I have been on holiday in Australia for a couple of weeks where I got the impression there's a fair bit of confidence brewing.

The Wallabies and their new coach Ewen McKenzie avoided Daniel Carter last season.

It would be the Wallabies who stand in the way of the All Blacks' world record search for consecutive test wins. They've had a habit of interrupting those attempts in the last two decades.

It was their lowest winning score in 87 years but the Wallabies took an important step in Melbourne on Saturday night in their quest to be a "team for all seasons".

The Blues have secured their spot in the 2024 Super Rugby finals, beating the Brumbies 34-20. Video / Sky Sport

All eyes will be on Michael Hooper, the youngest Wallabies skipper in 53 years, when he leads Australia for the first time tonight.

The rugby world has turned upside down. Australia, with its history of scrum woes.

Wallabies stalwarts Benn Robinson and Wycliff Palu are in danger while a dearth of wingers may mean Pat McCabe has a remarkable test reactivation out wide.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie will use the November tour to Europe to fine-tune his squad for the 2015 World Cup.

Wallabies halfback Will Genia says he hasn't thought about the national team captaincy in the wake of Ben Mowen's shock decision to leave Australian rugby at the end of the 2014 season.

Australian captain Ben Mowen is turning his back on the Wallabies and the Brumbies, announcing that he'll play his rugby in Europe at the end of the Super 15.

In three tumultuous months, Ewen McKenzie has done what he was hired to do - reinvigorate the Wallabies.

Frustrated Wales coach Warren Gatland aimed post-match shots at referee Wayne Barnes as his Six Nations champions fell to a tormenting ninth straight loss to Australia.

The Wallabies have sent an SOS to NSW winger Peter Betham and must get creative in their midfield selection for their test against Scotland.

Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has scoffed at suggestions of overkill in his decision to sensationally stand down six players for late-night drinking on their end-of-season tour.

Six Wallabies have been axed from this weekend's Scotland test after staying out late and drinking in the build-up to their match against Ireland.

Australia defeated a turnover-prone Ireland 32-15 on Saturday, silencing the Dublin crowd with their performance.

The battling Wallabies' forward pack must put their European tour back on track against Italy without their most abrasive ruck warrior, Scott Fardy.

Quade Cooper gave the best response he could to the churlish booing among the 28,973 crowd in Dunedin.

James Slipper is renowned for his work rate and speed across the ground, but the Wallabies prop admits his career will be defined by his consistency at scrum time.