The fortress? We're ready, so bring it on, says Folau

Israel Folau of the Wallabies. Photo / Getty Images

Swatting aside Steve Hansen's latest barb, the Wallabies flew to New Zealand yesterday, saying they have no fears about facing the All Blacks on the park that has become a traditional burial ground.

The Wallabies have read and heard all week about how no Australian team has won at Eden Park since 1986, but superstar fullback Israel Folau says it's not an issue.

Veteran centre and vice-captain Adam Ashley-Cooper has tasted test defeat six times at the Auckland fortress, back-rower Wycliff Palu has been beaten there three times and prop Sekope Kepu twice.

But half of Australia's starting XV haven't experienced losing to the world champions at Eden Park.

"It's probably a good thing," Folau said at Sydney airport.

"The boys have had a taste of how they are last week and we know it's going to be a different sort of atmosphere at Eden Park with obviously a lot of All Blacks fans there.

"But that's probably the only difference. It's another football field where we get to play against the same players and it's a great opportunity for us."

The All Blacks' dominance at Eden Park is so well-documented that the Wallabies haven't even addressed it this week.

"We haven't spoken about it once and we're definitely looking forward to the game," Folau said.

"It's just a great opportunity to turn things around ..."

Hansen yesterday questioned how much more the Wallabies could lift after last Saturday's sapping 12-all draw at ANZ Stadium.

But Folau promised the All Blacks coach there remained vast room for improvement.

- AAP