The Wallabies most potent attacking weapon, Digby Ioane, is in doubt for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash which is being viewed as anything but a dead-rubber by the trans-Tasman arch-rivals.
Destructive winger Ioane is struggling with a lingering knee problem following the 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario, is a serious concern for an Australian outfit desperate to end the high-flying All Blacks' 14-month winning streak.
New Zealand head into the Brisbane encounter aiming to equal their record of 17 consecutive Test victories by continuing a roll which started after the last trans-Tasman clash in Brisbane.
That night the Wallabies triumphed 25-20 to claim the Tri-Nations but fortunes have wickedly reversed since and injury-ravaged Australia will start rank underdogs against an outfit near the peak of their powers.
Despite being without more than half of his best side, coach Robbie Deans refuses to accept it's Mission Impossible and says his players are buoyed by a "great" opportunity to upset the world champions.