While they have been talking a confident game, the Wallabies went further on the defensive yesterday by picking utility Adam Ashley-Cooper on their right wing.
He has replaced Drew Mitchell in the one change for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test, with his experience as a fullback more suited todefusing an All Black kicking game in difficult weather conditions.
The Wallabies turned to league legend Andrew Johns at training this week to help Stephen Larkham, Matt Giteau and others get better control and distance into their kicking. They have struggled, at times, to clear their territory or pressure their rivals, a part of their game coach John Connolly wants to boost before the World Cup.
Speculation Phil Waugh would play to hassle Richie McCaw at the breakdown did not eventuate.
Connolly said the tinkering with his team finished after opening tests against Wales and Fiji, the squad had since been working on polishing parts of their game, like their scrum, which needed to compete in the Tri-Nations.
They had got some confidence after a close loss to the Boks but had to add more. Saturday's test, which would be the last in Australia against the All Blacks for George Gregan and Stephen Larkham, was an apt platform.
Connolly said his side had to reduce their error rate as the All Blacks were the best side in the world at feeding from opposition mistakes.
Ashley-Cooper offered a nervous laugh when he referred to his likely opponent Joe Rokocoko before suggesting it was the best way for him and the selectors to judge his game.
Australia Julian Huxley, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Matt Dunning. Res: Adam Freier, Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Stephen Hoiles, Phil Waugh, Scott Staniforth, Mark Gerrard.
