All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree gives his predictions for the Bledisloe Cup. Video / Mark Mitchell
Their international season is yet to kick off, but the Wallabies are noticing the early impact of one of Dave Rennie's strengths as a rugby coach.
The Australians are in Christchurch ahead of the opening Bledisloe Cup test against the All Blacks on Sunday in Wellington. As well as beingthe first match for either side this year, and the first for New Zealand coach Ian Foster, it will also be the first for Rennie at the helm of the green and gold.
Australia has come over with one of their youngest squads in recent memory. A total of 16 uncapped players were named in the 44-man group last month, which helps signify the new era they are embarking on, along with a new coach and chief executive.
Fresh changes and youth also suggests a long build to brilliance will ensue, and Rennie's way of achieving that starts with getting the players more acquainted with each other.
Twenty-four-year-old utility forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who has 11 test caps, says Rennie's been growing the tightness amongst players and the culture of the team.
"He's [Rennie] done really well in building the culture and getting the boys to understand different cultures, because we all come from different places," Salakaia-Loto says.
"He's really worked hard in getting this group to bond and understand each other, and just make it a level playing field where everyone can speak up and grow and bounce off each other, learn from each other."
Off-field activities have been the focus to establish a connection within a team that is largely unfamiliar with each other.
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie during a recent gym session. Photo / Photosport
"To get a real understanding of each other and where we come from," Salakaia-Loto adds.
"Once you understand that about the other 40-plus players and 20-plus coaching staff on this team, it's only going to benefit us ... the boys have bought in, the young boys are speaking up."
"The tighter you are off the park; you're going to work much harder for each other. The effort we put in for each other on the field is going to be much stronger as well."
Expectations the Wallabies can mount any sort of challenge to the All Blacks and take back the Bledisloe Cup have continually eroded as the 21st century has progressed. They have not won on New Zealand soil since 2001, and are yet to slurp a drop of champagne out of the cup in 18 years.
In terms of the team they'll come up against on Sunday, Salakaia-Loto notes some exciting youngsters including Hoskins Sotutu and Will Jordan, but anticipates a difficult task regardless of who fills out the 23 black jerseys.
"Whether you've played 100 tests or no tests, if you've been selected in a test squad you've obviously proven yourself worthy enough to throw your respective country's jersey on.
"You're there for a reason, people have backed you.
"A strong New Zealand side this weekend is something that we're always going to come up against and expect."
