Rugby World Cup: Wallabies getting an attitude adjustment

Michael Cheika addresses his troops ahead of their match against Wales on Sunday. Photo / Getty Images

It was almost un-Australian. When asked how much momentum the Wallabies have going into the Pool of Death decider against Wales, coach Michael Cheika said: "None".

This was despite the epic 33-13 win that knocked England out of the tournament in front of a raucous Twickenham crowd last weekend and confirmed Australia as one of the favourites for the title.

"We supposedly had momentum after we beat New Zealand in Sydney as well (emerging victorious 27-19 in the Rugby Championship earlier this year). And then they put their boot to our backside," said Cheika, referring to the 41-13 backlash a week later at Eden Park.

"When people are happy the way you play and all around you the world is all good, you can't just settle for the good part. You have to be great. We weren't on that occasion."

The down-to-earth response is part of Cheika's cultural revolution of the Wallabies since he took over last year; a far cry from the ill-discipline and scandal which dogged his predecessors Ewen McKenzie and Robbie Deans during their tenures.

Keeping in theme at a press conference ahead of the team announcement, Cheika dismissed any extra motivation to be gained from beating Wales, therefore winning Pool A, in order to avoid playing South Africa in the quarter-finals.

The winner of the Pool of Death is likely to play Scotland in the first playoff game, or possibly Japan, and is perceived to be a much easier route.

"I want just to try to win every game. No team ever won the World Cup losing a game. We have to keep getting better in tournament play because other teams are improving," said Cheika.

"By winning this game, then you win the group. I don't subscribe to the theory that if you win your group, you are going to get an easier run. That is disrespecting the opposition and that is not what we are about.

"It is going to be a big game for us. It is going to be a massive battle and pretty painful."

Both the Wallabies and Wales are struggling with injuries and Cheika believed the eight players on the bench - now more commonly referred to as "finishers" - could prove the difference between winning and losing.

"The finishers of this game are going to be really important. It's the fourth game of the pool and it is going to go right down to the wire. We have to make sure our finishers are well prepared for the final part of the game."

He also did not take any solace from the fact the game is being played at a neutral ground, Twickenham, and not in Cardiff. The English fans were incredibly noisy at Twickenham last weekend and it took the full 80 minutes before Waltzing Matilda drowned out Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

"Wales are a team that back themselves a lot. Even though we are at Twickenham, I have been ambushed before by the opposition supporters going to a different ground. I know there will be plenty of Wales supporters there and they will make it their own ground."

Cheika admitted to being surprised and a "bit disappointed" that Michael Hooper was cited for foul player and then banned for this week's game.

Hooper has been replaced by Sean McMahon for the game and Australian captain Stephen Moore said the team had full confidence in its squad.

"Whoever has to step in in any position, we have full belief that they will come in and do their job. We expected this kind of thing to happen."