Champion loose forward David Pocock is set for a timely comeback as the Wallabies bid to deny the All Blacks a world-record 18th consecutive Test win for the second time in two years.
Pocock has been sidelined since breaking his hand against Argentina last month but has been given the green light to return after passing a fitness test on Tuesday.
The influential openside flanker completed full-contact training for the second day running, leaving Wallabies coach Michael Cheika with a welcome selection headache.
Cheika handed Lopeti Timani his maiden Test start in Australia's last-up win over Argentina at Twickenham but is almost certain to rush Pocock straight back - and most likely at No.8 to allow Michael Hooper to retain his No.7 jumper.
"It's feeling pretty good. I've done all the rehab that's been required," Pocock said. Pocock's expected inclusion is a massive boost for a Bledisloe Cup dead rubber with an edge at Eden Park on Saturday.
Two years after Australia thwarted the All Blacks' world-record quest with a 12-all draw in Sydney, the Wallabies return to New Zealand rugby's spiritual home as big underdogs to once again stop the streak.
The Wallabies haven't won at Eden Park since 1986 and have scored just one try, while conceding 10, in the first two trans-Tasman outings as the world champions clinched the Bledisloe Cup for a 14th straight year.
"It's been a pretty tough Rugby Championship," Pocock said.
"We certainly haven't achieved what we set out to, but I think we've probably learnt a lot as a squad and we get a last crack at it before we head off on the spring tour."
Pocock admits he's extra hungry to end what has been a luckless 2016 campaign on a high before taking a rugby sabbatical next year.
"On a personal note, you can't really control some of the injuries I've had this year - a broken cheekbone and a broken hand, they're contact injuries," he said.
"So to miss out to them has been disappointing, but it's all just part of it.
"I'm doing everything that I can to be available for selection."