The Wallabies have the chance to build some vital credibility and confidence with the All Blacks making a statement by naming their strongest team of the year for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup showdown in Perth.
An upset victory at Optus Stadium, or even a narrow defeat, would do wonders for the Wallabies ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Coach Michael Cheika said winning the Bledisloe series for the first time since 2002 was the first motivation.
“Some guys are getting opportunities now but they’re opportunities given with the intention of going out there playing the best we can,” Cheika said.
“We know how big an occasion it is and I know the players, how much they want to perform at this level and do something that hasn’t been done for quite a while.”
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said it was “pretty close” to the line-up he intended to play at the showpiece tournament, making six changes to the side that drew with South Africa.
Among the changes they have named explosive backrower Ardie Savea for his first start at No.6, alongside fellow openside specialist Sam Cane.
They have kept the twin playmaker set up of Richie Mo’unga at five-eighth and Beauden Barrett at fullback.
The Wallabies pulled a selection shock, naming James O’Connor at outside centre in place of Tevita Kuridrani.
Former bad boy O’Connor hasn’t started a Test in six years and never one at 13 but gives the Wallabies another ball-playing option.
The Australians have struggled to convert opportunities into points with O’Connor tipped to switch with inside centre Samu Kerevi when the Wallabies have the ball.
Cheika rated O’Connor’s defence despite the unfamiliar role and said he had faith he could get the job done.
“I think James will bring something a little bit different that we haven’t seen, so definitely our opponents won’t have seen it either,” Cheika said.
“He’s good at playing footy. He is very solid in his defensive work over the training time and the footage I have seen him from over in the UK, he’s very solid in that area.
“Obviously this is Test footy but I have a lot of faith in James.”
Hansen admitted the choice of O’Connor had caught out the All Blacks.
“That was a bit of a surprise – one for the Aussies there,” Hansen said.
“It’s going to be interesting because he’s a jack in the box so he will need to be looked after.”
Among the Wallabies’ other changes from their win over Argentina in Brisbane is the return of Nic White for veteran halfback Will Genia.
Hooker Tolu Latu and prop Allan Alaalatoa are starting while champion flanker David Pocock wasn’t considered but is a strong chance to play in the return clash in Auckland next Saturday.
Cheika made it clear White had earned his selection.
“Nic played very well against South Africa and Will came out and returned serve the next week and it’s tough going.
“It’s been very good to have Nic back around the team and stuff he brings off the field.”
Wallabies: Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete, James O’Connor, Samu Kerevi, Reece Hodge, Christian Lealiifano, Nic White, Isi Naisarani, Michael Hooper (c), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rory Arnold, Izack Rodda, Allan Alaalatoa, Tolu Latu, Scott Sio. Res: Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Adam Coleman, Luke Jones, Will Genia, Matt Toomua, Tom Banks.