed very well (in Cape Town) and we've got a few leaders in there now who have the conviction to say things on the field and put their balls on the line," Tuqiri said.
Rejuvenated prop Matt Dunning was also as confident as Tuqiri had seen, and his mental state was "really switched on".
It's three years since the Wallabies last tasted victory over the All Blacks, 23-18 in Sydney in 2004, while they also won the previous Bledisloe Cup test at the MCG, 24-16 in 1998.
The overall ledger from 126 trans-Tasman tests stands at All Blacks 84, Wallabies 37 and five draws.
Tuqiri's glowing assessment of his team might have been a touch different when coach John Connolly announced last month his star winger would sit out the two tests against Wales and instead work on his speed in a mini-reconditioning programme.
He returned to score two tries in a sharp performance against his country of birth, a 49-0 win over Fiji in Perth this month.
"At the time I wasn't happy about not playing those test matches. In hindsight it's been great for me I think. I'm feeling refreshed, mentally and physically.
"Whether I needed that I don't know, but it did help."
Asked whether his speed training would be evident when he marks Joe Rokocoko, Tuqiri said "you'll have to wait and see".
His year-long Super 14 tryscoring drought was well documented, only ending when he touched down during the Waratahs' upset win over the Hurricanes in Wellington in May.
During the Super 14 there was plenty of speculation in Australia over a possible code switch, with several National Rugby League clubs chasing his services.
He re-signed with rugby, a five-year deal worth a reported A$5 million ($5.57 million), but admitted the past few months took a toll.
"I've had a big year, more so off the field, and having that couple of weeks off to do my own thing and get away from footy. I came back and thought 'this is where I want to be'.
"You don't realise the toll that it takes on your mental state. I'm thankful for having those couple of weeks off now. Hopefully I can show it's helped me out.
"We (Waratahs) weren't going that well and my face was getting splashed over the paper every time we had a loss. That grates on you a bit."
- NZPA
